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Dr. Marella joined the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences in 2011. Her research focuses on understanding the relationships between plants and other organisms in their environment, specifically nematodes, aphids and fungi. She uses Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism to investigate the role of plant hormones and mineral nutrients in the interaction through a combination of molecular genetics and cell biology techniques. Additionally, she is collaborating with other scientists across the United States on a project to address the restoration and local adaptation of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and has established an experimental milkweed garden on campus. She highly values mentoring students and maintains an active research group of undergraduate and graduate students.