Current Research
The objective of my dissertation work writ large is to understand the impact of climate change on linkages among abiotic environmental variation, plant genetic variation, and community-level microbial interactions. I utilize the comparative natural laboratory of isolated Sky Islands and contiguous Mountain Chains in the Southwestern U.S. to study these effects on the bioenergy feedstock tree, Populus angustifolia. This study system is ideal because it is dominant across the aforementioned landscape, has genetically-based species interactions with soil microbial communities, and a sequenced genome exists for understanding comparative genomics.
Past Research
Functionality of Phanaeus vindex gut microbiome
In collaboration with: Dr. Sarah Lebeis (MSU Micro) & Dr. Kimberly Sheldon (UTK EEB) as a Post-baccalaureate Research Associate:
Conducted gut microbiome analysis to identify functionality of isolated microbial strains found in Phanaeus vindex and difformis across an elevational gradient.
Coordinated beetle dissection, bacterial isolation, and metagenomic 16S rRNA tagging and sequencing to quarantine significant microbiota. Pioneered technique for dissection of Phanaeus vindex beetle for DNA extraction.
Average Inheritance of Thermal Sensitivity of Onthophagus taurus
In collaboration with: Dr. Amanda Carter & Dr. Kimberly Sheldon (UTK EEB) as an Undergraduate Research Assistant:
I examined average parental inheritance of thermal sensitivity of dung beetle Onthophagus taurus.
Implemented and managed multi-generational, multi-factorial experimentation. Thermal sensitivity inheritance determined by metabolic testing across generations.
Isolation of heme-uptake protein ChuA in Campylobacter jejuni
In collaboration with: Dr. Jeremiah Johnson (UTK Micro) as an Undergraduate Research Assistant:
I worked to isolate and characterize the Campylobacter jejuni ChuA Heme Utilization Protein.
Conducted protein purification, vector ligation and strain transformation to characterize the protein of interest. Organized and carried out a state-wide water sampling system to test for and collect C. jejuni isolates. Arranged partnerships between the Johnson lab and local farmers to test for C. jejuni in poultry, produce and livestock.