Assistant Professor

• Jan 2022 - Present

Postdoctoral Researcher

• Sep 2020 - Present

Postdoctoral Researcher

• Jul 2020 - Sep 2020

Graduate Research Assistant

• Aug 2016 - Jun 2020

Integrated weed management requires a deep understanding of weed biology and tools to measure climatic changes in real-time. My graduate research described the emergence and growth patterns of three economically important weeds in North Carolina that have unique color and growth habit; wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.), sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia (L.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby), and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson). Predictive weed emergence and phenology models were developed and validated for each species. These models were used to create a practical framework to predict the timing and frequency of control actions in different crops. Additionally, we were able to derive similar emergence models for R. raphanistrum and S. obtusifolia using cumulative pixels from repeat photography and validate those models with true counts. Show less

Research Assistant

• May 2014 - May 2016

As a graduate research assistant, I worked with Richard Zollinger in conducting small plot research in the field specifically looking at weed management solutions in corn and soybean. This included following the necessary guidelines to mix and spray herbicide treatments as dictated by herbicide labels and company protocols. I also collected data on herbicide efficacy and crop injury due to herbicides. Specifically, my thesis research was focused on rotational crop response to soil residues and foliar exposure of dicamba. Show less

Student worker

• Aug 2011 - May 2014

I have had the privilege of working under two professors as an undergraduate assistant: Dr. Fakhoury's plant pathology lab and Dr. Young's weed science lab. This allowed me to see different techniques of research from laboratory to greenhouse and field experience and also different applications of some of the same techniques, PCR and DNA extraction of plant and fungi traits.

Summer Intern

• May 2012 - Aug 2012

I worked at the Belleville Research Center under the supervision of Ron Krausz. BRC is an agronomy focused research station which is part of the SIUC farms. I helped with research in corn, soybean, wheat from variety trials and fertilizer timings to herbicide testing and weed measurements. I was able to help with many graduate student projects and meet with many agriculture company researchers in our area. We also prepared for several research tours during the summer.

Summer intern

• May 2013 - Dec 2013

I had the pleasure of working with the BASF team at the Midwest Research Farm near Champaign, IL. I was able to help with research of many BASF products in the field including, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. We prepared for many farm tours throughout the summer. I stayed into the fall to help with the research plot harvest and data compilation and was given the opportunity to visit the North American headquarters in Raleigh, NC for a couple of weeks to complete a small project there. I had the pleasure of working with the BASF team at the Midwest Research Farm near Champaign, IL. I was able to help with research of many BASF products in the field including, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. We prepared for many farm tours throughout the summer. I stayed into the fall to help with the research plot harvest and data compilation and was given the opportunity to visit the North American headquarters in Raleigh, NC for a couple of weeks to complete a small project there.