· Established and optimized laboratory capabilities for isolation, phenotypic and genotypic characterization, and utilization of hundreds of diverse microbial isolates from coffee cherry microbiomes, enhancing research capabilities.· Led the fermentation department, overseeing specialized yeast and bacteria fermentations to produce target sensory compounds, resulting in the development of innovative products.· Managed laboratory operations and implemented improvements in laboratory and safety protocols, leading to a more streamlined and safe working environment for lab users.

· Optimized and evaluated high-throughput in-vitro assays to characterize functional properties of hundreds of unique microbial strains· Sourced, characterized, and maintained a plant pathogen archive consisting of 30+ species of bacteria, fungi, and oomycota· Acting co-lead of automation: built and validated liquid handler protocols to automate and increase scale and efficiency of microbiological and molecular laboratory procedures· Designed, executed, analyzed, and shared results of research objectives

· Initiated a long-term research project on Gibberella ear rot and stalk rot of silage corn · Quantified deoxynivalenol contamination and Fusarium graminearum fungal accumulation within corn parts · Designed and implemented laboratory, field, and greenhouse experiments · Sampled diseased plant material and identified unknown fungal species using genomic sequencing · Presented research at three conferences to groups of 100+ academics, growers, and industry professionals · Analyzed data and ran statistical tests using R and SAS · Trained undergraduate student in proper laboratory techniques and procedures

· Performed techniques such as RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR, RT-qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA purification procedures to aid research on plant parasitic nematode’s neural and muscle structures · Kept continuous generations of Heterodera glycines and inoculated soybean for use in future experiments · Used fixatives and antibody staining to identify mutants using GFP markers under a fluorescent microscope

· Guided groups of 10-20 visitors through campus while educating about student life and opportunities· Represented the University in public student panels · Helped prospective students envision their future and select the University of Illinois

· Performed primary plant care and management within avian, small mammal, and herpetology exhibits · Used zoo space and resources to perform experiments to collect data and improve future plant care · Researched prominent Amazonian plant species and created educational materials available to zoo guests

· Conducted research on critical exon of male sterile sorghum genome · Performed PCR, gel electrophoresis, and AMPure XP bead clean-up procedures· Self regulated work schedule to complete tasks in efficient time line

· Assisted in planting, stand counts, pollination, and measuring plant and ear heights· Conducted personal research project to be presented at SASES National Conference in November· Utilized Spanish language skills and led group of migrant workers through field tasks