Position Title
Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator
Position Title
Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator
he/him
2251 Green Hall
Bio
I am a researcher focused on interactions between plant roots and soil fungi, particularly ectomycorrhizal mutualism between trees and mushrooms like boletes and chanterelles. I use RNA sequencing for gene expression analysis and community characterization; physiological measurements; and stable isotope enrichment to untangle how mycorrhizal systems work, and couple these efforts with field sampling to connect these fine-scale mechanisms to landscape and ecosystem processes. For more information, check out my Google Scholar page!
As a mentor, I strive to nurture scientific curiosity, develop critical thinking and project management skills, and support students exploring scientific research as a part of their academic and professional journeys. Whenever possible, I try to match students with projects that feed their curiosity and will develop the skills they need for their future plans, whether that's sterile culturing for a future medical microbiologist, or analyzing large sequencing datasets for a student planning a data science or biotech career. And, of course, like most scientists, I am always happy to work with students who are interested in exploring biological or ecological research careers specifically.
When I am not in the lab, you can find me inventing new jogging loops on the Davis greenbelt, collecting mushrooms for the table or for fiber dyeing, and spending time with family.