Grad Student Spotlight
Lidane Noronha
Research Interests: After working with the National Drosophila Species Stock Center, now here at Cornell, I am broadly interested in the evolution of feeding behaviours of various Drosophila species. Specifically, the genetic and environmental reasons behind their diverse diets through its impact on host fitness and immunity.
Morgan Swoboda
Research Interests: I am broadly interested in the role that plant associated microbes play in plant defense against herbivores and if these microbes could also have a role in minimizing the impact of abiotic stresses. I am also interested in how soil characteristics may impact microbes and their performance. I am currently focused on entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and their potential for use in deterring root-feeding herbivores in turfgrasses.