Postdoctoral Fellow

• Feb 2023 - Present

Global STEWARDS Fellow (NSF-NRT)

• Jan 2019 - Feb 2023

My dissertation focuses on improving inferences based on sequence data in soil microbiome analyses. This dissertation explores the theory underlying quantitative sequencing; and applies the quantitative sequencing methodology in several studies comparing farming systems in Maryland. These studies include work on the effect of glyphosate on nitrogen fixation in Maryland agriculture, and how various farming practices structure the vertical distribution of microbes in the soil profile.

Graduate Assistant

• Sep 2013 - Jan 2019

I am part of an international collaboration (the Global Urban Soil Ecology Education Network) that seeks to evaluate the urban convergence hypothesis while developing easy, hands-on teaching tools to increase citizen access to soil processes. My role in this collaboration is to characterize the response of soil archaeal, bacterial and fungal communities to urbanization. To achieve these ends, I use various statistical packages in R (including vegan and Bioconductor), gene quantification via QPCR using SYBR Green reagents, I generate amplicon and shotgun sequence data following Miseq Illumina protocol and conduct my Bioinformatics through the Qiime pipeline, PCORD and R.I also have administrative duties, that include compiling a mid-term assessment of the implementation of the ten-year strategic plan by the college of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Biological Science Technician

• Jun 2013 - May 2014

I worked in the Cropping Systems and Global Change laboratory on a range of carbon dioxide enrichment projects, used Ciras-2 and LiCor-1000 to measure stomatal conductance, vapor pressure differential, internal carbon dioxide concentration, and photosynthesis rate in rice, soybean, corn, and wheat and grain amaranth crops for several experiments. I monitored soybean reproductive development within a Free-Air-Carbon dioxide- Enrichment system. And I calibrated carbon dioxide and temperature readings in the environmental growth chambers, and repaired open-topped chambers when necessary.

Field Technician

• Aug 2012 - Nov 2012

Collected data on migratory bird foraging behavior at two sites, one in the Bronx Zoo, the other at Mianas River Gorge, for a study on habitat use by, and physical condition of, migratory birds passing through New York City. Collected data on migratory bird foraging behavior at two sites, one in the Bronx Zoo, the other at Mianas River Gorge, for a study on habitat use by, and physical condition of, migratory birds passing through New York City.

Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer

• 2011 - 2012

I was part of a small team that won ECO City Farms a $300,000 grant from the USDA. I won my own grant of $1,250 from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and subsequently managed the project covered by the grant. I worked to bridge the gap between ecosystem function and human use of habitat space through a mixture of hands-on environmental education, restoration and community service projects. I used the grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust to start a food forest utilizing only native species in order to demonstrate the breadth of resources our native ecosystem allows us, and provide a model by which future landscapers could use native plants to enhance both ecosystem health and quality of life. Additionally, I managed ECO City Farm’s compost operations, taught classes on urban farming (wherein I provide a unique perspective coming from a strong background in biology), and conducted environmental education for their summer camps.

CCC

• 2011 - 2012

Research Technician

• Jun 2011 - Aug 2011

Collected data on bird and butterfly populations using point counts and pollard walks, and vegetation surveys using a modified point-quarter transect method, for a study of the effects of Ungulate density on bird and butterfly habitat quality. Remote sites and extreme weather were commonplace, as was the risk of running into bison. Collected data on bird and butterfly populations using point counts and pollard walks, and vegetation surveys using a modified point-quarter transect method, for a study of the effects of Ungulate density on bird and butterfly habitat quality. Remote sites and extreme weather were commonplace, as was the risk of running into bison.

Undergraduate Research Fellow

• Jun 2010 - Aug 2010

Studied the hydrolysis and uptake of small labile peptides in the Gulf of Mexico under oxic and hypoxic conditions. Experience operating the High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph, and Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer. Conducted peptide synthesis reactions. Studied the hydrolysis and uptake of small labile peptides in the Gulf of Mexico under oxic and hypoxic conditions. Experience operating the High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph, and Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer. Conducted peptide synthesis reactions.