Team — The Casteel Lab

Clare Casteel - Primary Investigator

Numerous studies have demonstrated that vector-borne pathogens influence host characteristics, resulting in altered host-vector interactions and enhanced transmission. The Casteel lab seeks to determine the molecular mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon and utilize this knowledge to develop innovative control strategies using genetic and biochemical approaches. Current focuses are on changes in plant signaling and defenses, cell biology, and protein functions in response to insect vectors and the viral pathogens they transmit. Outside of science, I enjoy music, making art, skiing, bowling, thrifting, furniture repair and eating at the many great restaurants here in Ithaca!

email: ccasteel (at) cornell.edu

Twitter handle: @clarecasteel 

Eli Bloom

I grew up in Nebraska where my family owned and operated a small-scale organic farm. A good deal of my research takes place on farms and is farmer focused. I work with pests, viruses and vectors, invasive species, and pollinators. I also work some with ecological theory, mainly with observational data and statistical models. In large part, I try to use ecological theory to understand the factors mediating farming system sustainability. I work closely with farmers and the public to extend my research. Over the next two years, I am investigating an emergent pest management tactic; the use of soil microbes to promote plant defenses and reduce insect pests. This research will use a social and ecological model to examine the factors mediating the adoption of organic farming practices. Outside of work, I enjoy urban gardening, botanizing, running/hiking/skiing/bicycling, yoga and meditation, music and the arts, mushrooming, vegetarian and vegan cooking, travel, and spending time with family.

email: ehb64 ( at ) cornell.edu

Twitter handle: @susta1nabeelity

Dinesh Pujara

Coming soon. Dinesh is a new postdoc in the lab starting in fall 2024

Zoe Economos

Zoe is primarily interested in exploring how farmers' practices influence their respective fields' soil microbiome composition, and in turn observing how those compositional changes potentially affect crop plants' immunity to pathogens and resilience to stresses in general. Their research goals are ultimately contextualized by generating useful information that can aid farmers, growers, and all members of a diverse and resilient food system in decision-making––they believe that the communicative bridge between scientists and the general public should be more readily available and inclusive! In their free time, they enjoy yoga, drawing, gardening, and dancing, to name a few things––Ithaca has a great variety of opportunities to do all of these!

email: zce3 ( at ) cornell.edu

Ethan McAnally

My research is focused on microbial ecology, and I am fascinated by the conditions microbes tolerate and create in their environment. My past work has been primarily in wetlands and streams looking at algae communities, specifically DNA sequencing of diatoms for bioassessment. In the Casteel Lab, I am currently working with agricultural soil microbiomes and their relationship to farming practices such as pesticide use or composting. In my personal life I love to forage, garden, paint, hike, cook, and eat good food. I am coming to Ithaca from Oregon, so exploring these passions in the Northeast has been a fun adventure!

email: em872( at ) cornell.edu

Joshua Ploshay

I am fascinated by plant-microbe interactions, particularly because of their interdisciplinary nature and their significance in both agriculture and other industries. My undergraduate research focused on characterizing Streptomyces spp. through multi-locus sequence analysis, aiming to understand how soil microbes contribute to plant health and disease suppression. As a Grand Challenge Fellow, co-advised by the Casteel and Vanden Heuvel labs, my current research focuses on developing a biosensor with high sensitivity and accuracy to detect Botrytis cinerea in vineyards. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Ithaca through activities like biking, hiking, fishing, and disc golf—outdoor adventures I’ve carried over from my home state of California.

Vishwa Baruah

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Zoology with minors in Botany and Chemistry, and a Master's degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from India. My research interests broadly lie in unraveling molecular events leading to broader complex physiological traits and understanding their role in causing 'Disease and Stress' in organisms. My current focus is on understanding the complex interactions between hosts, pathogens, and vectors at physiological, cellular, molecular, and biochemical levels, aiming to translate these insights into novel applications. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, playing football (soccer), watching movies, and traveling. For more details, please visit my Google Scholar page or stay tuned for my website (under development).

Undergraduate Researchers

Ariana Greenberg

Brian Chang

Photos!

Golden Hour Glow!

Dr. Chad Nihranz