Hi, I’m Chase!

Since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by the world. I grew up in a rural county in Virginia, where my curiosity was continuously stimulated through outdoor exploration. I developed a deep appreciation for all forms of life and knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life learning about and conserving this beautiful planet and its inhabitants.

I’m grateful for the wide range of experiences I’ve had, which has shaped my love for research, communication, and education. I have researched many topics, including fungal and bacterial plant pathogens as well as bioluminescent bacteria! One of my favorite parts about research is communication, where I get to share my findings with others and find creative ways to talk about my science!

I am also passionate about education, which has led me to unique positions around the world, teaching English in Poland, teaching microbiology courses at Virginia Tech and Indiana University, and serving as an environmental educator on a National Wildlife Refuge!

So, whether you’re here because you want to learn more about my research, read a creative blog post, or hear about my hiking adventures, I’m glad you’re here! Let’s learn something, together!