Erica Babusci

I am a third-year Ph.D. candidate at Duke University advised by Dr. Claudia K. Gunsch. I have over five years of research experience in microbiome engineering, mycology, microbial ecology, and environmental biotechnology. My research focuses on fungal microbiome engineering, with two primary projects: encapsulating microbes to enhance degradation of persistent contaminants and characterizing fungal communities that persist on solar panels. I have also led and collaborated on interdisciplinary projects with academic and industry partners including Solar Unsoiled, Duke’s General Robotics Lab, and Durham's local firefighter department. Our findings are published in American Microbiology Society, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, and Nature Communications. Beyond the laboratory, I am increasingly interested in the intersection of environmental science and litigation. I currently work part time in Duke’s Environmental Law and Policy Clinic as an environmental consultant, helping to provide scientific analysis and technical expertise to inform legal strategy and support clients facing environmental legal challenges. Outside the lab, I love to play soccer, practice my pottery skills, and read!