Hana is a Ph.D. student in the Field of Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology.

Hana is from West Virginia, where they attended West Virginia University and conducted research on fungal biocontrol of invasive insects in Dr. Matt Kasson's lab. They are broadly interested in the evolution and maintenance of symbiotic and pathogenic interactions between fungi and bacteria. Currently they are researching the mechanisms of innate immunity in early divergant fungi, using the interaction between the fungus Rhizopus microsporus and the bacteria Mycetohabitans spp. as a model.

When they are not in the lab they work to increase LGBTQ+ inclusion in STEM as part of project Biodiversify. They also enjoy hiking, crochet, and hanging out with their cat Albert. Find them on Twitter @Hana_D_Barrett