Type of degree program enrolled in (Master’s or PhD). PhD
What year are you in graduate school? If you know your expected graduation date and want that included, what is it?
Fifth year; expected graduation, spring 2020
What is your academic department/section called at your institution?
Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, Department of Plant Pathology
Who is your major professor?
Caitilyn Allen
How have you been involved in the APS organization (committees, chairs, division meeting activity, national meeting activity, etc.)?
I became a member of APS last fall and went to my first APS meeting last summer in Boston.
Please provide a brief description of your research.I study the bacterial wilt pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum and how it changes host tomato metabolism during disease. More specifically, I’m interested in the role of the stress metabolite trehalose during disease, such as how it confers benefits to both the pathogen and the plant and how the pathogen uses trehalose metabolic networks to manipulate sugar metabolism.
What’s something interesting most people don’t know about you?
I’m really passionate about science policy and science communication! I manage the Twitter account for a science policy group at UW Madison (Catalysts for Science Policy), follow the New York Times science reporting religiously, extensively read popular science nonfiction writing, and follow a daily energy policy blog. I also have a running spreadsheet in my head comparing the various science exhibits in natural history museums across the world—what I like about them, what can be improved, and how accessible they are to the general public. My favorite exhibit used to be “Life in the Early Seas” at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, but I haven't been back since it was renovated. I’d love to organize a parasitology exhibit showcasing objects from the national parasite collection, which I have contributed to!
What are some interests outside of science?
Long-distance running, my dog, photography, cooking
What is your hometown?
Philadelphia, PA
What is your favorite pathogen/plant disease?
Claviceps purpurea. I’ve always found the history surrounding ergot poisoning super fascinating.
If you know you are pursuing a specific career sector and want that shared, what is it?
Science policy and academia
How did you become interested in the field of plant pathology?
I fell into it! We do lab rotations for my PhD program. When I rotated through Caitilyn's lab and realized plant-microbe interactions was a field I could study, I knew immediately that’s what I wanted to do.
Do you have any social media handles that you want included?
