Leonard Taylor is an undergraduate biology student from the University of Bath, UK, currently interning at the World Vegetable Center East and Southeast Asia Research and Training Station on Kasetsart University’s Kamphaeng Saen campus, Thailand.

Leonard works with plant pathologists Marti Pottorff and Thersdak Sawatsuk on identifying Capsicum baccatum germplasm with resistance against anthracnose, a devastating disease caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum. This work will identify molecular markers and new sources of resistance to anthracnose, benefiting chili pepper production worldwide. Leonard previously worked in Brazil for Agronomica, a plant pest detection and identification laboratory.  After he completes his internship at the Center, Leonard will intern at CABI’s biological control division in Switzerland.  He hopes to gain valuable international experience for a career in food security.

Welcome, Leonard!