About me

I am a translational plant pathologist dedicated to bridging fundamental research with real-world disease management solutions. My early work focused on managing devastating plant pathogens, including Phytophthora capsici in vegetable crops and Ceratocystis fimbriata (black rot) in sweetpotato, where I combined phenotyping in laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials with molecular biology and genomics to advance the knowledge of disease resistance.

Currently, as a postdoctoral scholar at Oregon State University, I am developing CRISPR-based diagnostic assays, sequencing and annotating numerous Phytophthora genomes, and enhancing bioinformatics tools for pathogen surveillance. I am passionate about bringing scientific advances to growers and extension personnel through applied research, on-farm trials, and direct stakeholder engagement. Equally important to me is mentoring the next generation of scientists by fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment.

Through my commitment to translational plant pathology, I strive to ensure that discoveries in genomics, population biology, and diagnostics lead to tangible, sustainable solutions for crop producers in the U.S. and around the globe.