Ada J. Neupane — Currently a PhD Candidate studying the population genetics of the invasive fungal pathogen Austropuccinia psidii. The invasive pathogen Austropuccinia psidii causes myrtle rust disease on over 400 plant species in cultivated settings and natural ecosystems worldwide. Population genetics can help to identify distinct pathogen lineages, improving our understanding of A. psidii‘s evolutionary history, migration patterns, and response to environmental conditions, while informing effective disease management strategies.
Ada also completed her Master’s degree with Dr. Stewart. Major Advisor 2022 – 2024, Agricultural Biology, CSU, M.S.
Ada’s thesis, “Fire-Associated Shifts in the Soil Microbiome in Western Conifer Forests: Implications for Armillaria Root Disease Biocontrol and Management,” examined how soil microbial communities associated with Armillaria root disease respond to fire disturbance in western conifer forests, submitted summer 2024.
Ada is from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing, and baking in her free time.