About Me

I am an ecosystem ecologist who explores the hidden world of roots and their fungal partners (mycorrhizal fungi) to better understand how energy (carbon) and nutrients cycle through forests. Mycorrhizal fungi belong to a large and diverse belowground network, forming interactions with plants and other microbes. Currently, I am working as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Minnesota, studying how microbial communities recycle the resources contained within these networks and contribute to the build-up of soil carbon, a necessary ingredient for productive ecosystems.  

“In nature nothing exists alone.” -Rachel Carson

My passion for ecology is largely born from its interdisciplinary nature which tries to capture the complex interactions between organisms and their environment. I feel lucky to  have met my match—studying the complex and collaborative nature of the belowground world. When my head is not under the ground, I am inspired by collaborations with artists . Contributing to art-based research and re-shaping ecological ideas with artists helps me find new connections to my own research.