Research Team
Graduate Students
Parker Bartz, M.S. Student
My goal is to research how environmental shifts and disturbances affect the complex interactions of species in tropical forest ecosystems. I utilize my background in ecology, plant biology, and biochemistry to study these interactions to better predict how tropical forests will be impacted as the world's climate continues to change.
Gina Errico, M.S. Student
I am interested in studying how human induced environmental changes are influencing plant communities. Specifically, how these changes affect plant community interactions with biotic factors, such as herbivory and fungi.
Gabriela Hernandes Villani, M.S. Student
My background is in environmental engineering and environmental consultancy. Before coming to OSU, I worked at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute on leaf heat tolerance in native species plantations at the Agua Salud Project in Panama. I am interested in investigating the effects of climate change on tropical forests; specifically, on how climate influences the interactions among plants, natural enemies, and fungi.
Undergraduate Students
Gabby Barber, Undergraduate Student, Major: Plant Biology, Wentz Research Scholar
and Honors Thesis Mentee
My goal is to conduct research on forest responses to climate change and drought. My current research looks at how rodent predation on seeds changes with seed density, habitat type, and camouflage. This is important because plants cannot grow if they are eaten as seeds!
Shelby McMahan, Undergraduate Student, Major: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering,
AURCA Research Assistant
My goal is to study the effect of soil fungi on plants in Tallgrass prairies and learn about growth in the tropical forest. The intricate qualities and complex design of plants have always intrigued me!
Elizabeth Struble, Undergraduate Student, Major: Environmental Science, Research Assistant
I am interested in how climate change and other environmental alterations will alter microorganism communities. I am currently studying the effect of soil microorganisms on the Tallgrass Prairie.
Join Us
Undergraduates
The Bachelot Lab is a great place for undergraduate researchers! Our lab hosts undergraduates from a variety of majors and experience levels. The Bachelot Lab is a good fit for undergraduates with an interest in ecological questions, biology, plant-insect interactions, fungi, field research, quantitative methods, theoretical approaches, statistics and more.
Bachelot Lab undergraduates conduct their research through a variety of mechanisms such as honors/Wentz/Niblack projects, work-study positions, research for course credit, Freshman Research Scholars, AURCA assistants, volunteering and paid research assistant roles.
If you are interested in joining us, please email Dr. Bachelot.
Graduate Students
Prospective graduate students should email Dr. Bachelot before preparing an application to the program. Dr. Bachelot does anticipate taking a student in Fall 2024.
Postdoctoral Researchers
The Bachelot Lab is always looking for postdoctoral researchers to join the group both as scientists and mentors. Prospective postdocs should email Dr. Bachelot to talk about research interests. She is interested in helping potential postdocs prepare fellowship applications to support their work with the Bachelot Lab.