I am the Assistant Professor of Forest Health at Louisiana Tech University. I run the Forest Pathology and Mycology Laboratory in the Forestry Program and work with mainly undergraduate students, where we try to do our part to build and sustain healthy working forests through research and improved understanding of forest health. Current Projects include “Combating needle pathogens and forestry professional worker shortages in the southern region through a network effort of research, teaching, and service”, a Louisiana fungal diversity study, and working toward an integrated pest management strategy for Texas leafcutting ants (Atta texana) to reduce cost and improve productivity. I am also really interested and excited about wood decay, I find it fascinating that fungi have the ability to change complex carbon structures like cellulose and lignin. I am interested in the roles fungi and ants play in carbon and nitrogen cycles, and how these organisms can be used to improve the environment, for example, by their ability to degrade plastic. I also help with the SAF Forestry Club at Louisiana Tech and am bringing the officers to the National Convention with me.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
8:40am - 8:48am PST