RESEARCH INTERESTS:
My research interests could broadly be categorized as conservation genomics, which is the use of population-level whole genome data to inform conservation. This may include assessing inbreeding, historical and contemporary effective population size, and characterizing adaptive and harmful genetic variation. My PhD dissertation project uses such methods to investigate the effects of isolation and small population size on the genomics of a state-endangered pitviper, the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Some populations seem to be disproportionately affected by snake fungal disease, so I am especially interested identifying populations that carry high levels of harmful mutations, especially those in immune-related genes, which may be of special conservation concern. My research will also identify populations that are strongholds of higher genome-wide diversity and may play a key role in future management.
My research interests could broadly be categorized as conservation genomics, which is the use of population-level whole genome data to inform conservation. This may include assessing inbreeding, historical and contemporary effective population size, and characterizing adaptive and harmful genetic variation. My PhD dissertation project uses such methods to investigate the effects of isolation and small population size on the genomics of a state-endangered pitviper, the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Some populations seem to be disproportionately affected by snake fungal disease, so I am especially interested identifying populations that carry high levels of harmful mutations, especially those in immune-related genes, which may be of special conservation concern. My research will also identify populations that are strongholds of higher genome-wide diversity and may play a key role in future management.
BACKGROUND:
I received a B.A. in biology and a B.S. in environmental science with a biosciences specialization from the University of Iowa in 2020. There I studied the evolution and ecology of sexual mode using a unique aquatic snail that has coexisting sexual and asexually-reproducing lineages associated with varying levels of polyploidy (more than 2 copies of the genome). Various projects included building gene models with genomic data, characterizing ploidy levels with single-cell methodology, and modeling associations between environment, ploidy, sexual mode, and ontogeny with shifts in the ionome, or trace element composition of snails. I also studied the efficacy of cover crops for reducing nutrient and pathogen runoff from agricultural fields as part of an NSF-REU at the University of Notre Dame. I collected water quality samples to model how nutrient load changed with varying land cover treatments and flow rates along the length of adjacent streams.
I received a B.A. in biology and a B.S. in environmental science with a biosciences specialization from the University of Iowa in 2020. There I studied the evolution and ecology of sexual mode using a unique aquatic snail that has coexisting sexual and asexually-reproducing lineages associated with varying levels of polyploidy (more than 2 copies of the genome). Various projects included building gene models with genomic data, characterizing ploidy levels with single-cell methodology, and modeling associations between environment, ploidy, sexual mode, and ontogeny with shifts in the ionome, or trace element composition of snails. I also studied the efficacy of cover crops for reducing nutrient and pathogen runoff from agricultural fields as part of an NSF-REU at the University of Notre Dame. I collected water quality samples to model how nutrient load changed with varying land cover treatments and flow rates along the length of adjacent streams.