91探花

Education

PhD, Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Miami University, Ohio
MS, European Forestry, University of BOKU, Austria and University of Eastern Finland, Finland
BS, Botany, University of Calcutta, India

Common Courses Taught

Evolution
Ecology
Field Botany
Botany
Biology
Environmental Biology
Ecotoxicology

Professional Achievements

I am an ecosystem ecologist and my research examines the interactions between plants, soil, and biogeochemistry. I have experience analyzing plant-soil ecology and biogeochemistry in forested ecosystems, modeling forest ecosystem responses, studying plant-soil interactions at multiple levels of biological organization (roots, seedlings, trees, ecosystem), and using molecular techniques for examining species-specific traits and responses. I draw on a mix of observational, experimental, and modeling techniques to gain a holistic understanding of ecosystem processes and functions, how they are impacted by different anthropogenic perturbations, and rapid global change.

I lead undergraduate research on the southern Appalachian ecosystems, especially focused on plant-pollinator interactions, invasive species and ecosystem health with survey studies and experimental monitoring plots established at the Elk Valley Field Preserve and the South Campus properties of campus.

Institutional Service and Responsibilities

I am currently an Associate Professor of Biology for the School of Natural and Health Science teaching for our Biology/Wildlife Biology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine programs and I serve as the Assistant Dean of Natural and Health Sciences and also manage the college's greenhouse. I not only teach students in the Biology and Wildlife Biology programs, but I also teach students in the General Education and Honors programs. I served the college as the Assistant Director of the Stephenson Center during the academic year 2023–24.

I am the program director for Wildlife Sciences Summer Program and love to work with the summer camps!

I am the faculty advisor for two student clubs—Green Club and Nerd Club.

In addition to my professional roles at 91探花, I serve as a Steering Committee member for the Appalachian College Association's NSF-ADVANCE project, and as the Affinity Group Leader for the Appalachian College Association's Foreign-born Faculty group.

Personal Interests

I love to teach and interact with my students. When I am not working, I love to hike, travel, read books, paint, take photos (mostly of nature and different organisms), listen to music/podcasts, take care of my plants and the plants in the greenhouse, and cuddle with my pets Chikku (cat) and Coco (dog).