PhD student and NSF graduate research fellow in the Hwa research group. I am studying the physiology and aggregation behavior of a selection of marine bacteria. These strains were recently isolated based on their ability to colonize chitin particles during degradation of the polymer. Chitin in the ocean represents a major pool of organic carbon, so the specifics of its decomposition are important for global modeling of C dynamics. My goal is to build a better understanding of the controls and constraints of growth on chitin for these isolates, which could be used to improve our models and predictions about future CO2 sequestration vs. release from the ocean.

In the Bhaya lab, I investigated microbial interactions and phototaxis (movement toward light) in thermophilic microbial communities isolated from hot springs. Video microscopy of community members in combined culture revealed a number of phototactic phenomena unique from those observed in the model phototactic cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. My work included careful subculturing to isolate several of the major community members from initial enrichment culture. During my short time in the lab I established tools to pursue a mechanistic understanding of phototaxis in an undomesticated cyanobacteria in the context of its native community members.

Coordinating move of genome-wide Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant library (live and cryopreserved in vapor phase liquid N2) cross country. Training new technicians in library propagation, sterile technique, molecular biology. Enabling fast-paced use of the mutant library by multiple research teams at the Carnegie Institution.

In the Jonikas lab at the Department of Plant Biology, I helped maintain and cryopreserve a library of ~70,000 Chlamydomonas insertional mutants with known mutation sites. Guided by Project Leader Xiaobo Li, I also contributed to pooled screens and genetic analyses to elucidate the systems biology of photosynthesis.

In the Rose lab with mentor Nicholas Segerson, I aimed to elucidate the mechanistic basis for catecholamine action in plants. While catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine) have been identified in plants and implicated in several physiological roles, little is known about their action at the cellular and genetic level. We incorporated developmental, biochemical, and genetic inquiries to evaluate the suitability of Arabidopsis as a model system to gain an understanding of how catecholamines function in plants.

Ensuring tables and paddles are in good repair, participating in the interview and selection of the new PPR assistant manager, facilitating music and art events in the space

Learning to manage a student space, including: routine upkeep, communication with students about potential improvements, organizing and and advertising events

In work funded by the American Society of Plant Biologists through their SURF program, I researched endophytic bacteria isolated from the roots of Cycas revoluta with mentor Dr. David Dalton. Surveying for a potential plant growth-promoting role of the bacteria, I conducted PCR screens for nitrogenase genes, performed acetylene reduction assays, and used specialized plate media to evaluate contributions to mineral nutrition. My research also involved using TA cloning to gain culture-independent information about bacterial diversity in the unique coralloid roots of cycads.