Priyanka Trivedi, Council member

About my research

I am a plant biochemist fascinated by the plant cuticle-the thin yet resilient outer covering that protects plants from their environment. My research focuses on understanding the chemical composition, biosynthesis, and ecological significance of cuticular lipids, particularly in response to environmental factors.

During my PhD at the University of Oulu in Finland, I studied the cuticular waxes of wild berries, uncovering how their composition and structure are shaped by both genetic and environmental influences. Following my PhD, I transitioned into applied research at Lumene Oy, a Finnish cosmetics company, where I helped establish berry waxes as natural, sustainable ingredients for skincare products-bridging the gap between fundamental plant science and industrial innovation.

Currently, I am a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Amsterdam, where my research explores the role of surface structures and chemistry in plant defense, focusing on tomato trichomes and cuticular waxes. I aim to uncover how these protective features interact to deter herbivores and mitigate environmental stress, combining biochemical, molecular, and ecological approaches to better understand the plant’s first line of defense.

I joined the EPS Postdoc Council in April 2025, where I look forward to contributing to an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive postdoctoral community.