People of Haarith Lab

Deepak Haarith, Team leader

My name is Deepak Haarith and I am a plant nematologist and pathologist. I am extremely curious about the interactions between our primary producers (plants) and probably some of the oldest living organisms (microbes) that also includes nematodes. Studying plant-microbe interactions to me is helping secure high quality and adequate quantities of food, timber, clothing, water and climate for us today and for generations to come. I am also passionate about sustainability, helping smallholder farmers, landless farmers and labour issues.

I was born and schooled in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, a city that is comparable to Chicago in the United States. I attended SASTRA (deemed) University where I earned both my Bachelor's and Master's degree in Industrial Biotechnology (Bioprocess Engineering). SASTRA is located in Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India, in the Cauvery river delta. Agriculture is the backbone of local economy in Thanjavur and the surrounding areas but SASTRA did not have any agriculture programs. That, combined with an article on Ralstonia solanacearum that I read as a sophomore kindled my interest in plant pathology.

I obtained my Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from University of Minnesota in May 2020, specialising in both Nematology and Mycology. I subsequently did my postdoctoral research with Prof. Andrew Bent at University of Wisconsin-Madison, before joining UF as Asst. Professor.

Postdoctoral Researchers

Rebecca Key

I am a bioinformatician and microbial ecologist interested in understanding the ecological mechanisms through which microbial communities and their interactions shape host- and system-level processes. In the Haarith Lab, I integrate multi-omics, network analysis, and metacommunity ecology to investigate plant–nematode–microbe interactions and their roles in crop health and disease.

During my BS, I trained as a molecular microbiologist, studying host–bacterial systems, while developing an interest in computation and the microbial diversity that extends beyond these binary host–microbe relationships. During my PhD, I explored how microbial communities shape ecosystem chemistry and, in turn, influence local primary producers such as terrestrial plants and aquatic phytoplankton. During my postdoctoral work, I apply microbial community ecology concepts to understand how nematodes, microbes, and their interactions affect plant health, disease, and agricultural outcomes.

Outside the lab: I enjoy hiking, visiting local breweries, pointillism painting, breeding isopods, 3D printing, and spending time with my bearded dragon, Mnium, and two parrotlets, Mitzi and Maje.

Undergraduate Researchers

Luiza Wataki De Freitas

My name is Luiza Wataki De Freitas, and I am a second-year undergraduate student at UF, double-majoring in Microbiology and Cell Science + Entomology and Nematology. I was born in São Paulo, Brazil, but I moved to Florida 10 years ago. I am excited to work in Dr. Haarith’s lab and research plant and nematode molecular interactions and their effect on agriculture and our society. I am a recipient of the University Scholar's Program (USP) to work with Dr. Haarith in deciphering how microbiomes and nutrients interact with root-not nematodes in the soil. Some of my hobbies include reading, listening to music, and catching (or trying to catch) cool bugs!

Grace Bane

My name is Grace Bane and I am a senior at UF majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Entomology. I’ve done research on insects in three other labs, and am happy to start working on plant nematode interactions with Dr. Haarith’s lab! I am also involved in the Center of Undergraduate Research Board of Students and am an executive member of the Emerging Pathogens Institute Student Ambassadors. I love baking, bug hunting, and going to trivia!

Alumni

Avril Rosano

Avril worked as an undergraduate researcher between Fall 2025 and Summer 2026 and is currently a graduate student in Entomology at UF Entomology and Nematology department. While in our lab, they looked at how plants respond to nematodes in the context of adjuvents.

Andrea Barrios

Andrea worked with us between Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 and is currently a school photographer in Florida.

Luke M. Davis

Luke worked as an undergraduate researcher between Fall 2025 and Fall 2026. He is a medical school aspirant. While in our lab, he analyzed public diagnostic data and performed experiments on turfgrass-nematode interactions. His research is now a mature manuscript waiting to be submitted.

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