Clare Casteel - Primary Investigator
Numerous studies have demonstrated that vector-borne pathogens influence host characteristics, resulting in altered host-vector interactions and enhanced transmission. The Casteel lab seeks to determine the molecular mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon and utilize this knowledge to develop innovative control strategies using genetic and biochemical approaches. Current focuses are on changes in plant signaling and defenses, cell biology, and protein functions in response to insect vectors and the viral pathogens they transmit. Outside of science, I enjoy music, making art, skiing, bowling, thrifting, furniture repair and eating at the many great restaurants here in Ithaca!
email: ccasteel (at) cornell.edu
Twitter handle: @clarecasteel
Postdoctoral Researchers
Eli Bloom
I grew up in Nebraska where my family owned and operated a small-scale organic farm. A good deal of my research takes place on farms and is farmer focused. I work with pests, viruses and vectors, invasive species, and pollinators. I also work some with ecological theory, mainly with observational data and statistical models. In large part, I try to use ecological theory to understand the factors mediating farming system sustainability. I work closely with farmers and the public to extend my research. Over the next two years, I am investigating an emergent pest management tactic; the use of soil microbes to promote plant defenses and reduce insect pests. This research will use a social and ecological model to examine the factors mediating the adoption of organic farming practices. Outside of work, I enjoy urban gardening, botanizing, running/hiking/skiing/bicycling, yoga and meditation, music and the arts, mushrooming, vegetarian and vegan cooking, travel, and spending time with family.
email: ehb64 ( at ) cornell.edu
Twitter handle: @susta1nabeelity
Chad Nihranz
Broadly, I am interested in ecological and evolutionary questions related to plant-insect interactions in complex agroecosystems. My doctoral research focused on the transgenerational impacts of insect herbivory and plant inbreeding on plant fitness and defense-related traits. As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Casteel Lab, I am interested in examining the effects of insect-vectored plant viruses on host plant phenotypes. Specifically, I am interested in how virus infection influences chemically-mediated multi-trophic interactions among host plants, insect vectors, and their natural enemies
email: cn326 ( at ) cornell.edu
Twitter handle: @ChadNihranz
Graduate Students
Zoe Economos
Zoe is primarily interested in exploring how farmers' practices influence their respective fields' soil microbiome composition, and in turn observing how those compositional changes potentially affect crop plants' immunity to pathogens and resilience to stresses in general. Their research goals are ultimately contextualized by generating useful information that can aid farmers, growers, and all members of a diverse and resilient food system in decision-making––they believe that the communicative bridge between scientists and the general public should be more readily available and inclusive! In their free time, they enjoy yoga, drawing, gardening, and dancing, to name a few things––Ithaca has a great variety of opportunities to do all of these!
email: zce3 ( at ) cornell.edu
Joshua Ploshay
New PhD student starting in Fall 2024! More information to come soon.
Ethan McAnally
My research is focused on microbial ecology, and I am fascinated by the conditions microbes tolerate and create in their environment. My past work has been primarily in wetlands and streams looking at algae communities, specifically DNA sequencing of diatoms for bioassessment. In the Casteel Lab, I am currently working with agricultural soil microbiomes and their relationship to farming practices such as pesticide use or composting. In my personal life I love to forage, garden, paint, hike, cook, and eat good food. I am coming to Ithaca from Oregon, so exploring these passions in the Northeast has been a fun adventure!
email: em872( at ) cornell.edu
Undergraduate Researchers
Tyseen Murad
Photos!
Golden Hour Glow!
