Training undergraduate researcher on soil collection

Recent Activities

"Nothing in science has any value to society if it is not communicated." –Anne Roe

Invited to speak to the ASM Corporate Council

June 19, 2023

I was invited to give a "reverse-pitch" to the American Society for Microbiology's Corporate Council. I talk about research limitations and the needs for more partnerships and specialized products.

My slide deck

Exhibited at the American Society for Microbiology Microbe Conference

June 15, 2023

I had a great time connecting with industry, government, and academic stakeholders!

Helped produce a short video with WPSU to promote the One Health Microbiome Center

June 8, 2023

Here is a look at the behind the scenes of filming!

Watch the video

Organized an Early Career Faculty Retreat

May 11, 2023

24 faculty attended and discussed topics related to building an academic career, grantsmanship, and tips for early to mid career faculty. We also enjoyed networking and a tour of our beautiful venue– the RE Farm Cafe at Windswept farms!

Presented Research at the Microbiome Center Seminar Series

March 31, 2023

"The soil is a reservoir of possibilities"

Organized and Moderated Community Event and Scientific Panel

March 2, 2023

I organized a Microbiome Center event that hosted a community screening of The Invisible Extinction (https://www.theinvisibleextinction.com/), followed by an expert scientist panel Q&A session. Over 200 community members attended! Our panel discussed topics related to the film and included: 1. Associate Professor Laura Weyrich, PhD, 2. Assistant Professor Darrell Cockburn, PhD , 4. Assistant Professor Jordan Bisanz, PhD, 4. Project Manager Nichole Ginnan, PhD (moderator; Me!)

Watch Panel

Presented Research at the International Phytobiomes Conference

September 15, 2022

Thrilled to have been apart of this amazing group of speakers. I talked about how plant microbiomes adapt to drought and host environments.

KU Genomics Symposium 2022

May 20, 2022

I co-organized the KU genomics symposium with an amazing team of postdocs and research associates. Talks and posters highlighted early career researchers.

2022 Q&A with 6th graders at Sandy Creek Central School

February 9, 2022

I met with 6th graders in Mr. Ben Archibee's class at Sandy Creek Central School for "Meet a Scientist" Q&A!

Phytobiomes 2020 Graduate Student Paper of the Year Honorable Mention.

April 16, 2021

Our paper "Disease-Induced Microbial Shifts in Citrus Indicate Microbiome-Derived Responses to Huanglongbing Across the Disease Severity Spectrum" was recognized with an honorable mention for the best graduate student paper published in Phytobiomes Journal in 2020!

See all winners and honorable mentions here!

Recipient of Peter and Pamela Tsao Award

January, 9 2020

Awarded annually to a graduate student for exceptional research on soil-born pathogens.

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Recipient of UC President's Dissertation Year Fellowship

April 30, 2019

1 of 3 graduate students selected out of a pool of applicants from all 42 graduate departments at UCR. This prestigious fellowship provides 3 quarters of funding, a small research grant, and supports travel to give a seminar presentation at another University.

Edmond C. Calavan Award Recipient

April 4, 2019

Received prestigious award in recognition of excellence in research and creative, forward thinking in the field of plant pathology.

Helped Organize the First Plant Pathology Day!

September 14, 2018

Brought 100 high school students to the UCR campus for an interactive day about plant pathology and science as a career.

Plant Pathology Outreach Committee receives APS Outreach Grant

February 12, 2018

I helped our Plant Pathology student run outreach committee win a grant to increase our outreach program

UCR Plant Pathology Outreach Committee_e

Teaching Assistant Award

May 20, 2017

Awarded by UCR graduate division.

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Grape Microbiome Illumina Video

January 9, 2017

An additional project in the Roper Lab that I was able to make contributions to. The approach described in the video is similar to the approach we are using in Citrus trees to potentially combat Huanglongbing disease.

See video here

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Plant Discovery Day

May 5, 2016

Organized a station to teach 5th graders about plant microbes.

Recipient of a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

March 29, 2016

Received NSF support to research plant microbiomes and work on bridging gaps between policy markers and researchers.

City of Riverside - College Forum

September 2014-2016

Served a 2-year term on a city committee with a mission to connect the city to the four major colleges in the area and help policy markers understand the needs and wants of undergraduate and graduate students.

College Forum Facebook