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.

Undergraduate Researchers

Avril Rosano

My name is Avril Rosano, and I am a fourth-year student at the University of Florida studying entomology and nematology. I am interested in the interactions between insects and plants, specifically the vectoring of plant pathogens, and plan to pursue a master's that relates to my interests. After my master's, I plan to continue to pursue research in either an entomology or plant pathology lab. In my free time I like to draw and collect insects. My favorite insect is the cicada, as it is what got me to pursue entomology.

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 9 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. Some of my hobbies include reading, listening to music, and catching (or trying to catch) cool bugs!

Luke M. Davis

My name is Luke Davis, and I am a senior undergraduate majoring in Biology in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, I have developed a love for all of Florida's beautiful ecology. I am particularly interested in population and molecular genetics, epidemiology, insects, and urban pests. I also enjoy learning about history and philosophy, with broad interests in normative ethics and continental philosophy. I am excited to join the Haarith Lab and aid in its project of studying nematode-plant interactions and plant host resistance.

Andrea Barrios

I am Andrea Barrios, a senior majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a minor in Entomology. I am working toward The Wildlife Society’s Associate Wildlife Biologist Certificate and the UF Geospatial Information Analysis Certificate. I have an interest in smaller organisms, which includes nematodes! They are important to me due to their significant roles in agriculture, health, and conservation. I am passionate about sustainability and supporting scientific research. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, practicing yoga, and painting.

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