Conducts research within Dr. Cătălin Voiniciuc’s Designer Glycans research group, a team focused on investigating and engineering the mechanisms behind sugar-based polymer production in plants, primarily utilizing Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism. Currently leading a project to characterize antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in Pichia pastoris as a novel approach to combating antibiotic resistance, with potential applications to enhance AMP expression in planta.

Facilitates safe aquatic and aerial outdoor experiences at UF’s cherished Lake Wauburg by managing park access, overseeing equipment rentals, providing instructions on proper usage, and ensuring patron compliance with safety protocols. Guides a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and rock climbing, with a focus on fostering inclusivity and crafting unique experiences for the ~100-400 daily patrons spanning various skill levels.

Conducted research with Spring Meadow Nursery’s R&D team, a licensed partner in the Proven Winners® brand and home to ColorChoice® Flowering Shrubs. Focused on polyploidy identification in horticultural breeding programs, performing analysis on over 2,000 plant samples across eight genera and identifying 60+ polyploids for breeding efforts to enhance ornamental traits. Gained hands-on experience with tissue culture, micropropagation, and hybridization techniques.