Research areas

Microbiology/Astrobiology

Investigating the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment and the stressors that may contribute to the expression of these genes may give us clues about increased virulence in stressful environments, such as low gravity (Lunar, Martian, or space station) and more locally on earth - changing climates.

Plants grown in microgravity exhibit apoplastic changes rendering them more susceptible to invasion by human pathogens. By looking at ROS production, we hope to characterize these apoplastic changes in microgravity, and their relation to the plant’s stress biology and subsequent colonization by human pathogens.

Discipline Based Education Research

With the increase in the use of large language models in higher education, we are investigating how certain technologies impact science education, science understanding, and science perceptions.

Research areas

Microbiology/Astrobiology

Investigating the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment and the stressors that may contribute to the expression of these genes may give us clues about increased virulence in stressful environments, such as low gravity (Lunar, Martian, or space station) and more locally on earth - changing climates.

Plants grown in microgravity exhibit apoplastic changes rendering them more susceptible to invasion by human pathogens. By looking at ROS production, we hope to characterize these apoplastic changes in microgravity, and their relation to the plant’s stress biology and subsequent colonization by human pathogens.

Discipline Based Education Research

With the increase in the use of large language models in higher education, we are investigating how certain technologies impact science education, science understanding, and science perceptions.