People

Chakradhar leads the Berry and Potato Pathology (BPP) program. He conducts research and extension activities addressing the biology and management of diseases of highbush blueberry and potato crops.

Cristina is originally from Quito, Ecuador. She studied plant biotechnology at The University of Queensland and completed a master’s degree in crop science at Washington State University. Her studies have focused on quinoa, in topics related to plant pathology, compatibility with speed-breeding and screening of preharvest sprouting resistance. She wishes to contribute to the improvement of our food systems at the social and ecological levels. In her spare time, she is a co-host for the illuminata podcast. 

Adam helps with lab and field projects in the BPP program. Born and raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia and currently residing in Bellingham, Adam made the move from the east coast after graduating with a B.S. in Geology from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. During the winter months he can typically be found exploring the Cascades on skis and honing his skills as an amateur photographer. He also enjoys hiking, biking, and sea kayaking when there’s no snow in the mountains and has recently been experimenting with brewing fruit wines.

Aidan is a recent molecular biology graduate from Western Washington University and is excited to join the Berry and Potato Pathology lab as a Laboratory Assistant. They spent their undergrad building molecular and microbiology laboratory skills that they are excited to continue with current projects at WSU NWREC. Aidan grew up in Portland, Oregon and moved to Bellingham 3 years ago to study at WWU. They have a strong passion for plant-microbe biology as well as singing, rock climbing, and plant identification.

Mary obtained a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and a master’s degree in agriculture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Her master’s research involved surveying and managing soilborne pathogens of strawberry. Seeing the ability of plant pathology research to provide practical solutions for growers, Mary sought to continue her plant pathology training at WSU.

Curriculum Vitae (updated Jan 2025)

Francely earned a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from EARTH University (2020, Costa Rica) and an M.S. in Sustainable Tropical Agriculture from Zamorano University (2023, Honduras). Her master’s research focused on the adaptability and yield performance of introduced tomato lines under greenhouse and open field conditions in Honduras. She completed an internship at the World Vegetable Center in Taiwan, conducting RNA-Seq analysis to identify resistance genes in peppers and evaluating biocontrol agents. She also participated in the Ohio International Intern Program in Connecticut, working on biofertilizer product registration.