Mushroom Fly Research Team
Jason Woolcott
Laboratory Manager/Curmudgeon
Jason has been a technician on the mushroom fly research team for nearly a decade. Jason is a retired coast guard officer, managing colonies and research projects as a second career. Jason has always been fascinated with bugs, and has been an invertebrate enthusiast his entire life.
Hannah Martin
Research Technician
Hannah graduated from PSU with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She has been with the lab for nearly three years. Her two main projects focus on identifying novel insecticides in laboratory tests to control fly pests on mushroom farms, and characterizing mushroom fly responses to different wavelengths and intensities of light. Hannah plans to attend veterinary school. Outside of the lab, Hannah enjoys riding horses and spending time with her dog.
Malachi Brought
Graduate Student
Malachi is working on his master’s degree in Entomology at PSU. Malachi studied entomology and ecology as an undergraduate. His projects explore mushroom fly responses to odors and the efficacy of nematodes as part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy to control mushroom flies on mushroom farms.
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Malachi has worked on many different research projects where he: investigated the impacts of RNA interference in the gut of Drosophila, assessed pest management practices of the Spotted Lantern Fly, synthesized acetylsalicylic acid by microwave irradiation, and identified the impacts of pesticide application on the growth and development of Masonry Bees. Driven by a love of insects discovered at a young age, Malachi strives to use his knowledge and skills to develop novel methods of controlling pests that impact our social and agricultural systems. When not in the lab, he enjoys outdoor activities like hunting and fishing as well as computer building and gaming.
Luke Reynolds
Graduate student
Luke is working on his master's degree in the Wolfin lab studying predator mite ecology and IPM methods using predator mites to control mushroom flies on mushroom farms. Luke earned his Bachelor's Degree at the University of Delaware. Luke began researching predatory mites in the Crossley Lab at the University of Delaware.
Justin Riedhammer
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Justin is a senior Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major at Penn State. Justin is working on projects to understand the differences in volatile profiles of raw, spawned, and fully colonized mushroom compost, and how this affects fly host acceptance behaviors. Justin hopes to earn a PhD in medical research. In his spare time he plays ultimate frisbee and video games.
Tyler Lesko
Graduate Student
Tyler completed his Masters at Penn State University studying upregulated flavonoid compounds of Sorghum and Maize in Dr. Surinder Chopra's Lab. Tyler is spearheading the plant-derived biopesticide efficacy trials.
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Tyler has recently begun working on his PhD continuing to study the flavonoid compounds.
Fatima Diarra
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Fatima is an undergraduate Biochemistry major at PSU. She previously worked as an engagement and skill-development coordinator. Fatima has now transitioned into research investigating the effectiveness of pesticides on mushroom flies. In her free time, she likes to travel to new cities, go on hikes, and bake. Fatima plans on getting her Masters in pharmaceutical sciences and pursuing pharmacology in the future.
Affiliate Team Members
Previous Lab Members
Where are they now?
Trent McCracken
Undergraduate Research Assistant
(Co-advised by Surinder Chopra)
Trent earned his Bachelor's Degree in plant science at PSU, and worked on research projects in the Chopra Lab and the Wolfin lab. Trent has a passion for plant breeding, and enjoys projects exploring applied uses of plant genetics. Trent's projects involve hand pollinating maize plants to assess plant phenotypes, and investigating the effect of upregulated sorghum and maize flavonoid compounds on mushroom fly mortality. In his spare time, Trent enjoys fishing and hiking.
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Since leaving the Wolfin Lab, Trent began his Master's work at the University of Georgia studying tomato genetics.
Dimitrios Manias
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Dimitrios is a sophomore Biobehavioral Health major interested in psychology and physiology, with additional interest in insect behavior and anatomy. He's had the opportunity to work with Nematodes and Drosophila flies in previous work. He currently studies Phorid flies, and hopes to continue to expand his research experiences at Penn State. His other interests include history, reading, and reviewing music.