Hello! I am Olivia, a current PhD candidate at SUNY ESF. I am researching the restoration of culturally significant wetland plants and fungi in Southeastern MA, where I grew up. My projects involve two amazing wetland plants: Atlantic white cedars and soft-stem bulrush. My work with cedars involves understanding their fungal communities and if inoculating with fungi can help restore cedar swamps--there are currently several projects underway to restore cedar swamps at retired cranberry bogs (AKA cranberry farms). 98% of cedar swamps have been destroyed since the onset of settler colonialism and I so deeply want to help restore them. There's only been one scientific study on cedars' mycorrhizal ecology in the last ~27 years! I'm also helping with mapping local populations of bulrush and learning more about their ecology, propagation, and places to restore them for cultural use. My research is collaborative and I work with local Indigenous-led and other restoration organizations so that my work can directly help heal our wetlands.

Unfortunately, my 3-year teaching assistant position has run out, and I am left without any funding from my institution. I have worked really hard to raise funds for the last 2 years of my research costs (materials, lab fees, transportation) as well as summer and semester stipends for myself--and I have raised enough money from other sources for all but my last semester of my PhD (Spring 2026). I do think that supporting science, research, and restoration is essential in this time.

I am so grateful for your support. I love talking with people about all things native plants, fungi, wetlands, and I also want to lift you up in your ecology journey as well. I love working with and mentoring undergrads and young people, and would be happy to talk to you and help you if you're considering grad school or want to learn more about any of these topics. I look forward to sharing more with you about my work!

If you are interested in supporting me with a scholarship or grant, I would be so grateful, and it is possible to do so through my institution. Please reach out by clicking the contact button below--thank you!