Current Projects

Masters Research

  • Looking at the fungal pathogen responsible for White Nose Syndrome (WNS) in bats (Pseudogymnoascus destructans)
    • WNS results in a high mortality rate in overwintering bats
    • currently affects bats in the United States and Canada
      • rapid population declines of certain bat species
      • some bat species are at risk of extinction
    • learn more about WNS here!
  • I will be analyzing the population genomics of Pseudogymnoascus destructans using:
    • genome analyses
    • estimating relatedness with phylogenic trees
    • landscape genomics to look at gene flow barriers

Past Projects

Undergrad Senior Year Research Project

Effects of Various Fungal Pathogens on Trachymyrmex septentrionalis Ants and their Fungal Cultivars

  • This research was funded by the Office of Undergraduate Research at UConn through the OUR Supply Award

  • I presented my results at UConn’s Annual Undergraduate Research Colloquium in MCB and at the Frontiers in Undergraduate Research Poster Exhibition in April 2024

click here for more info

Leafcutter Ant Behavior Website

I made a website for a class project that incorporated animal behavior and knowledge about my undergraduate lab’s model system: leafcutter ants and their fungal cultivars Leafcutter ant behavior website