I take immense pride in my active participation within CROPPS (Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems), a Science and Technology Center (STC) generously funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) since 2021. CROPPS boasts an ambitious mission: "Revolutionizing Interactions Between Humans, Plants, and the Environment." Within this vibrant research center, my primary focus has revolved around the intricate realm of mycorrhizal fungi. I have delved deeply into their pivotal role in soil sensing, as well as the nuanced domains of leaf and root endophenotyping.

My dedication to this captivating field has been further invigorated by a remarkable opportunity—securing direct funding for grant writing over three consecutive academic years, spanning from 2021 to 2024, all under the able guidance of my advisor.

Beyond my research pursuits, I've been an active and engaged member of the Trainee Leadership Council (TLC) within CROPPS. In this capacity, I've contributed significantly by organizing a diverse array of workshops, fostering trainee engagement, and ardently championing personal development and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

One of my noteworthy contributions within CROPPS has been my involvement in establishing the FEED (Field Endophenotyping) hub. Here, I've made substantial strides in shaping and enhancing both above-ground and below-ground phenotyping clusters, thereby enriching the growth of our vibrant research community. I've also played a pioneering role in organizing seminar series, with a particular emphasis on data modeling and robotics sensing—both pivotal elements that advance our comprehension of plant phenotyping. M

y journey within CROPPS has not only enabled me to plumb the depths of my research interests but has also provided an influential platform for me to make a meaningful impact on the broader scientific community. As I look ahead, I am eagerly poised to continue this enriching voyage of exploration and collaboration within CROPPS and well beyond.