I joined the Wagner Lab as an undergraduate in the Winter of 2021, and after earning my Bachelor’s in Microbiology in 2022, I stayed on as a technician. I’m interested in understanding mechanisms of heterosis (especially the role of root exudates in this process), and I’ve investigated the microbial effects on heterosis across maize development in the lab. When not in the lab, I enjoy reading and playing the cello.

I am a research assistant and lab technician at the University of Kansas. In the Fall of 2023, I will begin a PhD program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas. I joined Dr. Maggie Wagner’s lab in 2021 and have been investigating the mechanisms responsible for heterosis in maize. In general, I am interested in the interactions between plant genotypes and their environments/microbiomes.

I am currently a senior undergraduate who joined the lab in October 2021. I am working towards earning my bachelor’s of science in microbiology. In the lab, I am interested in exploring host-microbe interactions through screening closely related bacterial strains for abiotic stress tolerance. The long-term goal of this project is to understand what bacterial genes contribute to drought tolerant phenotypes in plants. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, gaming, and playing with my kitten Pichael!

I am currently a sophomore undergrad at the University of Kansas. I am proceeding with a Bachelors in Microbiology, a minor in environmental science, and a goal to go to graduate school for a Phd. I started in Dr. Wagner’s lab in Fall of 2022. I currently carry out research with grad students, Kayla and Martel. My favorite thing to do is to explore and learn more things everyday, as well as binge watching MasterChef from time to time and eating my favorite cereal, Lucky Charms.

I earned my Ph.D. in Biology from the Saint Louis University in May 2022. My research focused on the microbiomes of grafted grapevines. I joined the Wagner lab in Summer 2022 and am investigating the ability of host-associated microorganisms and microbiomes to alleviate drought stress in maize. My research interests more broadly seek to explore how plants and their microbiomes cope with abiotic stressors and how we can apply this knowledge to safeguard crop production in the future. While not in the lab, I enjoy listening to podcasts, reading, and exploring Kansas with my dogs.

Email: joel.swift@ku.edu

As a previous Wagner lab postdoc (2020-2022), I continue to collaborate in the study of microbial adaptations and plant-microbiome interactions in the context of drought. My adjunct research synergizes with my current role as the Research Project Manager for the Microbiome Center at Penn State University. Here, I oversee center-wide research, education, and outreach programs aimed at bolstering microbiome research and training at PSU and beyond. My passion for microbiome research first developed while earning my Ph.D. in Plant Pathology at the University of California, Riverside. Outside of work I like hiking and wine tasting! For more information visit www.nicholeginnan.com.

Email: nginnan@psu.edu