New Assistant Professor hopes to unlock the secret world of viruses in the soil

Ella Sieradzki has always been drawn to the mysteries of the natural world, a fascination that has guided her journey from the sunny coasts of Israel to the fertile soils of Denmark. As the newest assistant professor at Aarhus University's Department of Agroecology, she brings with her a wealth of experience in marine biology, microbial ecology, and, most intriguingly, the role of viruses in biogeochemical cycles—a topic she is eager to explore in the context of soil.

Ella Sieradzki's academic path began in Israel, where she completed her bachelor's and master's degrees in marine biology. Her curiosity about the intricate relationships within ecosystems led her to California, where she pursued a PhD at University of Southern California and later a postdoc at Berkeley. It was during this time that she made a significant shift in her research focus—from studying viruses in the ocean to examining their roles in soil. This transition, she says with a smile, was partly due to a practical consideration: "You don't get seasick when you work with soil," she explains.?

Her research in marine systems revealed the profound influence of viruses on global carbon and nitrogen cycles, an understanding Ella Sieradzki is now eager to apply to soils, a field that remains largely unexplored.??

"Viruses are much better studied in marine systems. We know they drive key processes, but in soil, we're only scratching the surface," she explains.??

A new chapter at Aarhus University?

Ella Sieradzki's journey to Aarhus University began unexpectedly. She initially interviewed for a position in AU Viborg but found that it didn’t align completely with her research interests. However, her innovative ideas caught the attention of the department, who recommended her for a role in AU Flakkebjerg.??

"When I visited AU Flakkebjerg, I was struck by how collaborative and friendly everyone was. It felt like the perfect fit," she recalls.?

At AU Flakkebjerg, Ella Sieradzki will delve deeper into her research on soil viruses, with a particular focus on their potential to influence carbon storage. Soil, she notes, is the second-largest carbon reservoir on Earth, and understanding how viruses impact this process could be key to addressing climate change.??

"If we want to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, we need to find ways to store it. Soil is one of the places we should be looking," she says.?

Pioneering research with global implications?

Ella Sieradzki’s research is supported by a prestigious ERC Starting Grant, which funds her work on soil viruses and their role in global carbon cycling.

Factbox: The ERC Starting Grant? ? The ERC Starting Grant is a prestigious funding opportunity provided by the European Research Council (ERC) to support early-career scientists who have shown exceptional promise in their research. Aimed at researchers with 2-7 years of experience since completing their PhD, this grant offers up to €1.5 million over five years, with potential additional funding for specific needs. The grant enables recipients to establish themselves as independent research leaders, working on pioneering projects in any field of research. Successful applicants benefit not only from significant financial support but also from the recognition and opportunities that come with this highly competitive grant.?

"Receiving the ERC Starting Grant not only validates the potential of my research but also provides the resources and independence needed to explore this very new research field."?

Apart from the ERC Starting Grant Ella Sieradzki has applied for a Novo Nordisk grant to study RNA viruses in soil, a challenging but potentially groundbreaking area of research.?

"Most studies focus on DNA viruses because they're easier to work with, but RNA viruses could be just as important for carbon cycling. We're only beginning to understand their impact."?

In addition to her viral research, Ella Sieradzki is keen to explore the practical applications of her findings in agroecology. She’s particularly interested in how viruses might be harnessed to enhance carbon sequestration in soils—a concept known as "virus translocation." By introducing viruses from one type of soil to another, she hopes to increase the depth of carbon storage, potentially offering a new tool in the fight against climate change.?

A vision for the future?

Ella Sieradzki’s passion for research is matched by her commitment to mentoring the next generation of research. Reflecting on her career, she emphasizes the importance of fostering critical thinking and creativity in her students. "The most rewarding part of my job is seeing students grow into confident, innovative researchers. I want to help them explore new ideas, even if it means venturing into uncharted territory."?

Looking ahead, Ella Sieradzki envisions her work making significant contributions to the field of agroecology, particularly in how we understand and manage soil ecosystems. "A lot of research focuses on improving plants, but I think we need to look at the whole ecosystem, including the role of viruses. There's so much potential there that we're just beginning to tap into."?

With her groundbreaking research and a clear vision for the future, Ella Sieradzki is poised to make a lasting impact on agroecology and beyond to unlock the hidden secrets of soil.?