Meet Rory McCarthy

Could you introduce yourself?

Of course. My name is Rory, I’m 24 years old and currently living in Delft. I’ve been doing an internship at Anthura for almost six months now, working in the Molecular Applications department. Before this, I studied Plant Sciences at Wageningen University, and I am now completing my master’s in Plant Biotechnology.

My interest in plants started at a young age. I spent a lot of time experimenting in our garden — for example, by crossbreeding carnivorous plants. Choosing Plant Sciences was therefore a natural step and surprised no one. Since commuting daily from my hometown of Sittard wasn’t practical, I moved to Wageningen. Now, due to the travel distance to Anthura, I am temporarily living in Delft.

Alongside my studies, I have always been passionate about rowing and speed skating. I also spent half a year studying in the United States and another half year in Japan, experiences that definitely belong among the highlights of my student life.

What exactly is your role at Anthura?

During my six‑month internship in Molecular Applications, I focus on the interaction between Phalaenopsis and Fusarium. This fungus causes significant damage in plants, and my aim is to contribute a small piece of knowledge to better understand how the infection develops and how we can prevent it. I study what happens inside the plant at the genetic level once it becomes infected. When we better understand these internal processes, we can search more effectively for targeted solutions. It is very fulfilling to contribute to solving a problem with such a large impact.

The research itself is challenging because many factors are involved. You cannot include everything, so sometimes you need to consciously set certain aspects aside in order to reach useful conclusions. Finding that balance isn’t always easy. How do you continue with your results? Which choices do you make? And of course, we work with plants, and plants need time to grow. You cannot simply start over whenever you want. That is why careful planning and thinking ahead are essential.

How has your internship at Anthura been so far?

The atmosphere at Anthura is very open and supportive. In the beginning, I had to find my way, which is completely normal in an organisation of this size. But if you approach people openly and ask questions, everyone is ready to help. As a result, I was never stuck with a question, problem or idea for long, and that makes working here very pleasant.
The regular breaks throughout the day also help a lot. Having a quick chat during the coffee break really makes a difference. It helped me feel comfortable quickly, which makes it easier to do your work well.

What advice would you give to future interns?

If you have questions, ask them immediately. Otherwise, you risk missing valuable information. Keep your goals clear and work towards them. By being open, you easily make connections and quickly learn who to approach when you need something. This helps you move forward smoothly and prevents the feeling of getting stuck.

Do you have a personal highlight?

For me, the most special moments are when an experiment is fully completed. You often work for weeks or even months on a single project, so when all the results finally come together, it really feels like a reward. It gives a clear sense of closure and shows exactly what all the steps have led to. That remains a meaningful moment every time.