College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Major Advisor

Dr. Mason McNair

About Me

I am a plant scientist interested in traditional and molecular methods of developing new plant varieties. I am especially interested in native plants as ornamentals, both those established in the trade and not. My approach includes careful consideration of appealing to human aesthetics, the role of ornamentals in ecosystems, and prevention of potential negative side effects on wild populations. For example, when developing a tetraploid population of milkweeds, I plan to examine the concentrations of nectar compounds to understand how it may affect pollinator behavior. Ultimately, I want to use my research and skills to facilitate the public's ability to aid our environment.

Education & Certifications

• M.S. in Horticulture | Projected Completion: 2027 | Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• B.S. in Plant Biology | 2022 | University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Research Interests

My thesis focuses on breeding novel ornamental cultivars of native milkweeds (Asclepias) and develop resources and infrastructure for continued breeding and cultivation. I have also worked on the effect of fertilizers on pitcher plant (Sarracenia) cultivation with a focus on plant size and color and developing automated genomic preparation protocols for the Opentrons Flex ecosystem.

Future Work

I plan to utilize both traditional and molecular breeding methods to develop new cultivars of native ornamentals and specialty crops.