News!
My lab is recruiting an MSc student (fall 2026) and a postdoctoral researcher (January 2026 or negotiable) to work on an exciting project investigating the effects of bat seed dispersal on plant microbiomes and pathogen dynamics in tropical ecosystems. For more information, click here.

Photo courtesy of J. Aihartza

About me
My main expertise is in all aspects of systematics, taxonomy, evolution, and phylogenetics/ phylogenomics of fungi. The most recent focus of my research has been on using systematics, phylogenetics/phylogenomics, genomics, and metabolomics to predict ecological functions and biological activity of fungi found in natural phytobiomes, with emphasis in biological control and sustainable agriculture. I have also delved into investigating the role of fungi in animal microbiomes.

CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
Associate Professor of Microbiology
Department of Natural Sciences, Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland, United States
Visiting Scientist
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory. Beltsville, Maryland, United States.
Visiting Scientist
Natural Products Research Center (CIPRONA), University of Costa Rica (UCR). San José, Costa Rica.
Affiliated Researcher
Research and Innovation Center (CENIBiot), National Center of High Technology (CeNAT-CONARE), Pavas, San José, Costa Rica.
Adjunct Associate Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States.