Adolfina Koroch

Adolfina Koroch


Professor
Science

EMAIL: akoroch@bmcc.cuny.edu

Office: N-682

Office Hours:

Phone: +1 (212) 776-6877

Adolfina Koroch received her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina where she conducted research on the physiology and tissue culture of endangered aromatic plants from Central Argentina. In 2001, Professor Koroch came to the United States as visiting scientist at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey to conduct research on the in vitro culture, molecular biology and chemistry of bioactive components of native US medicinal plants. Dr. Koroch joined the BMCC science department in 2010 and continues to collaborate as a visiting scientist with the new use agriculture and natural plant products (Department of Plant Biology and Pathology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University (NJ).

Expertise

Plant biology, medicinal and aromatic plants, biological activity of natural extracts

Degrees

  • B.S. Cordoba National University, Argentina, Biology
  • Ph.D. Cordoba National University, Argentina, Biology

Courses Taught

BIO 110
BIO 110 (General Biology)
BIO 210
BIO 210 (Biology I)
BIO 220
BIO 220 (Biology II)
BIO 270
BIO 270 (Plant Biology)

Research and Projects

Plants have been used since ancient times by people as medicines, condiments, foods and fragrances. Plants are a rich source of a variety of natural products. These natural products (phenolics and essential oils) are synthesized by plants for ecological purposes such as combating diseases or as a response to stress. The health benefits of these plants are in part due to the effects of their antioxidant components on reactive oxygen species.  I am interested in the production and accumulation of these natural products and their biological activities. Currently, there is a target interest in biologically active compounds, especially those that protect from oxidative damage (antioxidants) and inhibit or retard the growth of microorganisms for maintenance and improvement of human health.

The goal of my research is to study different plants (herbs, vegetables and spices) that are used in traditional medicine in different cultures, and to understand the uses and health benefits of these plants.

 

Publications

  • Pyne R. M., J. Honig, J. Vaiciunas, A. Koroch, C.A. Wyenandt, S. Bonos, J. E. Simon.  2017. A first linkage map and downy mildew resistance QTL discovery for sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) facilitated by double digestion restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). PLoS ONE 12(9): e0184319. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184319
  • Koroch A. R., J. E. Simon and H. Rodolfo Juliani. 2017. Essential oil composition of purple basils, their reverted green varieties (Ocimum basilicum) and their associated biological activity. Industrial Crops and Products 107:526-530.
  • Villani, T.S., H. Patel, J. Zhen, A. R. Koroch and J. E. Simon. 2015. Microscopy for Quality Assessment of Bilberry Fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus L.). Journal of Medicinally Active Plants 4 (Issue 1-2):8-15
  • Pyne, R. M., A. R. Koroch, C. A. Wyenandt and J. E. Simon.2014. A rapid screening approach to identify resistance to basil downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii). HortScience 49 (8):1-5
  • Villani TS, A.R. Koroch and J.E. Simon. 2013. An improved clearing and mounting solution to replace chloral hydrate in microscopic applications. Applications in Plant Sciences 1 (5): 1300016
  • Koroch A.R, T. S. Villani, R. M. Pyne, and J. E. Simon. 2013. Rapid Staining Method to Detect and Identify Downy Mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) in Basil. Applications in Plant Sciences 1(7): 1300032
  • Koroch A.R., H. R. Juliani and J.E. Simon. 2013. Nutritional Value of Fonio (Digitaria exilis) from Senegal. In: African Natural Plant Products Volume II: Discoveries and Challenges in Chemistry, Health, and Nutrition. H. Rodolfo Juliani, James E. Simon, Chi-Tang Ho. American Chemical Society (ACS) Symposium Series 1027: Chapter 10, pp 127-133. ACS, ISBN 13: 9780841228047. Copyright © 2013 American Chemical Society
  • Rodolfo Juliani, A.R. Koroch, L. Giordano, L. Amekuse, S. Koffa, J. Asante-Dartey,and J.E. Simon. 2013. Piper guineense (Piperaceae): Chemistry, Traditional Uses, and Functional Properties of West African Black Pepper African Natural Plant Products Volume II: Discoveries and Challenges in Chemistry, Health, and Nutrition. H. Rodolfo Juliani, James E. Simon, Chi-Tang Ho. American Chemical Society (ACS) Symposium Series 1027: Chapter 3, pp 33-48 ACS, ISBN 13: 9780841228047. Copyright © 2013 American Chemical Society

Honors, Awards and Affiliations

  • National Science Foundation (NSF); REU Site: Advancing Undergraduate Research Among Minorities in Plant Biology Enrolled in an Urban Community College. Award #1756998, 2019-2021
  • National Science Foundation (NSF); Broadening STEM Participation Among Minority Students in an Urban Community College. Award #1564577, 2016-2021
  • Presidential Scholar: Borough of Manhattan Community College of CUNY January 2013-present
  • A subaward: Rutgers University, USDA-NIFA: Strategies for Improving the U.S. Responses to Fusarium, Downy Mildew and Chilling Injury to Production of Sweet Basil, 9/1/2011-8/31/2015.

Additional Information

Professor Koroch has created an environment to motivate and involve students in applied plant research projects thus fostering students’ interest in botanical sciences and science literacy. By involving students in research, she has contributed to advance students careers in the plant sciences and human health. Professor Koroch has mentored undergraduate research projects with students participating in NSF-S-STEM, NSF-REU, CRSP (CUNY), C-STEP, L-SAMP,  and Honor programs at BMCC.