Haley Clapper

Experience

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  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  Mar 2018 - May 2020

  Research Assistant

  I investigated the abilities of Listeria monocytogenes (LM), a foodborne, human pathogen, to attach to plant roots. While LM exits ubiquitously in the environment, little is known about its life cycle and relationship to the flora and fauna of a true environmental setting.I worked on a team and independently to conduct literature searches and experiments for this project, and found that LM readily colonizes and persists on plant roots by modeling this plant-microbe relationship using a hydroponic assay. Additionally, I manipulated several environmental parameters, including the addition of other soil microbes, and found that some organisms may promote or inhibit the attachment of LM to plant roots.These findings hold implications for how LM attaches to plants, including crops, and persists throughout the food processing environment, ultimately reaching consumers. Additionally, with this knowledge, we may be more informed of potential interventions for this issue. We are currently developing a manuscript for this work, and plan to publish in 2020. I will be co-first author on this publication. Show less

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  US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  Sept 2020 - Aug 2022

  ORISE Participant

  In the Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), I assessed the bioavailability and toxicity of nano- and micro-plastics in human-derived tissues. This research may give insight into how these ubiquitous environmental particles infiltrate human cells and induce adverse health effects.

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  Environmental Policy Innovation Center

  Dec 2022 - Apr 2023

  Environmental Technology Intern

  - Drafting case studies of possible improvements to digital infrastructure to further federal environmental programs- Researching current federal resources for technology providers to work with environmental agencies- Drafting blog posts and newsletters on EPIC’s technology work- Tracking legislation and policy- Conducting small-scope data analysis projects

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  National Renewable Energy Laboratory

  May 2023 - now

  Researching energy systems and community resilience, including strategies for disaster recovery, technical assistance provision for resilient energy, and building energy efficiency.

  • Resilience Researcher

    Oct 2024 - now

  • Utility Resilience Intern

    May 2023 - Oct 2024