Caitlyn is a first-year Horticulture and Agronomy Master’s student researching rapid
response to the novel resistance-breaking strain of pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum
(referred to as FW2) in cultivated strawberry. The goals of this research project are to
(1) utilize genetics and genomics to uncover and identify resistance to FW2, as well as
(2) utilize the pathogen biology and diagnostics for detecting the new California FW2
strain. Caitlyn’s research interests include the genetic basis of disease resistance
within crops, ruit-pathogen interactions and fruit quality, and fruit genetic diversity,
genomics, and bioinformatics.
Caitlyn earned her B.S. from CSU Monterey Bay, where she conducted undergraduate
research on characterizing and quantifying Pythium spp. from lettuce soils in the Salinas
Valley.
In her free time, Caitlyn enjoys reading, playing volleyball, taking care of her plants, and
spending time with her Frenchie puppy.