Additional Research Personnel
This group changes frequently as students go on to complete their degrees; this is our current cohort of rotating graduate students, Paper Masters students, and Accelerated Masters students who do not have a specific lab.
Adeline Effertz
Graduate Student (Accelerated Masters)
I am currently a junior in the accelerated master's program, and this is my first semester. As I have not yet selected a specific focus, I am considering topics related to my aspiration of attending dental school after graduation for my paper. Additionally, a fun fact about me is that I have had the opportunity to travel internationally.
Casey Gross
Microbiology Lab Coordinator
Graduate Student (Masters)
Oh, hey there! I grew up in rural northern Minnesota, but transferred to NDSU halfway through my junior year. I earned a BS in Microbiology in 2020, and returned to the department in the fall 2021 as lab coordinator. Today, I serve as coordinator while simultaneously pursuing a paper master’s part-time.
There are many facets to my hobbies and interests: as a Minnesotan I love spending time outdoors and watching football (I am a born and bred Minnesota Vikings fan), but I am also an unapologetic nerd, so I love reading, tabletop/board/video games, and anything Lord of the Rings or Star Wars.
Montunrayo Jibola-Shittu
Graduate Student (PhD)
I am a graduate student (PhD) in the Department of Microbiological Sciences. I am from Nigeria and earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Microbiology. I am interested in exploring and harnessing beneficial soil microorganisms for agricultural and environmental benefits. I enjoy cooking!
