Executive Board

Anja Pahor Psychology, President

Mediating and moderating factors that determine transfer of working memory training.

Daniela Cassol Botany and Plant Sciences, Vice President

Development of computational data analysis methods for genome biology.

Patricio Perez Botany and Plant Sciences, Secretary

I am working at Yang Lab in the elucidation of the global mechanisms that spatiotemporally coordinate the pavement cell morphogenesis throughout the entire epidermis of leaves in Arabidopsis.

Sharma Yamijala Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Treasurer

I am a computational/theoretical chemist and materials scientist. My current focus is on developing, implementing and applying various non-adiabatic molecular dynamics methods to study Hot-molecule/atom/electron mediated catalysis. Here, non-adiabatic methods help us to understand how atoms will move when electrons jump between various potential energy surfaces. For simplicity, you can assume that the S, P, and D orbitals of a hydrogen atom as different potential energy surfaces. Part of my current research also focuses on Bio-mimetic catalysis. To know more about my research interests, please visit my scholar or LinkedIn pages.

Marta Ruiz Valdés Botany and Plant Sciences, Communications Director

Development of fast screening methods to detect resistance or tolerance to biotic stresses (Citrus nematode, Citrus tristeza virus & Huanglongbing) for citrus breeding in California.

Morgan Halane Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Social Chair and Public Engagement Representative

The roles of secreted proteins from the citrus greening disease-associated bacterium (CLas)

Marta Pudzianowska Botany and Plant Sciences, Graphic Design Representative

Turfgrass breeding and genetics. Improving warm-season grasses for winter color retention and drought tolerance.

Francesc Gómez Marco Entomology, Symposium Director

Proactive biological control of the invasive pest, the Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF). Host specificity studies of the SLF parasitoid on the lantern fly native species from the west coast.

Salini Sasidharan Environmental Science, Symposium Advisor

Developing next-generation engineering infiltration techniques and devices to resolve many water quantity and quality issues across the globe.