07/22/2025
Meet Cole Shifferly! Cole is a rising senior at Wabash College, studying biology and chemistry. At SERC, Cole works for the Plant & Molecular Ecology Lab investigating the relationship between and .
Orchids rely on various species of root fungi to grow and thrive. Human disturbances, however, may be affecting orchid fungal networks. Cole is investigating how orchids grown in more isolated environments differ from those grown in areas populated by humans. To do so, he is collecting orchid samples from SERC’s campus and Michigan, and comparing the fungal communities on their roots.
This project is “a dream,” in Cole’s words. “I have spent several weeks gathering samples in the field, and now I have the opportunity to spend some time inside a lab environment,” he said. Working for SERC, he adds, “is helping me establish a sense of belonging within my field of interest.”
Cole plans to continue his studies, aiming for a Ph.D. in molecular ecology, biology or both. He hopes to continue working in environments where he can collect field data outdoors and do molecular projects indoors.
📸 by Bradley Carlson
