Lab Members

Dr. Wood is an ecosystem ecologist with a focus on biogeochemistry and wetland ecology. She grew up in Houston, Texas, and graduated from BYU with a B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Science (2012/2013). She was the manager of the Environmental Analytical Laboratory at BYU from 2012 to 2021 and received a Ph.D. in Ecology from Utah State University in 2021. Her research centers on linkages between human disturbance, ecosystem function, and microbial community response in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. She is currently investigating the effect of environmental perturbations associated with Phragmites invasion and control measures on microbial gene expression and community functions.

I got my bachelors from BYU in biology in 2018 with a minor in environmental science, then worked for a few years in forensic DNA before starting my graduate degree at BYU in January 2023. I consider myself an ecosystem ecologist, and my research looks at how the soil microbial community responds and maintains essential functions under changing plant regimes (Phragmites invasion) and environmental or anthropogenic stressors (salts, herbicides, etc.). I love my work and have a strong passion for the natural world and any research that brings me closer to it. Aside from work, I also love my husband and two children, rainy days, painting, wilderness, baking delicious things, and rockhounding.

I am from Taipei, Taiwan. I earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from BYU in 2022 and started my graduate studies in Fall 2023, focusing on ecosystem ecology. My current research investigates changes in energy and nutrient fluxes in wetlands invaded by Phragmites australis, as well as post-restoration dynamics. I also examine the environmental fate of herbicides used in Phragmites management. Outside of school, I like to learn languages and draw.

Liz completed her BS in biology from Westminster College. After graduating, she gained a lot of experience making PCR mixes from her time working at a biotech company. Now she is working on her MS degree at BYU working with Dr Rachel Wood. She is researching the impact of freshwater springs inside the Great Salt Lake on the lake's ecosystem, primarily focusing on the microbial population.

Hi! I am Sarah Cole and I am studying Environmental Science and Sustainability. I am working with the Hawaii, UGS, and the Pharmeceutical project. Water quality is my passion and I am hoping to have a career in a related field.

Major: Biodiversity and Conservation, Lab project interests: earth stewardship and public education, indigenous knowledge use in science, water quality, and environmental policy. Future career goals: Environmental Law.

Ryan is a senior pursuing a degree in Biology. He plans to apply to medical school in the future. His research interests include wetland ecology and microbial community dynamics. Outside of the lab, Ryan works as a medical assistant and scribe and he enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

My name is James Gibson. I enjoy hiking, biking, unicycling, writing music and playing music. My research is on testing several Ai models inputting satellite and drone footage to track the growth of Phragmites. If I need help in lab it's usually with masking or doing captcha with my footage.

I am studying Bioinformatics with a goal of going to medical school. I am fascinated by the world of microbes. I'm currently working on a project using machine learning to identify functional microbial relationships in the human gut that predict metabolic disease. I have previously studied the dynamic microbial communities responsible for toxic cyanobacteria blooms in freshwater and those that synthesize biofuel in hyperthermophilic anaerobic reactors.

Bryant is a senior pursuing an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, and is planning on going to medical school. He is from Chugiak, Alaska and is interested in all things outdoors such as running, biking, hiking, and skiing. Bryant is interested in invasive species and how they affect biodiversity, along with pharmaceuticals in the environment.

my name is walker graves, i’m studying environmental science and sustainability and am so excited to work to better the world around me!

Logan is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He has plan to apply to dental school in the future. He enjoys fighting phragmites in lab field-work and going for runs.