My research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense against insect herbivores, with a focus on the function and evolution of plant chemical defenses. Toward this end, I use transcriptomic and metabolomic data to identify key drivers of plant resistance to herbivores, which has included identification biosynthetic enzymes for cardenolide biosynthesis in wormseed wallflower (Erysimum cheiranthoides). To test the ecological and evolutionary function of these enzymes and metabolites, I use a broad range of techniques, including recombinant protein purification, CRISPR/Cas9 knockout, insect feeding assays, and field experiments.

2018-2024 PhD in Plant Biology, Cornell University School of Integrative Plant Science, USA
2016-2018 Laboratory technician, University of Utah Department of Biology, USA
2012-2016 BA in Chemistry and Environmental Science, Northwestern University, USA

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