Erika R. LaPlante
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Erika at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), conducting undergraduate research (2014).
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Research
I am conducting controlled Arabidopsis plant and Drosophila fly interaction experiments. I have compared development time of Scaptomyza flava fly larvae feeding on Arabidopsis thaliana mutants that differed only in the presence or absence of genes for synthesis of glucosinolates, a major defense chemical in mustards. I have also conducted choice test experiments of S. flava on these A. thaliana mutants to determine preference of glucosinolates and camalexins present in these different mutants. These experiments are conducted to determine the identification of plant genes involved in resistance to the herbivorous insect, S. flava. I have been working on this research for three years with Ph.D. Candidate, Andy Gloss.
Coinciding with this research I have been maintaining a large population of Cardamine cordifolia, from select regions around the United States, for glucosinolate profiling. This research will identify the specific glucosinolates present in the different regions of the U.S. where each original plant was collected. We are looking at the coevolution of specialized Scaptomyza flava flies on these plants from the different regions. I have also been working on this research for three years with Ph.D. Candidate, Andy Gloss.
Additionally, I am conducting research with Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Simon 'Niels' Groen, using the CAFE assay to asses the effects of cardenolides on Drosophila performance.
Coinciding with this research I have been maintaining a large population of Cardamine cordifolia, from select regions around the United States, for glucosinolate profiling. This research will identify the specific glucosinolates present in the different regions of the U.S. where each original plant was collected. We are looking at the coevolution of specialized Scaptomyza flava flies on these plants from the different regions. I have also been working on this research for three years with Ph.D. Candidate, Andy Gloss.
Additionally, I am conducting research with Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Simon 'Niels' Groen, using the CAFE assay to asses the effects of cardenolides on Drosophila performance.
Background
I recently graduated with a B.E.S. in Soil, Water and Environmental Science with a focus in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona. Currently, I am employed as a Research Assistant and Lab Manager for the Whiteman Lab.
Research areas of interest include plant defenses against herbivory, community ecology, evolutionary biology, and tropical ecology. My current research is giving me the knowledge and research skills to further my research interests in plant toxins and the ramifications of their production in a community scale ecological context, potentially looking at co evolution of specialized herbivores. My ultimate goal is to conduct field community ecology research looking at climate change and plant migration in the Amazon Rainforest.
Personal hobbies include photographing nature, writing and reading fantasy/science fiction novels, hiking, rock climbing, trail running, painting, and ballroom dancing.
Research areas of interest include plant defenses against herbivory, community ecology, evolutionary biology, and tropical ecology. My current research is giving me the knowledge and research skills to further my research interests in plant toxins and the ramifications of their production in a community scale ecological context, potentially looking at co evolution of specialized herbivores. My ultimate goal is to conduct field community ecology research looking at climate change and plant migration in the Amazon Rainforest.
Personal hobbies include photographing nature, writing and reading fantasy/science fiction novels, hiking, rock climbing, trail running, painting, and ballroom dancing.
Honors and Awards
Graduated with Highest Honors from the Arizona Blue Chip Program, 2014.
Granted Undergraduate Research Position at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) working with Dr. Lara Souza from the University of Oklahoma, 2014.
Assistant Theme Coordinator for the Arizona Blue Chip Program
Years in Position: 2013 to 2014
Duties: Advised the Programming Team and mentored Programming Team Interns. Programmed and hosted the following events: Eco Interphases, Family Weekend BBQ, Etiquette Dinner, Case Study Competition, Meet-Ups, Socials. Collaborated with Case Study Competition partners the Sky Island Alliance.
Green Fund Grant
Awarded: 2012 and 2013
Position: Extern for the Tucson Village Farm at the Pima County Cooperative Extension Office at the University of Arizona Campus Agriculture Center.
Duties: Gained organic farming knowledge and experience. Taught educational lessons to youth and adults about organic farming practices and health benefits. Managed large-scale events like U-Pick, Farm Camp, Green Birthday Parties, and Growing Forward.
Soil, Water and Environmental Science (SWES) President
Years in Office: 2012 to 2013
Duties: Coordinated large-scale volunteer service events like the Kumataka Mine Restoration Project and Buffel Grass Pulls. Worked with SWES faculty, community partners, club officers, and students to build relations.
Dean’s List at the University of Arizona, 2010 to 2011.
Granted Undergraduate Research Position at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) working with Dr. Lara Souza from the University of Oklahoma, 2014.
Assistant Theme Coordinator for the Arizona Blue Chip Program
Years in Position: 2013 to 2014
Duties: Advised the Programming Team and mentored Programming Team Interns. Programmed and hosted the following events: Eco Interphases, Family Weekend BBQ, Etiquette Dinner, Case Study Competition, Meet-Ups, Socials. Collaborated with Case Study Competition partners the Sky Island Alliance.
Green Fund Grant
Awarded: 2012 and 2013
Position: Extern for the Tucson Village Farm at the Pima County Cooperative Extension Office at the University of Arizona Campus Agriculture Center.
Duties: Gained organic farming knowledge and experience. Taught educational lessons to youth and adults about organic farming practices and health benefits. Managed large-scale events like U-Pick, Farm Camp, Green Birthday Parties, and Growing Forward.
Soil, Water and Environmental Science (SWES) President
Years in Office: 2012 to 2013
Duties: Coordinated large-scale volunteer service events like the Kumataka Mine Restoration Project and Buffel Grass Pulls. Worked with SWES faculty, community partners, club officers, and students to build relations.
Dean’s List at the University of Arizona, 2010 to 2011.
