Current

Laura L. Jenkins Hladky, Biological Science Technician (2006 – current). Laura is a true molecular biologist and joined the USDA-ARS in Salinas, CA in 2006 after working various jobs, including her role as a Biochemist for Bayer. Laura received her B.S. from the University of Oregon and is involved in all things “molecular-related” and is a crucial member of the Hasegawa Lab and Wintermantel Lab. Laura loves the beach, sunshine, and a good happy hour.

Viviana Garcia Camelo, Research Plant Pathologist (2023 – current). Viviana joined the lab after spending several years researching rhizomania of sugar beet crops. Viviana received a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of São Paulo in Brazil, an M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from the National University of Colombia, and a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from the same institution. Viviana is currently unravelling the complex interactions of two co-occurring diseases of lettuce caused by INSV and Pythium uncinulatum. Viviana loves to travel, concerts and good music, and taking care of her large collection of house plants.

Shulu Zhang, Research Molecular Biologist (2023 – current). Shulu joined the lab after spending years working in the industry developing diagnostic assays for plant pathogens. Shulu received a Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Virology from the University of East Anglia/John Innes Institute in Norwich, UK. Shulu is currently developing new diagnostic assays for detecting insect-transmitted viruses. Shulu is an avid hiker and enjoys exploring new trails on the California coast.

Deena Husein, Research Entomologist (2023 – current). Deena joined the lab after receiving a Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of California Riverside and a B.S. in Entomology and Biological Sciences from the University of Georgia. Deena is currently developing a variety of classical methods and new technologies for managing insect pests and insect-transmitted viruses. Deena is a self-proclaimed “foodie” and enjoys hiking with her dog, Luna.

Jasmin Azad-Khan, Biological Science Aid (2023 – current). Jasmin joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay and is pursuing a B.S. in Biology (concentration: Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology). 

Ulisses Peralta-Diaz, Biological Science Aid (2023 – current). Ulisses joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay and is pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences.

Suzette Segoviano-Quiroz, Biological Science Aid (2023 – current). Suzette joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay and is pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences.

Luis Ramirez-Espinoza, Biological Science Aid (2024 – current). Luis joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay and is pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences.

Litzy Jacuinde, USDA NextGen Intern (2024 – current). Litzy joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay and is pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences.

Alfredo "Freddy" Vargas, Undergraduate Research Opportunity Center Intern (2024 – current). Freddy joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay and is pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences.

Former

Chaela Hicks, Biological Science Aid (2023 – 2024); Chaela joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay while pursuing a B.S. in Biology (concentration: Molecular Biology). Chaela is now pursuing new research opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. 

Lisette Godinez-Rivera, Biological Science Aid (2023 – 2024). Lisette joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay while pursuing a B.S. in Biology (concentration: Molecular Biology). Lisette is now using her molecular biology skills as a Research and Development Technician at Driscoll's.

Kai Larrieu, Biological Science Aid (2022 - 2023); Kai joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay while pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences. Kai is now an Educator at MEarth, inspiring the young and old to become better environmental stewards.

Juan Vargas, Biological Science Aid (2022 - 2023); Juan joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay while pursuing a B.S. Biology (concentration: Molecular Biology). Juan is now a Molecular Biologist at Monterey Mushrooms, creating the next best tasty mushroom.

Kiara Gable, Biological Science Aid (2022 - 2023); Kiara joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay while pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Plant and Soil Sciences. Kiara is now a Soil Conservationist at the Natural Resources Conservation Service, working with ranchers to promote sustainable farming practices.

Grace Hardy, Biological Science Aid (2021 - 2023); Grace joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay while pursuing a B.S. in Biology (concentration: Molecular Biology). Grace is now a graduate student at Oregon State University, pursuing a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology.

Duncan Miller, Biological Science Aid (2021 - 2022); Duncan joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay while pursuing a B.S. in Marine Science. Duncan then received his M.S. in Environmental Science and is now a GIS Specialist at the California Department of Conservation.

Rahil Ryder, Biological Science Aid (2020 - 2021); Rahil joined the lab as a graduate student at California State University Monterey Bay while pursuing an M.S. Environmental Science. Rahil is now a Genomics Data Scientist at the California Department of Public Health.

Shawn Melendy, Biological Science Aid (2020); Shawn joined the lab after receiving a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Oregon. Shawn then received an M.S. in Applied Environmental Science at California State University Monterey Bay and is now an Academic Writer in Canada.

Joseph Mellow, Biological Science Aid (2020 - 2021); Joseph joined the lab as an undergraduate at California State University Monterey Bay while pursuing a B.S. in Biology (concentration: Molecular Biology). Joseph then received an M.S. in Plant Pathology at Washington State University.