About
I'm interested in the ecology and evolution of mutualism, symbiosis, and interactions between plants, microbes, and insects. Though tiny, the communities of microbes and arthropods that live on leaves have outsized effects on plants. Mites engage in ancient mutualisms with over a quarter of all flowering plant families, acting as predators on small arthropod herbivores and vacuums of phytopathogenic fungi. In return, plant structures can provide mites shelter and safety from predators. Despite their demonstrated importance to plant performance, mites remain an enigmatic partner to plants. As a postdoctoral researcher in the Weber lab, I am exploring how plant traits may drive specificity in plant-mite mutualisms, and the cascading effects of mites on the leaf microbiome.
Previously, I completed my PhD at the University of Toronto studying the patterns and processes of plant-microbe interactions. Specifically, I examined how plant traits, priority effects, and climate factors could shape plant microbiomes and their benefits to plants.
While not doing research, I enjoy walking, hiking, reading, and making art.
