From the Lab to the Community: How Climate Change Impacts Plant Diseases and My Path to Science Communication with Nicole Colón Carrión, Ph.D. 

Monday, March 10
7:30 PM Central Time

Zoom link will go to members via email

In this talk, Dr. Nicole Colón Carrión will share her journey from conducting research on how climate change affects plant diseases to transitioning into science communication. She will discuss how the impact of these findings on agriculture inspired her to bring scientific knowledge to local communities, raising awareness about the challenges we face and how we can adapt and mitigate them.

Dr. Nicole Colón Carrión is an interdisciplinary scientist with a diverse academic background that spans multiple scientific fields. She hold a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Arizona, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey, and completed a Postbaccalaureate Program in Neurotoxicology at Michigan State University. Throughout her academic journey, she has had the opportunity to participate in various research internships across various scientific disciplines, including plant genetics, developmental biology, neuroscience, microbiology, genomics, and mycology. Her research primarily focused on plant-fungal interactions in forest and agricultural systems, exploring the dynamic relationships between plants and fungi in response to environmental and ecological factors. This foundational research has shaped her work in the field and guided her leadership in industry projects, where she developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for testing the feasibility of chemical and biological compounds to protect Midwest crops from soil-borne fungal diseases. Her work in industry allowed her to translate academic research into practical, real-world applications, enhancing agricultural sustainability and crop resilience. In addition to her scientific training, she has extensive experience in program management, specializing in workforce development and outreach education. She has developed and managed programs that foster professional growth, provide access to STEM education, and create mentorship opportunities. A key focus of her career has been bridging the gap between STEM education and careers, ensuring individuals have the tools and resources needed to succeed. She has also managed internship programs for federal land management agencies, where she oversaw the development and coordination of hands-on experiences in environmental sciences and public land management. Whether managing workforce development initiatives, designing outreach programs, or mentoring interns, her work has been driven by a commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for individuals to thrive in STEM fields.