Raven Lester

RAVEN LESTER

I am a graduate student here at AppState, studying Ecology, Evolution, & Environmental Biology since 2021. As an active member of the Adams lab since 2024, my research as an undergrad focused on decomposer activity, including arthropods, fungi, and soil cycling, with the goal of identifying major fungal groups present in the decomposition of Southern Appalachian coarse woody debris through DNA analysis. As a master's student, I work with invertebrate communities, mainly nematodes, to assess the effects of compost amendments on California rangeland soils as part of a larger project funded by the USDA. Outside research, I am also a passionate environmental advocate, teacher, and nature lover.

If you are interested in my research, please reach out!

Email: lesterrl@appstate.edu