Chung lab in spring 2026. Missing Jordan, Alejandra, and David. Nicole is on zoom 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. Syed amir manzoor Postdoctoral Researcher SyedAmir.Manzoor@uga.edu I’m an ecological modeler with a background in forestry, species distribution modeling, and land-use change. Currently, I’m a postdoctoral researcher in the Plant and Microbial Ecology Lab at the University of Georgia, working with Dr. Anny Chung. My work focuses on modeling how plant-soil microbial interactions and species competition shape range shifts across grassland–shrubland ecotones under rising atmospheric CO₂. Broadly, I’m interested in combining ecological theory with spatial modeling to better understand species coexistence and how ecosystems respond to global change. 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. 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. 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. Bell Scherick Ecology PhD student co-advised with Richard Hall I am an ecologist interested in using mathematical models to understand how microbial symbionts alter plant communities and demography. I am getting my Phd at the Odum School of Ecology, co-advised by Dr. Richard Hall. In collaboration with The Jones Center at Ichauway's plant sciences lab, I hope to understand how microbial soil communities impact the longleaf pine savanna ecosystem under different controlled fire regimes. 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 Undergraduate research associate Chelsea.Delgado@uga.edu 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. 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 Undergrad research associate 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. Connor cook Undergrad research associate Connor.Cook@uga.edu I am a second year Ecology major with a minor in Wildlife Sciences. I've always been fascinated with nature, so as I pursue my degree and work towards my goals, I want to learn everything I possibly can about ecology. In Dr. Chung's lab I hope to better understand the world of plant interactions while also gaining practical research/laboratory skills.
