About
Hello there! My name is Benton, and I am a student pursuing my PhD in Plant Pathology with Dr. Matthew Smith’s lab. I am currently the Fungal Collections Manager for the University of Florida Herbarium (FLAS-F).
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Education
B.S. in Biology, minor in English - Davidson College, Class of 2021
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Research
Generally, I am interested in host-pathogen ecology and taxonomy. Specifically, I am studying Exobasidium, a biotrophic genus of fungi that causes flower-like galls on Ericales (the order of plants that includes blueberries and azaleas). Through my research, I hope to understand their host specificity, systematics, and dispersal methods, and potential interactions with other organisms.