I’m interested in how factors (primarily pathogens and chemical exposure) influence insect development, survivorship, and gene regulation. I got interested in insect pathology after a summer internship where I investigated how the environment influences host-pathogen dynamics using monarch butterflies as a model organism. After my internship, I wanted to explore how pathogens influence pollinator health.

This led me to pursue a Ph.D. in researching pathogens in an increasingly used solitary bee species, as well as investigating synergistic effects of pathogen and chemical exposure to solitary bees. In order to accomplish my Ph.D., I had to develop methods to rear solitary bees in a laboratory setting.

My current research is to establish consistent protocols to test pathogen and chemical exposure to solitary bee larvae in a laboratory setting. These methods will help future researchers understand how other factors (microbiome, climate change, etc.) impact insect development, survival, and gene regulation.