Elena joined the lab with a strong foundation in soil health assessment and quantitative analysis. She earned a B.S. in Environmental Science (Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture) from Loyola University Chicago (Magna Cum Laude) and completed multiple research experiences focused on soil biological indicators, including POXC, ACE protein, PLFA, and enzyme activity assays. Her REU projects examined microbial community responses to cover crops and the effects of flooding and nitrogen management on soil health. Elena is skilled in sample collection and processing, R statistical analysis, and clear scientific communication, and she contributes these strengths to semi-arid related datasets and soil fertility projects in the lab.