Researchers
Alora Richardson
Alora is a master’s student studying Forest Resources & Conservation. Before becoming a student, she worked as a Biological Tinkerer for the UF Forest Entomology Lab. This position included sorting of specimens for Early Detection Rapid Response, photography of bark beetles for the AI classifier, and development of a DNA extraction pipeline for tree tissue from bark beetle guts. Alora’s special interests include: genetics, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Current Projects
Alora’s thesis focuses on DNA metabarcoding of symbiotic fungi from the mycangia of platypodine beetles. She plans to use this data to create two phylogenetic trees, one for fungi and one for beetles, to demonstrate if there is a coevolutionary relationship between them.
Education and Experience
Ambrosia Symbiosis Summer School 2025 – Teaching and Course Preparation
Bark Beetle Academy 2024 – Attendee
Rapid Genomics 2022 – DNA Barcoding Laboratory Lead
University of Florida 2020 – Bachelor’s of Science in Biology
