Priscila Chaverri-Echandi

Priscila Chaverri-Echandi serves as an Associate Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Natural Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowie State University. She also holds multiple visiting and adjunct positions including Visiting Scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, Visiting Scientist at the Natural Products Research Center (CIPRONA) at the University of Costa Rica, Affiliated Researcher at the Research and Innovation Center (CENIBiot), and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Maryland.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Department of Plant Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University
• B.Sc. in Forestry, Forestry School, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR)

Dr. Chaverri's research focuses on the systematics, taxonomy, evolution, and phylogenetics/phylogenomics of fungi. Her recent work employs systematics, phylogenetics/phylogenomics, genomics, and metabolomics to predict ecological functions and biological activity of fungi in natural phytobiomes, with emphasis on biological control and sustainable agriculture. She has extensive experience in both laboratory and field work, utilizing state-of-the-art tools and techniques in her research programs. Her research has expanded to investigate fungi in animal microbiomes, particularly examining how bats influence plant microbiomes through seed dispersal.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on fungal endophytes, microbial communities, host-pathogen interactions, and the application of genomic approaches to understand fungal ecology and evolution across diverse ecosystems from tropical forests to sloth digestive systems.

Scientific Awards:

• Presidential Achievement Award, Distinguished Award in Research and Grants, Bowie State University (2024)
• Outstanding Researcher Award, College of Arts and Sciences, Bowie State University (2024)
• Elected and inducted into the National Academy of Sciences (Costa Rica) (2022)
• Scientist of the Year, Costa Rica (2016)
• C. J. Alexopolous award, Mycological Society of America (2013)

Dr. Chaverri actively mentors undergraduate students through Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE), with projects examining microbial diversity in various ecosystems. She recently secured an NSF grant of approximately $1 million for her project on bat-mediated plant pathogen dispersal. As Executive Vice President of the Mycological Society of America (2024-2027) and an elected member of the Executive Committee for the International Mycological Association (2024-2026), she plays a significant leadership role in the global mycology community. Her lab currently recruits postdoctoral researchers for projects investigating bat seed dispersal effects on plant microbiomes and pathogen dynamics in tropical ecosystems.