Simone is a PhD student in the Plant Biology department. Her work focuses on the ecophysiology of host defenses in loblolly pine with Fusarium circinatum. Simone received her BS in Biology at the University of Central Florida. Her undergraduate work focused on the toxicity of secondary metabolites found in the genus Helianthus and investigated their effects on a common pest, Vanessa cardui. Her interests are primarily chemical ecology, plant ecophysiology, and plant-insect interactions. Apart from science, Simone enjoys going to local shows, cooking, playing video games, and reading at home with her cat Jennie. Research Labs/Centers/Committee: Villari Forest Pathology Lab
