A Professor of Mycology in the Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers University White’s research interests include paleomycology and the evolutionary development of microbial plant symbioses—including the study of both fossil and extant systems. In particular, recently Dr. White and collaborators have been examining the roles of intracellular bacteria in modulation of plant development and nutrient acquisition.
Email: jwhite3728@gmail.com
Earned a B.S. degree in Plant Biotechnology and Plant Science Research from Rutgers University in 2015. Her current research focuses on endophytes of the invasive plant Phragmites australis and agricultural applications of growth promotional endophytes. She regularly participates in the American Chemical Society’s National Chemistry Week and Super Science Saturday at New Jersey State Science Festival, and serves as a science fair judge for local schools. She has received the Distinguished Student, Dowd-Fessler Laboratory scholarship, and Outstanding Volunteer awards.
A graduate student studying plant pathology at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Her undergraduate research at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania focused on native plant systematics. Currently she is developing research on endophytic microbes of native and invasive Hop cultivars to improve plant health, vigor, and yield of natural products. She is also interested in disease virulence traits of pathogenic fungi.
A graduate student in the Department of Plant Biology at Rutgers University. She received her master degree in Plant Nutrition from China Agriculture University, China. Her research interests include the effects of endophytes on the nutritional status of crop plants.
Celeste graduated with a B.A. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Rutgers University in 2018. Their research focuses on the endophytes of desert plants and their potential applications as biostimulants and biopesticides. In particular, they’re interested in the bacterial endophytes from wild desert agaves.
Outside the lab, Celeste works as a freelance illustrator.
Peerapol earned his B.S. in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2019 and is a current PhD student. His research investigates growth promotion by endophytes in hydroponic systems and under different nutrition regimes, focusing primarily on lettuce production.
In his downtime, Peerapol practices insect and mushroom photography.
Fernando graduated with a B.S. in Plant Biology from Rutgers University in 2019 and is a current Ph.D. Student. His research focuses on endophytes found in plants within the Lamiaceae and their effects on managing disease and increasing the production of essential oils within the plant. In future studies, he hopes to compare mint essential oil quality and efficacy to commercial products in hopes of seeing increased cytotoxic properties in the same.
Linsey holds two B.S. degrees: Forensic Science, Molecular Biology (2015) and Medicinal Plant Chemistry (Northern Michigan University 2021) and is currently a PhD student. Her research focuses on endophytes in Lamiaceae plants and the effect they have on plant development. In addition, she is investigating the effects of endophytes on trichome development and how they effect the chemical profile.
In her spare time Linsey enjoys foraging and taking photos of mushrooms.
Micah earned his B.S. in Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior from Rutgers University in 2021. He is currently a PhD student and a teaching assistant in the Department of Plant Biology. His research focuses on the impact of various forms of fertilizer on endophyte populations and plant development. His commitment to science and research is driven by a passion for the environment and increasing the sustainability of agricultural practices.
In his free time, Micah likes to stay active and explore the world as he rides his bicycle, swims, and rock climbs.
Raquele graduated from Rutgers after finishing a bachelor’s in Plant Science. At the White lab she now continues as a Ph.D. student focusing on the interactions between various cereal plants and microbes. She’s currently paying the most attention to the relationship between corn and various microbes. Specifically, the plants that she is looking into are hypothesized as conducting in-planta nitrogen fixation. She is currently being funded by the USDA NIFA and collaborating with the Maandamin Institute.
She enjoys creating clay and canvas art, practicing Hot Yoga, and travelling in her alone time.
Sean is a graduate of CUNY and Rutgers University. He is currently studying the effect and interactions of endophytic microbes with Solanum Lycopersicum (tomatoes). His research includes identifying beneficial endophytic microbes, the effects of CO2 on these microbes, and their relationship with trichomes.