Camilla Dreasher Mercado
Camilla (she/her) is joining the Steffenson lab, where she will be researching population and distribution of the native barley hordeum jubatum, as well as disease resistance in wheat. She seeks to gain experience using modern genetic tools and research methods to prepare for a career in plant pathology.
Outside of work, Camilla enjoys gardening and collecting orchids, even volunteering with Ramsey County Master Gardeners.
Jamie Nesbit
Jamie is joining the Steffenson lab, where he will be researching cereal disease. During his studies he hopes to build skills necessary to become a leader, effective science communicator and principal investigator.
Jamie enjoys running, watching baseball, playing music, and attending concerts.
Olivia Queisser
Olivia (she/her) is joining the McCaghey and Malvick labs to study charcoal rot in soybean caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, particularly its distribution and frequency in Minnesota. She plans to build skills communicating scientific ideas by working with growers, students, and others in the scientific community, as well as get more comfortable with molecular techniques.
Olivia enjoys cooking, reading, drawing, and other crafts, as well as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Aaron Semington
Aaron (he/him) is joining the Khokhani lab, where he will study the soil microbiome of northern tallgrass prairie ecosystems, specifically the roles beneficial microbes can play in restoration and agricultural applications. Aaron looks forward to meeting professionals in the field of plant pathology during his PhD program, and considering career options.
Aaron enjoys camping and hiking, reading, ceramics, rock collecting, and antiquing.