People

Jocelyn R. Holt

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.

Christina Ko

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.

Rosa Sabel

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.

Hira Malik

My name is Hira Malik, and I am a rising senior at Carnegie Vanguard High School who has always been passionate about the environmental sciences. My current research investigates the suitability of corn as a host plant for the sorghum aphid. This experiment studies aphid fecundity and host plant health among various corn varieties, as well as our control, sorghum. To accomplish this, I have measured aphid reproduction, chlorophyll concentration, stem diameter, and plant biomass for the varieties mentioned above. I hope that our findings will inform sustainable pest management practices in agroecosystems and ultimately help reduce food insecurity.

Outside of the lab, I pursue my passions for global health and social policy through my involvement with various organizations, including Students for Refugees, Community Voices for Public Education, and El Bari Community Health Center.