Chung lab in Spring 2025 (missing: Busayo, Leah, Melanie, Michelle, Grant, Sania, TK) Dr. Anny Chung Haines Family Associate Professor of Belowground Plant Ecology yyachung@uga.edu I am interested in interactions between plants and their invisible microbial partners, and how that changes the way plants interact with each other, ultimately forming the visible community and ecosystems around us. Dr. Busayo Babalola Postdoctoral Researcher busayobabalola@uga.edu Website: https://sites.google.com/view/busayo/home I am a belowground ecologist, currently working as a postdoc in Plant and Microbial Ecology Lab led by Anny Chung at the University of Georgia, Athens. I did my PhD at the Institute of Microbiology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing in 2017-2022. Before that, I did my BSc and MSc at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and majored in Botany and Mycology. Microbial communities are made up of distinct species that interact with one another both directly and indirectly. My research focus is understanding what makes microbial species' communities unique and how they will adapt in the face of increasing anthropogenic disturbances. In my previous research work, I explored how different microbial taxa changed over time in response to nitrogen fertilisation and reduced irrigation. I'm generally interested in theoretical ecology, species connections, biogeography, community attributes, global change factors and community allocation modelling. Nicole Bachleda Lab manager nbachle2@uga.edu My passion lies in understanding the intricate relationships between plants, their microbial partners, and the soil they share. I want to explore the driving force behind how plant communities assemble, adapt to climate change, and ultimately shape the ecosystems we see. By delving into root systems, chemical signals, and the impacts of microbes, I hope to unlock some of the secrets of this hidden alliance. Melanie Merritt PBIO PhD student melanie.merritt@uga.edu I am interested in how root systems and their soil microbiomes affect or alter the structure of plant communities. During my time in the Chung Lab I hope to better understand the role chemical signaling plays in the symbiosis of plant roots and their microbial counterparts. Kelly McCrum PBIO PhD student co-advised with Jill Anderson kelly.mccrum@uga.edu My research interests include how plant and microbial communities are adapting to changing climatic conditions. Studying plant-soil feedbacks may provide information on the resiliency of ecosystems, and help us better protect threatened plant populations and communities. Jordan Argrett Ecology PhD student co-advised with Nina Wurzburger jordan.argrett@uga.edu Website: https://jordanargrett.com/ My primary research interests lie in plant-soil-microbe interactions and their potential impact on plant and soil community structure. My current interests lie in understanding how hemiparasitic plants affect nutrient cycling, aboveground plant competition, and belowground microbial community assembly. Michelle Henson PBIO PhD student mshenson@uga.edu I’m interested in studying plant-microbial interactions within the context of environmental change (i.e. disturbances and climate change). I hope to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in driving bacterial and fungal community structure and function in order to better predict the effects of global change in natural and disturbed ecosystems. Xiomy P. Davila Plant Pathology PhD student xiomy.pinchidavila@uga.edu Website: https://sites.google.com/view/xjpd I am passionate about plant-fungal interactions, especially in root systems (including endophytes, root-associated fungi, and mycorrhizae) and how these associations impact plant community structure and crops. I am also interested in how plants change (physiology and genome) when forming symbiotic associations and/or plant defenses against fungal pathogens. During my PhD, I hope to better understand the role of fungi on plant community structure and their beneficial effect on crops. In my free time, I like posting about fungi on my Facebook fan page (spanish) to encourage more Latin American students to do research in the fungi world. Logan Novak PBIO PhD student Logan.Novak@uga.edu I am interested in how plant-microbial interactions influence plant responses to disturbances and a changing climate. I'm interested in looking at both biological and biogeochemical processes below ground from a community ecology lens. Erick Baeza Research Technician Erick.Baeza@uga.edu My primary research interest is in the relationships and interactions plants have with their microbial partners. At California State University-East Bay, I completed my MSc investigating the unique fungal microbial communities of floral nectar in the California Sierra Nevada. As part of the Chung lab, I now divert my attention underground as I take part in the Sorghum-AMF project to investigate the mutually beneficial relationships between sorghum and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Isabela Tharp Undergrad research associate Isabela.Tharp@uga.edu I am a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Plant Biology with a concentration on Plant Ecology and Environment and a minor in Environmental Health Science. I am interested in studying plant/fungi relationships and the potential for using DSE fungi to confer advantages to crops. In my time in Dr. Chung’s lab, I wish to improve my research skills, make professional connections, and learn more about the field of ecology. Callie Nelson Undergraduate research associate Callie.Nelson@uga.edu I am a fourth-year undergraduate Ecology major with a Certificate of Sustainability. I am working with arbuscular mycorrhizal and Agalinis, a hemi-parasitic plant, to understand if there are interactions between these two species and how they interact. I have a keen interest in plant and soil community interactions, and soil microbials interact with various plant species. On a broader scale, I am interested in how these underground interactions may influence ecological restoration projects. I am excited about contributing to Dr. Chung's Lab, growing my passion for research, and learning more about plant and soil microbial interactions. Sania bhamani Undergraduate research associate Sania.Bhamani@uga.edu I am a second year Health Promotion major. I am currently interested in learning about the various interactions amongst the environment in various conditions and how each interaction can affect each other and the environment as a whole. While being in Dr. Chung’s lab, I hope to expand upon and laboratory skills as well as delve further into these interactions! Chelsea Delgado Young Dawgs high school student research intern I am a senior in high school and plan to go into either environmental science or nursing when I graduate. I am interested in learning about conservation and sustainability. I am happy to gain some research/lab experience and learn more about plant biology and hemi-parasitic plants in Dr. Chung's lab. Leah Pilo-pais Undergraduate research associate Leah.PiloPais@uga.edu I am a first year undergraduate Genetics major and hope to go into Genetic Counseling or Botanical Genetics. I am interested in learning more about the impact that molecular, environmental, and microbial changes have on plants’ interactions and processes. I am so excited to form part of and help in Dr. Chung’s Lab, while expanding my research skills and finding out more about my passion and what I want to do with it in the future. Alejandra Cerron-Palomino Undergraduate research associate acerrongomez@uga.edu I am a current first-year student studying Environmental Resource Science with minors in Wildlife Sciences and Plant Biology. My main interests are currently the interactions between soil and living things in the environment, such as microbes how that relates to vegetation. TK Dillenbeck TrischanKaye.Dionson@uga.edu I am a second-year Biology Major, Criminal Justice Minor on the pre-medical track. I have always found ecology interesting and have enjoyed exploring the interactions between various plant species. I am excited to learn more about sustainability and the interaction between plants and the environment they reside in. In Dr. Chung's lab, I am eager to gain research and laboratory skills and broaden my professional connections. Christine Scott Undergraduate research associate Christine.Scott@uga.edu I am a Plant Biology undergrad with a minor in Horticulture and an emphasis in Ecology and the Environment. My passion is with the study of native plants and how climate change is impacting them and their relationship with their environment. During my time in Dr. Chung’s lab, I hope to learn new techniques, gain research skills, and how I can apply this knowledge to my future endeavors. Rosemarie Faisao REEU student 2025 Major - Organic & Sustainable Agriculture, Washington State University I was born and raised on the beautiful and culturally rich island of Saipan, located in the Northern Mariana Islands. I love spending time at the beach and gardening. My interests are soil science, organic agriculture practices, and the interaction between plants and their environment particularly in plant pathology and how fungi infect plants. I hope to deepen my knowledge of plant pathology and gain hands-on experience in a research lab surrounded by inspiring and dedicated individuals.
