I am an Assistant Professor of Biology at Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ, USA. I primarily study mosquito microbiomes, human pathogens, and the environmental factors that influence their interactions. I have broad interests in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, and ecology, but especially enjoy projects with transdisciplinary elements. Recently, my lab has also begun projects investigating aspects of gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) and spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) microbiomes.
During graduate school at UMass Boston, I was a member of the Woodhams Lab, where I was an NSF IGERT Fellow and a Sanofi-Genzyme Research Fellow. My field work is primarily based in Rwanda, where I am a Research Fellow at the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management at the University of Rwanda. I enjoy collaborating and have had the opportunity to work on projects focused on everything from mosquito microbiomes to shellfish policy to science communication.
If you have questions about my lab's work, are seeking collaboration, or just want to chat about microbes, feel free to send me an email.
The Global Mosquito Microbiome Project seeks to understand how vector mosquito microbiomes vary at large spatial scales. Building a better understanding of how mosquito microbiomes differ under varied environmental conditions will help us in developing more targeted and effective control methods for the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in light of climate change.
Gallery from the lab, field work, and the wonderful folks who we work with!