top of page
Training undergraduate researcher on soil collection

Recent Activities

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

Co-chaired the 5th annual Microbiome Kickstart Workshop

August 9, 2024

The Microbiome Kickstart Workshop provides an introduction to microbiome research, experimental design and data analysis, featuring extensive experimental design background and hands-on computational training. Welcoming to all ranks of students, staff and faculty, the workshop equips participants with the awareness and skills to design a microbiome-focused experiment and perform basic microbiome data processing and analyses.

PXL_20240813_131051162.jpeg

Presented a talk at the Applied Hologenomics Conference in Denmark

June 31, 2024

The objective of the Applied Hologenomics Conference 2024 was to highlight key discoveries and novel approaches that aim at understanding the interactions of plant and animal hosts with their associated microbial communities, which could be directly or potentially applied to management and practice.

FullSizeR_edited.jpg

Co-Chaired The One Health Microbiome Symposium organizing committee.

May 30-31, 2024

The symposium featured internationally-renowned keynote speakers, faculty and trainee research talks, poster sessions, and networking events.  The event showcased how diverse ecosystems are dependent upon their microbial communities and how microbes flow through these ecosystems to shape the outcomes of health and disease. 

group_photo_OHMS2024_edited.png

Helped to organize a Synergies in Art and Science exhition

May 30, 2024

"Synergies in Art and Science," is an art exhibition showcasing thought-provoking collaborations at the intersection of microbial science and artistic innovation. Curated by Cynthia White, with support from Nichole GinnanCody GoddardDina Constantinides, the Arts and Design Research Incubator, College of Arts and Architecture, One Health Microbiome Center.

PXL_20240531_185327000_edited.jpg

Received the Staff Excellence Award from Penn State's University Staff Advisory Council

May 10, 2024

Competitive across all of Penn State's 24 campuses, the USAC gives out three awards each year to recognize staff Leadership, Excellence, and Morale.

award.penn_edited.jpg

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.

PXL_20230619_153828635_edited.jpg

Exhibited at the American Society for Microbiology Microbe Conference

June 15, 2023

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

IMG_20230701_093337_edited.jpg

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!

PXL_20230517_175509193_edited.jpg

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!

PXL_20230511_200423562_edited.jpg

Presented Research at the Microbiome Center Seminar Series

March 31, 2023

"The soil is a reservoir of possibilities"

20230401_091147_edited.jpg

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!)

Screenshot 2023-03-03 at 1.44.22 PM.png

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.

Read More
Phytobiomes_speakers.png

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.

694441EE-094A-4F87-B2D6-CAB4D537798C_1_201_a.jpeg

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!

Read More
SCCS_logo640.png

Recipient of Peter and Pamela Tsao Award

January, 9 2020

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

Screen%20Shot%202020-03-10%20at%2012.28_

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.

fullsizeoutput_c66_edited.jpg

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.

Screen Shot 2019-06-12 at 2_edited.png

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.

plpaday_4_pics.png

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.

Screen Shot 2018-10-03 at 10.24.37 PM.pn

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.

Screen Shot 2018-09-19 at 1.50.45 PM_edi

Plant Discovery Day

May 5, 2016

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

Read More
fullsizeoutput_487.jpeg

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.

Screen Shot 2018-10-03 at 10.28.39 PM.pn

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_edited.jpg
bottom of page