Personnel

My research focuses on assessing pathogenicity and virulence of the bacterial genus Pantoea using the waxworm infection model. My aim is to identify species/strains of Pantoea that show increased virulence and further, to identify virulence factors that may be responsible. This research will not only contribute to our understanding of opportunistic infections by Pantoea, but also how environmental bacteria can adapt in the human host. Outside of the lab I am a member of the Women's Soccer Team on campus and a part of BUGS! I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, drinking coffee, snowboarding, and cooking.

My research investigates the interactions between the bacterial genus Pantoea and Candida albicans, the causative agent of the common yeast infection. My aim is to identify strains of Pantoea that antagonize C. albicans.  This research will further our understanding of C. albicans infections, and how these infections may be impacted by bacteria like Pantoea that live in our microbiome. When I am not in the lab, I love spending time with my friends, family (including my three dogs), and partner of 7 years. I enjoy going to the gym, being outdoors, hunting with my family, reading, and baking. I am also a member of the BUGS executive.

My research focuses on characterizing a human-associated lineage of Pantoea that is implicated in opportunistic infections. My goal is to utilize both comparative and functional genomic approaches to determine which factors contribute to virulence and host colonization within this lineage. In my free time I enjoy listening to music, taking walks with my dog and taking care of plants.