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.

Lydia Baker
Ph.D. Biological Oceanography, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa

Postdoctoral Researcher
260 Wing Hall
lb693@cornell.edu

Symbiosis is a driving force in evolution and ecology. Throughout my career I have studied multiple modes of symbiosis in a variety of ecosystems. In forest and agricultural systems, I studied the pathology of both bacterial and fungal tree diseases. In marine systems, I studied how bacteria influence the health of microalgae, and how this impact can shift as a result of nutrient concentrations. As a member of the Hendry lab I am utilizing my experience in oceanography and ecology to study how bioluminescent bacterial symbionts and anglerfish have evolved together to survive the challenges of living in the deep sea. The deep sea, specifically the bathypelagic (>1000 m depth), is the largest and arguably least understood biome. Using both sequence data from collected specimens and oceanographic metadata we will be able to gain a deeper understanding of basic ecology important for species interactions in the vast and difficult to study deep sea.

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Imperio Real-Ramírez
B.S. Industrial Microbiology, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez

Graduate Student in Microbiology
260 Wing Hall
ir245@cornell.edu

I’m interested in the biology, ecology and evolution of microbes in symbioses with multicellular hosts.

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, birdwatching, and doing scientific illustrations.

Former lab members

John Tawil  Microbiology honors student
Dana Fader   Undergraduate researcher
Rachel Fay  Microbial Friends and Foes REU participant