Priscila Chaverri
Education
- Ph. D. in Plant Pathology. Department of Plant Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
- B.Sc. in Forestry. Forestry School, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR). Cartago, Costa Rica.
Areas of Expertise
Mycology, Microbiology, Systematics, Phylogenetics, Phytobiomes, Plant Pathology, Biological Control
Biography
My main expertise is in all aspects of systematics, taxonomy, evolution, and phylogenetics/ phylogenomics of fungi. The most recent focus of my research has been on using systematics, phylogenetics/phylogenomics, genomics, and metabolomics to predict ecological functions and biological activity of fungi found in natural phytobiomes, with emphasis in biological control and sustainable agriculture. I have extensive experience working in the laboratory and the field, and I use state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and analyses in my research programs. I have also delved into herbivorous animal microbiomes.
Research Interests
Visit the Chaverri Research Lab
Teaching Interests
I teach Microbiology I BIOL309 (Spring and Fall) and Microbiology II BIOL310 (sporadically).
My courses are taught on a CURE modality (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences).
CURE Project Themes
- Fall 2023: Microbial diversity associated with leaves and soil under American beech trees (Fagus grandifolia)
- Spring 2024: Mycoviruses of plant-associated fungi
- Fall 2024: Various mini-projects such as antifungal properties of turmeric extracts, effects of sodium content on fungal colonization in cheese, among others
- Spring 2025: Microbiome of soils with different concentration of PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
- Fall 2025: Gut Passages: How Turtles Shape the Microbial Life of Plants (cross-CURE with General Ecology BIOL317
Service Interests
- Executive Vice President, Mycological Society of America. 2024-2027.
- Elected member of the Executive Committee for the International Mycological Association. 2024-2026.
Awards and Recognitions
- 2024. Presidential Achievement Award, Distinguished Award in Research and Grants, Bowie State University.
- 2024. Outstanding Researcher Award. College of Arts and Sciences, Bowie State University.
- 2022: Elected and inducted into the National Academy of Sciences (Costa Rica).
- 2016: Scientist of the Year. An award given biennially to one outstanding scientist in Costa Rica and bestowed by the National Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
- 2013: C. J. Alexopolous award. This award is given annually by the Mycological Society of America (MSA) to "...an outstanding mycologist early in their career."
Memberships and Affiliations
- Mycological Society of America
- International Mycological Association
- Ecological Society of America
- American Phytopathological Society