Prof. Maya Bar
Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences
My life before BGU:
I was born in Toronto and grew up in Montreal, followed by Omer, Haifa, and Zikhron Ya’akov. I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Tel Aviv University and a master’s and doctorate in plant sciences, also at Tel Aviv University. My postdoctoral research was conducted at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Between my master’s and doctoral studies, I worked for several years as a patent attorney and also obtained an MBA. These two experiences helped me realize that research is my true calling.
Why BGU?
After my postdoc, I established a lab at the Volcani Institute Agricultural Research Organization, where I conducted basic and agricultural research for about seven years. Due to the current situation in Israel, there has been a significant decline in applicants for academic positions and graduate students in my field; and I felt a strong desire to contribute and realize myself within a more academic framework. I was drawn to BGU because of the people. A supportive work environment is extremely important to me, and everyone from the Department of Life Sciences I’ve ever met - whether at conferences or through mutual acquaintances—was always kind and willing to help. Over the years, I developed collaborations with several department members. Since the department members specialize in many different subfields, there are opportunities for multidisciplinary collaborations that I deeply enjoy and hope to expand now that I am joining as a faculty member.
My research:
I study the plant immune system and how plants cope with pathogens. Additionally, I explore plant development, particularly how plants balance the need to grow and develop with the need to resist pathogens. Consequently, my projects also touch on the plant microbiome, plant hormones, and inter-plant communication, all of which significantly impact plant immunity and diseases. Sometimes, I also delve into the biology of the fungi and bacteria that interact with plants, as they influence the plant’s immune responses.
A key insight from my research:
My primary takeaway isn’t confined solely to my own research, nor does it claim to be a universal insight. Rather, it’s a realization that took me a long time to fully grasp, despite perhaps being commonly recognized: science and art are, at their core, one and the same, forming the very foundation of our shared cultural universe as humans.
Something you won’t find on my CV:
I used to love reading, but over the years, with all the professional reading required for research, I find I no longer have the mental bandwidth for leisure reading.
A source of Inspiration:
My late grandparents, my late mother-in-law, my two daughters, and Prof. Naomi Ori (HUJI) and Prof. Yigal Elad (Volcani Institute).
When I grow up...
As a child, I dreamed of being a gymnast or dancer, and later on, a writer. Today, my goal is to be able to change the answer to this question every few years—and perhaps let go of the need to “grow up” altogether.
If I weren’t a researcher, I’d be...
A paramedical professional or a jewelry designer.
In brief:
- MasterChef or Kupa Rashit (Checkout)? Kupa Rashit, because of Ramzi.
- Pilates or spinning? Neither! Yoga, swimming, weightlifting - and dancing, of course.
- Morning or night? Night, because waking up early is tough.
- Summer or winter? Winter - I hate the heat.
- Hapoel or Maccabi? Depends on the sport; I’m more loyal to the game than any club.
- Noa Kirel or Netta Barzilai? I admire them both but don’t really listen to either. Choosing between them would even be hard for my daughters.
- Steak or tofu? Both. Tofu is more everyday; steak is occasional.
- Instant coffee or espresso? Espresso, with a little milk.
- Trekking or spa? Trekking first, then the spa.
- Car or train? Train - it’s easier to get work done.
- Classic Europe or India? Why choose? Both.
- Sea or pool? A stream in the forest.
- City or country? City during the week, country on weekends.
- Movie at the cinema or binge on Netflix? Netflix - you don’t have to dress up or hold your own popcorn.
- Text message or voice message? Text. Voice messages are only for situations where typing is unsafe.
- Dog or cat? Dog. I appreciate cats, but I prefer the love you give and receive from a dog.
- Instagram or TikTok? I’m too old to genuinely enjoy either.
- Three things I would take to a desert island: I’ve never been able to answer this... I guess I’m too literal and tend to overthink the logistics. I love my family and friends, music, literature, good food, coffee, tea, and cider! Could I bring a quality cider brewery to the island? But then I’d need apples—and agriculture to sustain them year-round, along with everything that entails...
