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Research
I study the interactions between environmental bacteria and agriculturally relevant insects.
My current research investigates the ecology of phyllosphere bacteria, namely Pseudomonas, and soybean aphids, with a focus on how these bacteria could be used as sustainable biopesticides.
Pseudomonas bacteria on KB plate; photo by Zahavah Rojer
Teaching & Mentoring
I am passionate about training the next generation of researchers.
Laboratory in Genetics and Genomics
I have been a teaching assistant for the laboratory in genetics and genomics course (BioMG 2801) at Cornell for the last five years as both an undergraduate and a graduate student.
Undergraduate Mentoring
I have been mentoring an undergraduate student in our lab since the spring of 2025. He successfully conducted a summer project under my mentorship and presented his work at the CIHMID Summer Research Symposium at Cornell.
About Me
I grew up in New Jersey and received my B.S. in Biology from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY (concentration in Microbiology; minors in Fungal Biology & Infectious Disease).
I decided to stay at Cornell to pursue my Ph.D. in Microbiology, where I am currently in my third year.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, gardening, and wandering around the woods with my dog, Kai, in search of cool bugs and mushrooms!
I am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and stand in solidarity with other marginalized groups.
Nature Photography
I enjoy taking photos of plants, animals, and fungi while out in nature. I use my iPhone and sometimes a clip-on magnifying lens to take the photos. If you'd like to see more of my nature photography, you can check out my iNaturalist profile.
