Institute of Plant Sciences,
Agroecology and Natural Resources Department
Agricultural Research Organization – Volcani Institute
Current Members
Principle Investigator
Dr. Rakefet David-Schwartz
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Lab Technician
Yuval Omer
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PhD student
Itamar Nisim
Itamar’s research explores interspecific hybridization as an evolutionary strategy to enhance climate resilience in Mediterranean trees, specifically within the Cupressus and Pistacia genera. By integrating genomic profiling with ecophysiological experiments, he investigates how natural hybrids regulate water-use efficiency and photosynthetic performance under severe drought conditions. His work aims to identify stress-resilient genotypes to support sustainable forestry and ecosystem conservation in a warming climate.
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
MSc Student
Natasha King
Natasha’s research focuses on evaluating the genetic diversity and population structure of two native Mediterranean tree species in Israel, Acer obtusifolium and Eriolobus trilobatus, whose local populations represent the southernmost edge of their global distribution. The outcomes of her study aim to prioritize key populations and individual trees for in situ and ex situ conservation strategies, supporting the long-term resilience of Mediterranean forest ecosystems.
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
MSc Student
Shlomit Koren
Shlomit's research project focuses on the functional characterization and genetic engineering of target genes to enhance cadmium tolerance and phytoremediation efficiency in poplar trees. Her work combines overexpression of key metal transporters with CRISPR/Cas9 silencing of negative regulators. Utilizing the GoldenBraid cloning platform and controlled physiological trials, the project evaluates cadmium uptake, translocation, and accumulation patterns across transgenic poplar lines.
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Undergraduate Student
Elisha Kruger
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Undergraguate Student
Adir Kanuk
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Former PhD Students
Dr. Asaf Alon
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem / PhD (2024)
Thesis: Identifying woody species in risk due to climate change in Israel.
Current Position: Postdoc at Tel-Aviv University
Dr. Naomi Houminer
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem / PhD (2024)
Thesis: Investigation of Pinus brutia × P. halepensis hybrids in Israel: Genetics, frequency, and ecophysiology..
Current Position: South Region Engineer, KKL-JNF
Dr. Hagar Fox
Weizmann Institute of Science / PhD 2024
Thesis: Unravelling candidate genes involved in carbohydrate regulation and dynamics in trees and the link to tree performance under drought stress.
Current Position: Research Assistant at Weizmann Institute of Science.
Dr. Danja Brandsma
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem / PhD (2024)
Thesis: A tissue-specific role for Hexokinase1 in leaf hydraulics: Analyzing the effect of tissue-specific expression of Hexokinase 1 in the bundle sheath and the mesophyll cells
on leaf water management.
Current Position: Researcher, Gewas & Teelt, Wageningen University and Research
Former MSc Students
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem / MSc (2018)
Thesis: Transcriptome and hormone profiling coupled with physiological response during drought stress and recovery in Pinus halepensis.
Current Position: Research Assistant at Weizmann Institute of Science.
Bar-Ilan University / MSc (2018)
Thesis: Anatomical and molecular response of Pinus halepensis to feeding of two scale insects Matsucoccus josephi and Leucaspis pusilla (Hemiptera; Coccoidea).
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Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem / MSc, (2021)
Thesis: Radial growth and bark beetle colonization as predictors of mortality in Pinus brutia.
Current Position: Eshtaol Nursery Manager, KKL-JNF.
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem / MSc, (2022)
Thesis: Identification of genes regulating cone development in Pinus halepensis.
Current Position: KKL-JNF.
Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem / MSc, (2022)
Thesis: Genetic characterization of Acacia population suspected of being hybrids in Shita Wadi.
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