About meI’m Kylea Garces (she/her) and I am excited about all things fungi! Currently, I am a Future-Faculty Post Doctoral Research Fellow working with Dr. Jennifer Bowen & Dr. Randall Hughes at Northeastern University. I earned by PhD in Biology at the University of Louisville working with Dr. Sarah Emery. I received my BS in Environmental Sciences at the University of Oregon. As a microbial community ecologist, I apply well-established community ecology theories to microbial systems in order to deepen our understanding of patterns and processes within fungal communities, as well as the repercussions for their associated plant hosts. Broadly, my research focuses on community assembly of fungal endophytes, with a particular focus in coastal grasses. I am interested in the ways various stressors associated with global change induce shifts within microbial communities which have cascading effects on the plant host, community, and ecosystem. Additionally, increasing science literacy and inclusivity are core to my values. I am interested in using science pedagogy as a tool to breakdown learning barriers and increase accessibility within classroom environments. I have began pursuing education research as a demonstration of my commitment in progressing the academic experience for undergraduate students. Within my own classroom, I strive for an engaged and equitable classroom environment that promotes education as a means of empowerment for all students. I actively am pursuing knowledge of best teaching practices and trying new forms of pedagogy to achieve this goal. Particularly, I am passionate about grading for equity and implementation of alternative assessment strategies to engage students in individualized learning achievements. If you are interested in working together, or have questions about my work, please contact me! Email: [email protected] Twitter: ElleWoodsOfMyco |