CURRICULUM VITAE
Erika R. LaPlante
Research Interests: trait-based evolutionary genomics, defense mutualisms, plant defense, defensive toxins, plant-insect interactions, genomics of plant growth, evolutionary ecology.
Education
Ph.D. Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, In Progress.
M.S. Plant Biology & Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University.
B.S. Soil Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona.
Professional Experience
Risk Assessment and Field Safety Training Working Group
Northern Arizona University
November 2023 - Current
REU Training Academy
Northern Arizona University
June 2023, June 2024
Curriculum Building
Northern Arizona University
May 2022
Supervisor: Dr. Christopher M. Sthultz
Project Manager and Research Assistant
University of California, Berkeley
January 2016 – May 2017
Supervisor: Dr. Noah K. Whiteman
Laboratory Manager
University of California, Berkeley
January 2016 – May 2017
Supervisor: Dr. Noah K. Whiteman
Research Technician and Lab Manager
University of Arizona
December 2014 – December 2015
Supervisor: Dr. Noah K. Whiteman
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Arizona
February 2013 – December 2014
Supervisor: Dr. Andrew Gloss
Undergraduate Researcher
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
Summer 2014
Supervisor: Dr. Lara Souza
Presentations
LaPlante, Erika R., Liza M. Holeski. “Monkeyflowers: How They Allocate Defense in Different Ecotypes” Plant Biology Conference, Poster Session. Honolulu, HI. June 25, 2024.
LaPlante, Erika R., Liza M. Holeski. “Monkeyflower Stripes: Advantageous or Pretty?” First Annual Biological Sciences Symposium, Selected Speaker. Flagstaff, AZ. February 17, 2024.
LaPlante, Erika R., Liza M. Holeski. “Are foliar stripes part of a pollination syndrome in Monkeyflowers?” Evolution Conference, Poster Session. Albuquerque, NM. June 22, 2023.
LaPlante, Erika R., Liza M. Holeski. “Are foliar stripes part of a pollination syndrome in Monkeyflowers?” 16th Biennial Conference, Poster Session. Flagstaff, AZ. September 14, 2022.
LaPlante, Erika R., “Symbiosis” Biology on Tap – Public Forum for Science Talks. Lansing, MI. October 22, 2019.
LaPlante, Erika R., Marjorie Weber. “Genetic control of indirect defense in Vitis vinifera” CROPS Conference, Ecophysiology and Crop Environmental Interactions – Poster Highlight Talk. Huntsville, AL. June 5, 2019.
LaPlante, Erika R., Marjorie Weber. “Genetic control of mite domatia in grapevines” EEBB Research Symposium, Poster Session. East Lansing, MI. April 29, 2019.
LaPlante, Erika R. “Creative expression in science and its role in science communication” Wednesday After Work Club (WAWC), Invited Talk. East Lansing, MI. April 10, 2019.
LaPlante, Erika R., Marjorie Weber. “Genetic control of indirect defense in Vitis vinifera” Endless Forms: applying novel techniques in non-model organisms, Poster Session. Berkeley, CA. June 6, 2018.
LaPlante, Erika R., Simon C. Groen, Nicolas Alexandre, Anurag A. Agrawal, Susanne Dobler, Noah K. Whiteman. “Multidrug transporters and organic anion transporter polypeptides protect insects against the toxic effects of cardenolides.” Gordon Research Conference: Plant-Herbivore Interactions, Poster Session. Valencia, CA. February 16, 2017.
LaPlante, Erika R., Andy Gloss, Parris Humphrey, Noah K. Whiteman. “Are glucosinolates allomones or kairomones for a specialist herbivore of mustards?” Presentation at the EEB Undergraduate Research Poster Session, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. April 15, 2015.
LaPlante, Erika R., Sarah Rogan, Andy Gloss, Noah K. Whiteman. “Discovery of genes in Arabidopsis thaliana mediating host preference and performance of a mustard-feeding fly.” Presentation at the EEB Undergraduate Research Poster Session, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. April 16, 2014.