Aaron Harvey, a PhD candidate in FABI, has been awarded Second Runner-Up in the 2026 Institutional Visualise Your Thesis (VYT) competition, hosted by UP’s Department of Research and Innovation. The Visualise Your Thesis competition challenges postgraduate researchers to condense complex, high-level research projects into a 60-second, visually striking digital presentation for a non-specialist audience. The competition develops vital digital literacy and science communication skills, tasking entrants to create an engaging "visual elevator pitch" that emphasizes the real-world significance and broader impact of their work.

In his presentation - titled "Avocado immunity: It’s not only about what genes are present, but rather how they are used" - Aaron explored how avocado trees defend themselves against Phytophthora root rot using a genetic mechanism called alternative splicing. This is where a single gene can produce multiple distinct protein variants. His work demonstrates how partially-resistant avocado trees could be producing a fully functional master genetic regulator, while more susceptible trees generate altered or truncated variants that may be compromising cellular immunity. By uncovering these underlying genetic mechanisms, this research aims to eventually help tree breeders identify more resilient rootstocks, safeguarding commercial orchards. Competing against postgraduate researchers from across the university, Aaron's dynamic presentation earned him third place overall (Second Runner-Up).