I am an incoming (Spring 2024) Assistant Professor in the School of Plant Sciences at the University of Arizona.  I'm an Arizona native with roots from Durango, Mexico.I earned a Bachelors of Science from the University of Arizona in Biology (Bear Down!) and received a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology. Working with Angela Kent at UIUC, my research focused on understanding how genetic variation in the plant shaped microbiome assembly and function. This was when I feel in love with microbial ecology and plant biology! After finishing my Ph.D., I moved to  California to work with Steve Allison at UC-Irvine. My research here focused on how diverse plant-microbiome interactions responded to long-term drought response. 

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When I have time, I like to listen podcasts, play video games, hike, and spending times with friends/family. 

I am a PhD candidate in the School of Plant Sciences. I joined the Favela Lab at the beginning of 2025 after my previous lab moved to the University of Oxford, and I decided to stay in sunny Arizona. My current project focuses on maize genomics after generations of inbreeding, and how gene/ transposable element purging might affect microbiome dynamics. I received my MS in weed science from Utah State University where I studied invasive annual grass management with herbicides, as well as restoration and prevention. I completed my Bachelor of Science at the University of Arizona in 2018 in Plant Sciences, where I graduated as the outstanding senior. I attended Eastern Arizona College for my Associate of Science in Biology from 2016-2018.

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In my spare time, I enjoy cosplaying, playing videogames, practicing the piano, singing, quilting, cross stitching, and fish keeping.

I am a PhD student and NSF BRIDGES fellow studying Plant Pathology. I completed my bachelor's at Pomona College, where I majored in Molecular Biology. During my undergrad, I was part of Professor Carrie Kiel’s lab, where I researched the pollinator-driven evolution of stigmas and pollen in Western Hemisphere Justiciinae. I then spent my gap year at the Desert Botanical Garden, where I investigated the role of rattlesnakes as secondary seed dispersers of desert plants. I am now excited to be in the Favela lab, where I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the role that plant-microbe interactions play in adapting to stressful environments.
In my free time, I enjoy creating art, exploring new areas of town, reading, and spending time outdoors.

I'm currently an MS student studying Plant Pathology and am a fellow in the NSF BRIDGES program. Through my undergrad in Environmental Science at ASU, I developed a passion for understanding plant-microbe interactions in desert ecosystems. I am excited to work in the Favela lab and further understand Sonoran Desert microbial and plant biology in a rapidly changing climate. 

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In my free time, I like to sew and make clothes, hike, and press plants to make designs.

Hello! My name is Yvonne Kan, and I am a senior majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I would like to pursue a career in paleontology, but I am also really excited to learn more about microbes, plants, and how to improve agriculture. In my spare time, I really love reading, baking, crocheting, and anything artistic!

Hi! My name is Emily, and I am a Junior undergrad majoring in Plant Sciences. I look forward to better understanding microbial functions and their impacts on sustainable agriculture through my research in Dr. Favela’s lab. In my free time, I enjoy tending to my houseplants, antiquing, and crafting.

I’m a senior majoring in Biological Systems Engineering with a minor in Plant Sciences. My interests focus on plant–microbe interactions and how they can be applied to sustainable solutions in agriculture and environmental engineering.

Plant Science Major, SPS minor, Interested in heritage genetics of plants and the possible reintroduction of wild-type genetics for a more sustainable future of agriculture. 

If you are interested in studying ecosystems, microbes, or plants please reach out! 

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If you are an undergraduate interested in research fill out this google forum and reach out to Dr. Favela via email. 

 I'm an ex-research beagle, who has come out of academic retirement to act as the mascot of the Favela lab. 

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I like to take naps, get zoomies, eat whatever I can get my paws on, and stare wistfully into your soul.