University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Fungal Ecology Research Lab is directed by Dr. Teddy Garcia-Aroca, an assistant professor, quantitative fungal ecologist, and instructor in the Department of Plant Pathology at UNL. Our lab's research intersects the multidisciplinary fields of biological sciences, microbiology, and bioinformatics, with a focus on fungal plant pathogens.
Our research spans multiple dimensions, including the evolution of pathogen populations, host range, ecological niche adaptation, and human-driven factors such as pathogen resistance to agricultural chemicals. We also explore the diversity of pathogens across ecosystems, the variety of secondary metabolites they produce, lifestyle transitions, survival strategies, pathogen-pathogen interactions, and their roles in community ecology.
We are always looking for motivated candidates to join our lab as graduate and undergraduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars or staff. If interested, please email Teddy at teddy.garcia@unl.edu.
To join our lab, please make formal inquiries by visiting the Join Us section and filling out the form (priority will be given to these inquiries).
Riley presented a poster of her research on Colletotrichum coccodes population genetics and fungicide resistance at the 2025 Plant Health meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. This was her first time attending and presenting at an APS meeting!
Riley won a prize at the APS Pitch 120 competition! Riley only had 120 seconds to describe her research on Colletotrichum coccodes population genetics and fungicide resistance. Congratulations, Riley!
Tessa presented a poster of her research on secondary metabolites produced Clonostachys spp. and their uses as biofertilizers at the 2025 Plant Health meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. This was also her first time attending and presenting at an APS meeting!
Kelvin presented a poster of his research on fungicide resistance in soybean pathogens at the 2025 Plant Health meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. The meeting was attended by plant pathologists from around the globe!
Members of the FEL attended the annual MSA meeting that was held this past week in Madison, WI. Tessa, Riley, and Kelvin presented posters on their research and enjoyed learning from other mycologists from around the country.
Tessa presented a poster on her research at the MSA meeting in Madison, WI. Her poster was titled: "Effectivity of Secondary Metabolites Produced by Clonostachys spp. as Plant Growth Promoters."
Kelvin presented a poster on his research at the MSA meeting in Madison, WI. His poster was titled: "Fusarium Diversity and Cryptic Species from Diseased Nebraska Soybeans".
Riley presented a poster on her research at the MSA meeting in Madison, WI. Her poster was titled: "Genetically Distinct Populations of the Potato Black Dot Pathogen, Colletotrichum coccodes, Are Resistant to Fungicides with Multiple Modes of Action".
Kelvin's shared some of his art and research with MSA and it was featured in their June 2025 Newsletter. Read more about it here.
Teddy contributed to a new manuscript that will be published in Plant Health Progress soon. The manuscript is titled "A Diagnostic Guide for Fusarium Root Rot of Soybean" and it is the outcome of efforts by an international group of researchers, led by Febina Mathew at North Dakota State University. Find the pre-print here.
Riley Eisenbraun, who joined our lab in the Fall of 2024 as an undergraduate student, has completed her Bachelor's Degree in Cellular Biochemistry as a Chancellor's Scholar at UNL. Riley graduated with the highest distinction in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR). Congratulations, Riley! Find a note here.
Tessa Fiore, has completed her Bachelor's degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, with highest distinction in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Congratulations, Tessa! Find a note here.
Riley Eisenbraun successfully defended her undergraduate thesis titled: "Single and Multiple Fungicide Resistance Among Genetically Distinct Populations of the Potato Black Dot Pathogen, Colletotrichum coccodes." Congratulations, Riley!
Tessa was featured as the May 2025 student spotlight by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Tessa joined our lab in the Fall of 2023 and recently completed her undergraduate thesis and graduated with highest distinction. Congratulations, Tessa! Read it here.