Lina Tran was born and raised on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and studies at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. She will graduate in May 2016 with degrees in Cell and Molecular Biology and English. Until then, she’ll spend her remaining time in New Orleans enjoying the city’s food and people, studying baldcypress endophytes, and writing for mongabay.com and her own blog, Good Snack.

Lina’s research has taken her from the swamps of Louisiana to the mountains of Alabama, and even a New Orleans craft brewery. The diversity of microbial life and ways to harness microbial activity have remained common threads throughout her studies. Her research has been funded by National Science Foundation and Louisiana Board of Regents grants. After graduation, Lina will continue to explore her interests in microbial ecology, agriculture, and the promotion of scientific awareness.