Experience

Hi Fidelity Genetics

• Biotechnology Research
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Field Science Manager

  • Jan 2020 - Present

  This dual management role bridges field research and product development. I lead the field science team and direct horticultural and agronomic research in the field and controlled environments across national and international regions. I work across teams and interface extensively with clients, interdisciplinary collaborators, cooperators, and stakeholders. Experiments involve deployment of RootTrackers, a novel technology for real time root phenotyping in field or controlled environments. Trial variables are determined based on client interests, which include water deficit, products for crop protection and fertility, genetics, and other agronomic factors. Recent projects focus on greenhouse gas emissions. The experimental results drive product management decisions in conjunction with the commercial and engineering teams.

• Scientist

  • Jun 2018 - Jan 2020

  Initiated a new field research program for a maize breeding and built a field science team to design and implement maize field trials, breeding nursery operations across wide geographic regions in collaboration with the data science team.



University of California, Davis

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Graduate Student Researcher

  • Jul 2016 - Mar 2018

  I studied the phenotypic and genetic variation in spinach germplasm related to cadmium (Cd) accumulation for marker assisted breeding of low Cd spinach. Research included design and implementation of greenhouse trials to screen germplasm, statistical analysis in R, identification of candidate Cd regulation genes, KASP genotyping, and association analysis in TASSEL. I also supported the spinach breeding program in field trials, greenhouse crossing blocks, seed processing, and seed inventory management; and assisted with design of a Mybaits target enrichment genotyping platform. Funded in part by the National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grant program.



US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Biological Science Technician

  • Oct 2010 - Jun 2016

  Worked in the UC Davis department of viticulture and enology to quantify greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen leaching, and carbon stocks across vineyard landscapes and management practices. Research included soil survey, soil emissions study, grower interviews, life cycle assessment of wine-grape production, and grower outreach. Following that, I moved to the department of plant pathology to advance lab, field, and greenhouse projects that explore bacteria-plant interactions in the rhizosphere of tree crops. Specific topics included disease resistance screening and bacterial genetics relevant to crown gall disease, deep bark canker of walnut, and olive knot disease as well as alternatives to chemical soil fumigants for control of soil borne pathogens.



Syngenta

• Switzerland
• Farming
• 700 & Above Employee

• Assistant Breeder

  • 2008 - 2010

  Managed watermelon and melon breeder trials, implemented transplant programs, and assisted with trial evaluation. Specific projects included watermelon pathology experiments, melon pollination nurseries, fertility tracking, and application for plant variety protection. Other responsibilities included off-station trials, support for squash breeding program, labor management, ordering, and health, safety, and environment committee. Managed watermelon and melon breeder trials, implemented transplant programs, and assisted with trial evaluation. Specific projects included watermelon pathology experiments, melon pollination nurseries, fertility tracking, and application for plant variety protection. Other responsibilities included off-station trials, support for squash breeding program, labor management, ordering, and health, safety, and environment committee.



Cornell University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Student Research Assistant

  • 2007 - 2008

  Traditional vegetable breeding project focused on meeting the needs of organic growers in collaboration with the Organic Seed Partnership and the Northeast Organic Farming Association. Techniques included organic cropping systems, hand pollination, and variety and breeding line evaluation. Project included breeding for open-pollinated broccoli, late blight resistant tomatoes, and improved heirloom varieties of cucurbits. Traditional vegetable breeding project focused on meeting the needs of organic growers in collaboration with the Organic Seed Partnership and the Northeast Organic Farming Association. Techniques included organic cropping systems, hand pollination, and variety and breeding line evaluation. Project included breeding for open-pollinated broccoli, late blight resistant tomatoes, and improved heirloom varieties of cucurbits.