Tory A. Hendry
Ph.D. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan Assistant Professor Department of Microbiology Cornell University 260A Wing Hall th572@cornell.edu C.V. |
My background is in evolutionary biology and microbiology. I'm broadly interested in understanding how host interactions shape the evolution and ecology of bacteria.
Current lab members
Melanie Smee
Ph.D. Conservation and Ecological Genetics, University of Exeter, UK Postdoctoral Researcher 260 Wing Hall mrs353@cornell.edu I have quite a broad interest range, which revolves around the interactions of microbes with their hosts. I have worked with various insects and their endosymbiotic bacteria in the contexts of conservation and agriculture, but also coming from an evolutionary standpoint. Do host and microbe coevolve? What happens when there are multiple bacterial partners involved? Do they compete, or do they ultimately strive to become mutualistic? A core aim of my current research in the Hendry lab is to answer questions surrounding more pathogenic interactions between host and microbe, specifically the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Using RNA-seq I’m hoping to elucidate some of the complex interactions seen between plant, insect and microbe. In collaboration with other labs I have also been analysing 16S and ITS sequence data to investigate the diversity in bacterial and fungal microbiomes across a variety of hosts in different ecological scenarios. Ultimately I am interested in how and what generates the amazing biodiversity around us. |

Iris Holmes
Ph.D. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan
CIHMID Postdoctoral Fellow
260 Wing Hall
iah6@cornell.edu
I explore the ways that vertebrate hosts cope with infections from the diverse community of parasites they encounter throughout their lives. Currently, I'm looking at signatures of selection on the immune genes of lizards, and correlating those signatures with the lizard's parasite community.
Vivianna Sanchez
B.S. Biology, Mount Saint Mary’s University, CA Graduate Student in Microbiology 260 Wing Hall vas75@cornell.edu I am interested in microbial diversity and microbial-host interactions in natural settings. I want to explore the ecological roles fulfilled by microbes and their effects on the surrounding multicellular community. |
Kathryn Herr
B.A. Biology with minors in Chemistry and Mandarin Chinese, Willamette University, OR Graduate Student in Microbiology 257 Wing Hall klh276@cornell.edu I find the influence of microbes on host behavior exciting. Currently, my research focuses on how epiphytic bacteria and plant viruses interact with aphid vectors to alter pathogen distribution. Generally, I am interested in host-microbe interactions, evolutionary ecology, and microbial ecology. When not in lab, I am developing my teaching pedagogy, working on my scientific communication skills, bird watching, and doing scientific illustrations. |

Catherine Gbekie
Undergraduate Researcher
I am interested in the intersection of bacterial endosymbiosis, evolution, and
fecundity. My research pertains to pea aphid adaptability and its ability to
reproduce in response to bacterial infection. I aim to advance my understanding
surrounding host and microbe interactions between the plant pathogen,
Pseudomonas syringae, and its insect host, Acyrthosiphon pisum.
Undergraduate Researcher
I am interested in the intersection of bacterial endosymbiosis, evolution, and
fecundity. My research pertains to pea aphid adaptability and its ability to
reproduce in response to bacterial infection. I aim to advance my understanding
surrounding host and microbe interactions between the plant pathogen,
Pseudomonas syringae, and its insect host, Acyrthosiphon pisum.

Jonah Schieber
CIHMID Undergraduate Researcher
I am a senior majoring in Global and Public Health Sciences. I have wide-
ranging interests including population health, infectious disease, microbiology,
and epidemiology. In the Hendry Lab, my work has mainly revolved around the
visual avoidance of P. syringae bacteria by pest aphids.
CIHMID Undergraduate Researcher
I am a senior majoring in Global and Public Health Sciences. I have wide-
ranging interests including population health, infectious disease, microbiology,
and epidemiology. In the Hendry Lab, my work has mainly revolved around the
visual avoidance of P. syringae bacteria by pest aphids.
Former lab members
Dr. Lydia Baker, Postdoctoral Researcher, google scholar profile
Cody Bloomfield, Microbial Friends and Foes REU participant
Catalina Zuluaga Arias, Undergraduate researcher
John Tawil, Microbiology honors student
Dana Fader, Undergraduate researcher
Rachel Fay, Microbial Friends and Foes REU participant
Cody Bloomfield, Microbial Friends and Foes REU participant
Catalina Zuluaga Arias, Undergraduate researcher
John Tawil, Microbiology honors student
Dana Fader, Undergraduate researcher
Rachel Fay, Microbial Friends and Foes REU participant