I am Evelin Reyes, a  Ph.D. student in Quantitative Ecology and Global Change at Louisiana State University under the mentorship of Dr. Daijiang Li.

My passion lies in fungal ecology. This fascination took root during my undergraduate studies and led to my thesis on Trametes versicolor, supervised by Dr. Thomas Canam. I also did and internship working with Cercospora kikuchii at Louisiana State University under de guidance of Dr. Sara Thomas- Sharma.  My research interests include biodiversity, population ecology, data analysis, bioinformatics, and the repercussions of global changes on ecosystems. I have earned a Master's degree in Sciences, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology from Eastern Illinois University and a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources and Environment from Universidad Nacional de Agricultura, Honduras.

Throughout my academic journey, I have accumulated valuable experience in various roles, such as a Graduate Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant Intern, and Field Technician. Beyond my academic pursuits, I have actively participated in numerous volunteer and leadership activities, and I am a proud member of several professional associations.

I am committed to contributing to the field of ecology and using my knowledge and skills to impact the world positively.

My current project  titled "Exploring the Fungal Diversity in Honduras: Conservation, Indigenous Collaboration, and Ecosystem Dynamics ."This research aims to investigate the variation and complexity of fungal communities across different geographical locations in Honduras, specifically in Wampusirpe, Gracias a Dios; Catacamas, Olancho; Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazan; and La Esperanza, Intibuca. The research emphasizes the relationship between land-use practices, ecological gradients, and fungal community structure. This in-depth exploration holds significant importance for understanding ecosystem dynamics and will contribute valuable information for sustainable agriculture, conservation, and land management strategies. Collaboration with indigenous communities, insights into small-scale farming, and alignment with the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) mission are integral aspects of this vital ecological research. This project will also provide valuable data for global conservation initiatives.
This project is funded by SPUN.