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I am a plant pathologist with a passion for exploring the intricate relationships between crops and their microbiomes, particularly under biotic or abiotic stress conditions. My ambition is to bridge the gap between basic microbiome research and practical agricultural solutions, aiming to enhance crop resilience through the strategic selection of microbiomes. As a plant pathologist by training, I am interested in how vast knowledge of plant-pathogen interactions can inform our understanding of microbial communities and their impact on plant hosts. As plant pathology is anchored in understanding of the host, the pathogen, and the environment, I am also curious as to how environment shapes microbial communities associated with plants, especially in the context of climate change.
Ph.D. in Plant Pathology ∙ NC State University ∙ 2023
M.Sc. in Plant Pathology ∙ NC State University ∙ 2018
B.S. in Biology ∙ The College of Wooster ∙ 2010
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My Research Portfolio
Mapping microbial taxa and host disease severity
The genetic bases of how Barley’s genetic variation impacts the leaf mycobiome in the context of disease remain largely unknown. Here, we are using a mapping population of Barley Scald resistant and susceptible genotypes and applying metabarcoding strategies to identify interactions between host and fungal taxa that may influence disease outcomes.
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Impact of multigenerational drought on the wheat seed microbiome (ACCEPTED)
Abstract Wheat (Triticum spp.) is a staple food crop, providing a fifth of the world’s protein and caloric needs. Our research examines the impact of multi generation post-flowering drought stress on the wheat seed endophytic fungal community. Understanding how wheat seed fungal communities respond to drought stress over several generations can improve our knowledge of legacy drought stress. In this manuscript, we aim to identify seed associated fungi that play critical roles within the wheat seed under drought stress conditions.
Read moreFeatured categories
Extension (3) Mycobiome (2) Barley (1)