Mary Grace Graddy Email & Phone Number

Ever-curious about the organisms we share Earth with, I strive to one-day benefit a community while maintaining my personal interests in research, conservation, and self-sufficiency. I have had the pleasure to study many facets of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and delve into the whys and hows of ecosystem functions. There is a great joy in learning more about life on Earth and an even greater desire to determine what can be done to maintain these species and habitats as temperatures rise and viable conditions decline. Particularly, fungal systematics are of interest to my research pursuits. As an aspiring mycologist, I am interested in investigating underexplored/ambiguous groups potentially capable of ecological and commercial importance (Crepidotaceae, Hymenogastraceae, Lyophyllaceae) given relations to better understood families and known factors. Currently, I conduct ecological sampling and analysis for the National Ecological Observatory Network in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Working in sites across the Cumberland Valley, my day-to-day encounters of rich biodiversity range from flora population surveys to collecting Carabids. Data is funded by the National Science Foundation and publicly made available for projects across the United States. During my undergraduate career, I worked within the Matheny Lab, Stockmaier Lab, and Budke Lab of the UTK EEB department. My responsibilities ranged from laboratory practices such as PCR sequencing or hemocyte extraction and count to fieldwork collecting and identifying mycological and botanical specimens. These experiences have not only enhanced my understanding of ecological processes but fostered an adoration for working among and with nature. In addition to my academic pursuits, I was involved in several organizations that reflected my values. I was a member of Alpha Omega Epsilon, a social and professional STEM sorority; secretary for Student Dental Association; and member of Advocates for Autism. I also shadowed and volunteered with general dentists across Tennessee, where I learned about dental procedures, business techniques, patient relations, and lab work.