Researching the social dimensions of energy systems and community resilience, including equitable strategies for disaster recovery, technical assistance provision for clean energy development in historically underserved communities, and building energy efficiency intersections with climate adaptation.

- Drafting case studies of possible improvements to digital infrastructure to further federal environmental programs- Researching current federal resources for technology providers to work with environmental agencies- Drafting blog posts and newsletters on EPIC’s technology work- Researching environmental justice tools and datasets- Tracking legislation and policy- Conducting small-scope data analysis projects

In the Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), I assessed the bioavailability and toxicity of nano- and micro-plastics in human-derived tissues. This research may give insight into how these ubiquitous environmental particles infiltrate human cells and induce adverse health effects.

I investigated the abilities of Listeria monocytogenes (LM), a foodborne, human pathogen, to attach to plant roots. While LM exits ubiquitously in the environment, little is known about its life cycle and relationship to the flora and fauna of a true environmental setting.I worked on a team and independently to conduct literature searches and experiments for this project, and found that LM readily colonizes and persists on plant roots by modeling this plant-microbe relationship using a hydroponic assay. Additionally, I manipulated several environmental parameters, including the addition of other soil microbes, and found that some organisms may promote or inhibit the attachment of LM to plant roots.These findings hold implications for how LM attaches to plants, including crops, and persists throughout the food processing environment, ultimately reaching consumers. Additionally, with this knowledge, we may be more informed of potential interventions for this issue. We are currently developing a manuscript for this work, and plan to publish in 2020. I will be co-first author on this publication.