Shai Duchin-Rapp, a PhD student enrolled at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is engaged in the study of global ecology with a particular focus on the microbiome of wheat soil. Under the guidance of Dr. David Zeevi in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Weizmann Institute, Shai utilizes data-driven computational techniques in his research. Prior to his PhD, Shai obtained a BSc in agriculture from the Hebrew University of the Negev and an MSc in Biology from Ben Gurion University of the Negev.

Shai's current research revolves around the metagenomic analysis of the soil microbiome in a wheat field situated in a semi-arid region of Israel. This specific field encompasses approximately 100 different combinations of agricultural practices. The primary objective of Shai's work is to enhance our comprehension of the intricate interconnections among the environment, microbiome, and plants. Ultimately, this knowledge will contribute to the advancement of sustainable agricultural methods while simultaneously addressing the challenges posed by a growing global population and depleting resources.