Cornell University
Department of Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology
Ithaca, NY 14853

August 2006-present PhD student, Plant-Microbe Biology;Plant Pathology; Department of Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University

1999-2003, BS, Botany, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
2003-2006, MS, Plant Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia

Graduate Advisor: Donna Gibson

Research Focus    

My research focuses on the secondary metabolism and natural product chemistry of fungi. The organisms I work with are insect pathogens in the genus Cordyceps (Ascomycota; Clavicipitaceae) and the anamorphic genera Beauveria, Isaria, Lecanicillium, Metarhizium, and Tolypocladium. They produce an array of biologically active metabolites including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, immunosuppressive, and cytotoxic compounds.

I will further existing phylogenetic analysis of genes coding for polyketide synthases and nonribosomal synthetases, both of which are key enzymes in secondary metabolism. I will also study the expression of these genes by examining their transcription and metabolite profiles in vivo.

Professional Experience    

2004-2006 Teaching Assistant, Agricultural Sciences; University of British Columbia

2003-2004 Research Assistant, Forestry; Genome BC / University of British Columbia

2001-2003 Greenhouse Assistant; Miami University

1999-2001 Laboratory Assistant, Zoology; Miami University

Awards and Honors    

2004-2005 University Graduate Fellowship; University of British Columbia

2003 Graduation with Honors, Magna Cum Laude Phi Beta Kappa; Miami University

2003 Young Botanist Award; Botanical Society of America

2002 Summer Scholars Award; Miami University

Elected and Appointed Offices     

2006-present Representative, Council of Representatives, Graduate and Professional Student Assembly; Cornell University

2001-2003 Treasurer, Peffer-Western Environmental Education Program; Miami University

2002-2003 President, Miami University Disc Golf Association; Miami University

Professional Societies and Working Groups     

Society for Economic Botany
Pacific Northwest Key Council
Botanical Society of America
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Golden Key International Honour Society

Publications    

King B, Jovel E, and Isman M. (2005) Screening Several Pacific Northwest Entomogenous Fungi (Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae) for Potential Pharmaceutical Lead Compounds. Abstract. Conference Proceedings of the Third International Medicinal Mushroom Conference. Port Townsend, WA.

King B. (2005) Baldwin D et. al. (Editors). The Ethnobotany of the Miami Indian Tribe: A Field Guide to Commonly Used Plants. 75 pages. Miami Indian Nation. (In Press).