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).
Kristen is joined the FEL in January of 2026. Kristen obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Botany from Oregon State University in June, 2025. Kristen will be co-advised by Drs. Mike Boehm and Teddy Garcia-Aroca to work on a project related to fungal ecology and Plants as Silent Sentinels. Welcome, Kristen!!!
Teddy delivered a guest online seminar for Zamorano University (Honduras) title: "Emerging diseases in agricultural systems in the US." This was an good opportunity to showcase some of Teddy's previous and current research the Fungal Ecology Lab.
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!