top of page

PEOPLE

I am interested in insect-plant-microbe interactions, particularly when they are associated with agro-ecosystems. I incorporate analyses of both population genetic and microbial composition to understand how this may modulate pest insect traits and their symbiotic interactions.

SCA_on_leaf.jpg
Dori Brackens

Research blurb coming soon!

Research blurb coming soon!

My name is Christina Ko, and I am a rising sophomore at Rice University majoring in Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track. In addition to Neuroscience, I have always been passionate about ecology, environmental science, and biology. Currently, I am working on a project examining the suitability of corn as a host plant for sorghum aphids. I will test out several grass varieties to see which corn varieties are more resistant to the aphids. Through this project, I am excited about potentially helping to prevent pests from eating our food and grow crops more successfully. Aside from partaking in this research, I am also involved at Rice as a Rice Health Advisor and Peer Career Advisor.

My name is Rosa Sabel, and I am a rising sophomore at Rice University studying Environmental Science. Currently, I am working on an experiment to investigate how mycorrhizal fungi affect sorghum plants and their aphid pests. For this experiment, I will grow both heirloom and conventional varieties of sorghum with and without mycorrhizal fungi, and then introduce aphids to each plant. By comparing plant measurements before and after the aphid introduction, I aim to determine the impact of mycorrhizal fungi on sorghum-aphid interactions. I hope that this research can inform more sustainable pest management practices in the future. At Rice, besides engaging in this research, I am involved as an EcoRep and a volunteer for the Women’s Resource Center.

Former Researchers

hira_malik_updated.jpeg

Diploma at Carnegie Vanguard High School

Summer 2024 to Summer 2025

Project: Sorghum Aphid Host Plant Choice

Current: Robert W. Woodruff Merit Scholar Student at Emory University for a Bachelor in Public Health

Holt Lab profile pic.jpg

Thelonious Mercy

B.S. Biosciences (pre-health; Spring 2025)

Summer 2023​

Project: What bug is that? Locating Diagnostic SNPs for tawny crazy ant

Current: Senior Student at Rice

Ricardo_Castellon.jpg

B.S. Biochemistry

Fall 2023 to Spring 2024

Project: Sorghum Aphid Fecunidty on Different Host Plants

Current: Student at Case Western Reserve University for a Master of Science in Anesthesia

IMG_0508.jpg

B.S. (2027)

Summer 2023

Project: Effects of mycorrhizae on sorghum plants

Current; Student at HCC

benajmin_rosengard_2024.jpeg

B.S. Biosciences (pre-med)

Fall 2022 to Spring 2023

Project: The microbiota composition of the invasive tawny crazy ant

Current: Student at UC San Diego for a Master of International Affairs

jose_torres.jpg

Jose Torres

B.S. Entomology

Fall 2020 to Spring 2021

Project: Assessing Effects of Ant-Aphid Mutualisms on Grain Sorghum Health

Current: Agricultural Research Worker, Texas A&M AgriLife

morgan_fey_photo.jpg

B.A. Sports Medicine and Exercise Physiology, minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Spring 2025)

Summer 2023

Project: Exploring the Relationship Between Mycorrhizal Fungal Inoculants and Sorghum Plants

Current: Senior Student and Athlete at Rice

robert_chapa.jpg

B.S. Entomology

Fall 2019 to Spring 2020

Project: Evaluating tunneling behavior of the tawny crazy ant

Current: Intern Hunnicut Winery

  • Twitter
  • YouTube

© by Jocelyn R. Holt. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page