Melodie Najarro

Background

About Melodie Najarro

I’m a microbial ecologist and environmental genomicist with a deep-rooted curiosity about how microbes and plants interact with one another and their environments. I earned my MS in Biology from Duke University in 2024 and my BS in Genetics and Genomics from the University of California, Davis in 2018. Between degrees, I worked as a junior specialist at the UC Davis Genome Center, leading a large-scale field survey of Bremia lactucae, the pathogen responsible for lettuce downy mildew. That experience crystallized my interest in environmental microbiology and the evolutionary dynamics of plant-microbe relationships—and showed me how these interactions can have real-world economic and ecological consequences. At Duke, my thesis examined how pH shifts in wetland environments affect microbial thermal performance, especially in sphagnum peat moss systems. This study underscored for me the importance of understanding abiotic-biotic feedback loops. I’m especially drawn to the narrative power of genomics as a tool to trace these stories across time and scale, from gene to ecosystem. Science communication is a growing focus in my work. I’ve taken courses and workshops on translating scientific knowledge for adult learners, and my experience speaking with USDA partners and industry stakeholders during my time at UC Davis revealed just how impactful clear, accessible communication can be. I’ve also served as a teaching assistant in a range of courses—from evolution and microbiology to writing and inclusion—and I find real joy in meeting students where they are and helping them see how science intersects with their own lives and interests. As a first-generation Latina and neurodivergent scientist, my path hasn’t always been easy or linear. But those challenges have made me a more empathetic mentor and a more resilient researcher. In the next stage of my career, I hope to continue exploring the genetic and ecological underpinnings of microbial communities while also expanding access to environmental science education. Long-term, I envision a world where environmental health is recognized as a shared, equitable priority—and where curiosity, no matter where it comes from, is supported and celebrated.