Position Title
Ph.D. Candidate
Brittany obtained her BS in Botany from Cal Poly Humboldt in 2022. As an undergraduate, her research focused on Devonian plant fossils in the Tomescu lab. Her research interests include molecular biology, evolution and development, and biodiversity. More specifically, she is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive mutualistic symbioses between fungi and photosynthetic partners, such as in lichens and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Her current projects involve reverse genetics using Agrobacterium transformation of ectomycorrhizal fungi and studying gene expression of ectomycorrhizal partners over developmental time. Brittany has completed an emphasis in the Future Undergraduate Science Educators (FUSE) program. The promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia is also a high priority for Brittany, and she actively seeks opportunities to participate in DEI initiatives whenever possible. In her free time, Brittany enjoys exploring the outdoors, making art, playing Magic the Gathering, and hanging out with her husband and dog.