Cornell University
Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology
Ithaca, NY 14853
September 2009-present, MS/PhD Student, Plant Pathology, Fungal and Oomycete Biology; Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University
2006, BA, Biology and History, Williams College
Graduate Advisor: Eric Nelson
Research Focus
I am interested in the plant-pathogen interactions of natural ecosystems. My previous research has focused on introduced epidemics, like Sudden Oak Death, but I am also interested in the less visible ways that plant pathogens balance plant communities and contribute to ecosystem health.
My research focuses on the plant-pathogen dynamics associated with plant invasions. In healthy ecosystems plant pathogens play a key role in balancing plant populations but invasives seem to avoid of many of these checks. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain how invasives may interact with or avoid plant pathogens. I plan to test these theories for several major invasive plants, providing insight into these particular threats as well as a improving understanding of invasion dynamics in general.
Links to Recent and Current Projects
http://www.plantpath.cornell.edu/labs/ENelson/index.html
http://nature.berkeley.edu/garbelotto/english/research.php
http://www.williams.edu/Biology/Faculty_Staff/jedwards/jedwards.shtml
Professional Experience
2007-2009: Research Associate, Garbelotto Lab, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, UC Berkeley
June- August 2006: Field Research Assistant, Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks
August 2005- May 2006: Honors Research, Biology Department, Williams College
Summers 2003-2005: Undergraduate Research Assistant, Biology Department, Williams College
Professional Societies and Working Groups
Sigma Xi
Publications and Presentations
Poster presentation at 2009 Sudden Oak Death Science Symposium: Use of AgriFos to prevent Phytophthora cinnamomi infection of Arctostaphylos myrtifolia (Ione manzanita)
Senior thesis: Evolutionary significance of cryptic coloration in the sawfly Empria obscurata