People

Graduate Students

Student Program Information & Biography

Jasmin Acker

Jasmin Acker

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Whitmore / Riedinger-Whitmore
St. Petersburg campus
ackerj@usf.edu 

Research Bio

My research will be investigating how well sedimented pollen can indicate historic changes in Florida’s fringing wetlands and aquatic macrophyte communities, specifically in and around benchmark lakes. I would love to go on to work as a field biologist protecting Florida’s incredible and unique freshwater systems. 

 

Kotomi Allgauer

Kotomi Allgauer

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Stiling
Tampa campus
kallgauer@usf.edu

Research Bio

My name is Kotomi Allgauer, and I am a Master's student in Dr. Peter Stiling's lab. 

My research interests include how wetland ecosystems respond to anthropogenic effects (changes in sea levels, water temperature and pollutants, introduction of invasive species, etc.). 

I have not decided on my research project. However, I do wish to work with wetlands (specifically mangroves) and determine human impacts and possible solutions. 

 

Sebastian Alvarez de Araya

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Carney
Tampa campus
sebastiana1@usf.edu

Emily Birdsall-Woodard

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Cassill
St. Petersburg campus
ebirdsall@usf.edu 

Blake Blaskowski

Blake Blaskowski

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Stiling
Tampa campus
bblaskowski@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am a third-year student specializing in Ecology and Evolution. I received my B.S. in Biology from the University of Florida in 2021. After my undergraduate degree, I worked for the U.S. Geological Survey as a student researcher studying invasive marine species.
My dissertation focuses species interactions between the invasive tree, Melaleuca quinquenervia and its biocontrol agents in South Florida. In different chapters, I am investigating interactions involving physiology (preference of Melaleuca chemotypes by herbivores), global warming, and biological control post-treatment effects.

Rachamim-Yair Brito

Program: 
Advisor: Cassill
St. Petersburg campus
rmbrito@usf.edu 

Bethany Burns

Bethany Burns

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Richards
Tampa campus
bethanyburns@usf.edu

Research Bio

My name is Bethany Burns and I am a first year Ph.D. student. My research interests include how invasive plants respond to selective pressures in new environments and how it relates to conservation. In Dr. Richards Lab I will be studying Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant in the Eastern United States.

Previously, I got my B.S. in Biology from the University of Tampa. While there, I studied the monk orchid which naturalized from Africa to the Neotropics and I used herbarium records to find patterns within its phenology across its range.

 

Jeanette Calarco

jc

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Harwood
Tampa campus
jcalarco@usf.edu 

Research Bio

I am currently a Ph.D. student in Dr. Harwood’s lab. Before joining the lab as a graduate student, I worked as a lab technician on a CDC-funded project researching critical barriers to antibiotic resistant ESKAPE pathogens in reclaimed water treatment trains.

I have not yet determined what my research project will be, but I would like to stay within the topic of antibiotic resistant pathogens in the environment.

 

Cassandra Campbell

ccampbell240

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Lewis
Tampa campus
campbell29@usf.edu

Research Bio

I study how climate change drives shifts in vegetation in wetland communities, and investigate the resulting changes in plant-soil dynamics. My current dissertation research focuses on the recent expansion of mangroves into salt marsh territory on Florida's Gulf Coast. I am exploring the factors driving changes in the spatial arrangement of mangrove forests, and documenting changes in soil properties that occur as a result of mangrove encroachment. Because mangroves are expanding poleward following changes in climate and sea level, I hope that my work will be used to predict changes in wetland ecosystem dynamics on a global scale.

 

María C. Cerón-Castilla

meghan craft

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Prevost
Tampa campus
ceronm@usf.edu

Research Bio

I graduated with a B.S. in Microbiology from Universidad de Los Andes in my native Colombia, I was a Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Intern, and I hold an M.S. in Resources Management in the Tropics from Cologne University of Applied of Sciences in Germany.

I have worked with International Cooperation as well as environmental Non-Governmental Organizations in Latin America. I have been an instructor for more than 7+ years, and l love teaching.

I am starting my third year as a Ph.D. Graduate student. I joined Dr. Prevost's Laboratory for Biology Education Research, where we do discipline-based education research. My interests include innovative approaches for ecology education, as well as community engagement approaches for coastal landscape management and restoration. Currently, I am working with SEEDS, a Program of the Ecological Society of America (ESA), understanding the perceptions and impacts of their activities for the next generation of ecologists. 

 

Harikrishnan Cherayipadinjakkara

Harikrishnan Cherayipadinjakkara

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Santiago-Alarcon
Tampa campus
harikrishnancp@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am a first-year Ph.D. student working with Dr. Diego Santiago Alarcon. Birds are my big passion; anything related to them excites me. My main interest is looking at how different changes in the land and environment affect bird communities. I am curious about how they manage to live and even do well in these changing habitats.

During my master's at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati, I studied the impacts of exotic timber stands on the bird communities in the Western Ghats' Sky Islands. After that, I worked as a research assistant at the Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History on a project monitoring bird diversity and populations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Now, for my Ph.D. at USF, I will be digging into how urbanization impacts bird communities. When I am not busy with research, you can find me birdwatching or cooking. I love exploring new places, trying local food, and learning about different cultures. Whenever I visit somewhere new, I make it a point to bring back a unique recipe. I have also got a passion for singing and putting together events.

My life is a mix of uncovering bird secrets in my studies and enjoying the world beyond research through travel and my hobbies.

 

Claire Crookston

ccrookston

Program: Ph.D.

Advisor: Deban
Tampa campus
ccrookston@usf.edu

Research Bio

My research interests include comparative osteology, biomechanics, and life history variation of plethodontid (lungless) salamanders.


In the Deban lab, I hope to incorporate my interests into understanding the diversity of feeding modes in salamanders and how hyobranchial morphology affects tongue projection and performance.

In 2019, I obtained my Bachelor’s in Zoology from Colorado State University and recently graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Master’s in Biology.

I am excited to be getting my Ph.D. from the IB department here at USF so I can continue studying herps/amphibians and take advantage of the animal diversity and beautiful weather of south Florida!

 

Kelsey Daniels

Kelsey Daniels

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Gemmell
Tampa campus
kelsey240@usf.edu

Research Bio

My name is Kelsey Daniels, and I am a first year master's student in Dr. Gemmell’s lab. My research interests include coral biology, predator prey interactions and anthropogenic impacts on coral morphology and behavior. 

I will be focusing on coral heterotrophic feeding on copepods. Particularly how branching morphology is important in prey capture in respect to the escape response in copepods.  

 

Kamarri Davis

Kamarri Davis

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Cassill
St. Petersburg campus
dashon2@usf.edu 

Research Bio

My name is Kamarri Davis, and I will be starting my first semester as a master’s student working in Dr. Deby Cassill’s lab. I am passionate about tracking changes over time as they relate to both the biodiversity and ecology of ecosystems. My research will focus on understanding the current and past behaviors and preferences exhibited by Florida Scrub Jays in relation to changes in both the range and makeup of Florida scrub habitat over the last 50 years, with the help of collaborators at the Archbold Research Station.
I attended USF Tampa for my undergraduate studies, majoring in biology with a concentration in ecology and evolution and minoring in environmental science and policy. I had the privilege of interning with the National Audubon Society, where a large portion of my work centered around organizing outreach events and lobbying for local environmental policy reform. Additionally, we sought to oppose new policies that, although not yet signed into law, would have negatively impacted the environment in ways we and the public did not favor.
Currently, I am an intern with the USDA, where my work focuses on locating, rearing, and releasing biocontrol agents on invasive plants throughout Florida, both aquatic and terrestrial. We aim to track the long-term impact our biocontrol agents have on reducing the vigor and rate of proliferation of such plants, considering our government's three-pronged approach to addressing the matter: chemical, mechanical, and biological means of control. In addition to this work, we have conducted resource competition studies and predator-prey interaction studies. We have also assessed how physiological changes within a targeted plant, after the initial release of our biocontrol agent, impact the long-term success and preference of our biocontrol agent if a repeat release were to occur.
With that said, I hope to apply all the skills I have acquired through past experiences during my time in the conservation biology program once I matriculate this fall. Together with Dr. Cassill, we will determine how human activities have impacted Florida's only endemic bird.

Frank DeJohn

Frank DeJohn

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Cassill
St. Petersburg campus
fdejohn@usf.edu 

Research Bio

My name is Frank DeJohn, and I have worked as a Biological Scientist at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) for the last 2 years analyzing data and managing the day-to-day operations of the State Reef Fish Survey, which aims to collect data to improve the precision and timeliness of catch and effort estimates for various reef fish species in the State of Florida. 
Currently, I am pursuing a Master's degree in Conservation Biology under the mentorship of Dr. Deby Cassill. My research focuses on the spatiotemporal patterns of nest site selection in leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) along southeastern Florida beaches. This study is a collaborative project between the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and our Conservation Biology M.S. program. In response to increasing anthropogenic challenges, including rapid climate change, my research aims to improve management and conservation efforts for these critically endangered sea turtles. By understanding the nesting behaviors and preferences of leatherback females in this region, we strive to contribute valuable insights for the protection and preservation of their populations.
My passion for sea turtle conservation ignited during an internship with FWRI, where I prepared biological samples (skin, blood, shell scutes, and non-viable unhatched eggs) for stable isotope analysis. This experience inspired me to study animal behaviors and their interactions within ecosystems.

Nathan Dowling

Nathan Dowling

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Santiago Alarcon
Tampa campus
dowlingn@usf.edu 

Research Bio

My project will explore the identification and characterization of novel antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in wild bird bacteria potentially using metagenomic studies, assess the stability and persistence of free-floating AMR genes in various environmental conditions, and examine the frequency and impact of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events between avian and human bacteria in real-world settings. By investigating diverse bird species, environmental factors, and interactions between wild birds and humans, the research aims to understand the environmental reservoirs and public health implications of AMR genes.

Daniella Fuller

Daniella Fuller

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Zalamea
Tampa campus
daniella11@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am a biologist with an interest in plant ecology. I am specifically drawn to the microbes that interact with plants in all stages of life, like bacteria and fungi. As a Masters student in the Zalamea lab, my research will consider the diverse and complex nature of plant-microbe interactions in hopes of addressing current topics such as forest restoration and diverse ecosystem-level understanding of tropical forests using the background I have in microbiology. I also hope to build my pedagogy skills as a TA at USF to apply toward my dream of becoming a professor. I am from Florida and received my undergraduate degree from USF.

 

Dylan Gallinson

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Marges
Tampa campus
dgallinson@usf.edu

Matt Gamache

matt gamache

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Parkinson
Tampa campus
mhgamache@usf.edu

Research Bio

I joined the Parkinson lab at USF in 2020 to use molecular tools in order to relate how the genomes of corals and their algal symbionts affect their response to climate change. Some research plans include observing the level to which corals adapt or evolve (or both) to climate-induced thermal stress.

Additionally, I plan to use environmental DNA (eDNA) to observe coral biodiversity patterns with different levels of impact, including hurricane damage. I previously used eDNA to detect the presence of Hippocampus seahorses in Tampa Bay and The Bahamas during my undergraduate career at the University of Tampa, where I earned my B.S. in Marine Science-Biology.

Throughout my time at UT and USF, I have always emphasized science communication, and I find great value in teaching.

Indira Goldman

 

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Santiago-Alarcon
Tampa campus
igoldman@usf.edu

Colin Goodman

cgoodman

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Deban
Tampa campus
colingoodman@usf.edu

Research Bio

I joined the Department of Integrative Biology in the Fall of 2020, after receiving an M.S. from the University of Florida. At UF, I used the ongoing invasion of the tropical clawed frog to examine how individual differences in dispersal-related traits can be spatially selected during the process of range expansion.

I am interested in intra- and interspecific variation in the morphological and physiological traits related to dispersal. Specifically, I am interested in how trade-offs can constrain or facilitate variation in such traits.

Ella Guedouar

Ella Guedouar

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Margres / Doody
Tampa campus
eguedouar@usf.edu

Research Bio

I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology in 2021 and my M.S. in Environmental Science in 2023 from Florida Gulf Coast University. During my M.S., I studied human impacts on mammal, fish, reptile, and amphibian communities and biodiversity in the Peruvian Amazon. I my research interests revolve around wildlife responses to anthropogenic disturbance, and have previously worked with primate behavior, rattlesnake ecology, and African megafauna. At USF, I will continue to assess how humans are affecting wildlife using venom variation across human disturbance gradients and investigate the effect of rattlesnake venom on breast cancer cells.

 

Faith Hale

Faith Hale

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Lewis
Tampa campus
halef@usf.edu 

Research Bio

My name is Faith Hale and I am pursuing my Masters' in Biology with a concentration in Environment and Ecological Microbiology. I am a student in Dr. David Lewis' lab. I received my Bachelors' Degree at USF in Cell and Molecular Biology in 2022. In the summer of 2023, I spent three months in New Mexico at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for an internship working on a couple projects. I am interested in soil microbes and their role in the environment. I have not decided on what my research project will be, but I am working on a wetland carbon storage project and plan branch off this project for my research project. 

 

Elijah Hatten

Elijah Hatten

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Parkinson
Tampa campus
hattene@usf.edu

Research Bio

I graduated from USF in 2022 with a B.S. in Biology. While an undergraduate, I volunteered and worked as a technician in the Parkinson lab, where I could regularly be found maintaining and optimizing sea anemone and microalgal cultures. Now that I’m a Master’s student, my research interests are broadly revolved around the Aiptasia anemone-algal symbiosis. I will likely utilize rapid genetic fingerprinting using TE-AFLP to distinguish genetically distinct individuals from clones.

 

Samuel Hirst

Sam Hirst

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Margres
Tampa campus
hirsts@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am an NSF Graduate Research Fellow pursuing my Ph.D. at USF Tampa and working with the Margres lab. For my research, I am interested in using next generation sequencing technology to investigate evolutionary patterns at multiple scales. Currently, I use a combination of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to investigate genetic diversity and venom evolution of snakes found throughout the Baja California region and on islands in the Sea of Cortés.

Prior to joining the Margres lab, I received my B.S. in Genetics, Genomics, and Biotechnology from Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah) where I studied the application of eDNA to assess the effects of large-scale ecological events on aquatic biodiversity.

View Website

Joanna Idafibia

joannaidifibia

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Prevost
Tampa campus
idafibiaj@usf.edu 

Research Bio

Hi, my name is Joanna Idafibia. I'm a graduate of microbiology from Anchor University in Lagos, Nigeria. My research interest is in biology education, specifically to gain a deep understanding of how written assessments can be designed and analyzed to measure student learning and academic performance effectively.

My goal is to contribute to the advancement of biology education by leveraging data-driven insights to improve teaching methodologies and student outcomes. I aspire to engage deeply with research on student learning through written assessments and work collaboratively to support the adoption of evidence-based teaching practices. By analyzing faculty interactions and implementing effective strategies, I aim to help foster an educational environment that enhances both teaching effectiveness and student achievement in the field of biology.

 

Matz Indergard

matzindergard

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Parkinson
Tampa campus
matzindergard@usf.edu

Research Bio

I joined the Parkinson lab in 2022 to investigate how intraspecific variation among endosymbionts effects host tolerance.

I developed a fascination with corals and their endosymbionts while completing a Research Experience for Undergraduates in Little Cayman Island while attending Southern Utah University.

After acquiring my undergraduate degree, I moved to the Florida Keys, where he worked to restore degraded reefs with the Coral Restoration Foundation.

My experience with coral nursery work and population genetics propelled me into the Master’s program at the University of North Florida. There I tested the activation of thermal plasticity as a potential tool for coral restoration.

At USF, I plan to study how intraspecific variation within endosymbionts influences host resilience.

Christina Iovino

Christina Iovino

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Lewis
Tampa campus
christinai1@usf.edu

Research Bio

My research will investigate the impact of feral pigs on ecosystem properties, such as soil nutrients, vegetation growth, and species composition, in cypress wetland and pine upland habitats throughout Florida. With game cameras, I will observe feral pigs to better understand drivers in site selection for rooting and interactions that take place directly or indirectly with feral pigs and their rooted plots. Lastly, I hope to address the human-wildlife conflict associated with feral pigs by surveying people in agricultural residential areas, suburban communities, and natural environments to better understand how the public classifies and interacts with this species. Since feral pigs are extensively hunted in Florida, many individuals view them as a game species which promotes their presence in the environment and disguises the fact that they are invasive. Through my research, I hope to convince the public and policymakers that there must be better management and control of feral pig populations.

 

Nathali Jimenez Quiroga

nathali jimenez q

 

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Zalamea
Tampa campus
nathali@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am a Colombian biologist with concentrations in molecular biology and biotechnology. Throughout my career I have found great passion in microbiology, especially in its applications in agriculture, restoration ecology and bioremediation.

As a master’s student in Dr. Zalamea’s Lab I hope to further understand the complex plant-microbe interactions, as a basis for developing applications that can help us face challenges related to climate change, anthropogenic disturbances, and food safety issues.

I consider myself a loving, kind, empathetic person and a responsible and committed professional who is always trying to give her best to achieve her own goals and help others. Apart from science I enjoy practicing different arts and crafts, cooking, baking, and learning from different cultures and languages.

Theron Kantelis

tk

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Carney
Tampa campus
kantelist@usf.edu

Research Bio

I’m a Ph.D. student in the Carney Lab. My research will be on the diet and dentition of Archaeopteryx. I’ll be making use of a variety of methodologies, both morphological and functional, to synthesize a reconstruction of its diet. Details of its dental morphology may also elucidate potential phylogenetic differences between the various specimens.Enter toggled content here.

I previously earned my M.S. in Geosciences concentrating in Vertebrate Paleontology at East Tennessee State University where I studied the tooth morphology of Brown and Black Bears.

Alexander Kirk

ak

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Carney
Tampa campus
akirk@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am pursuing a Ph.D in Integrative Biology (Physiology and Morphology) at the University of South Florida - Tampa. My current research focuses on using digital techniques to build a scientifically accurate 3D reconstruction of Archaeopteryx using a combination of photogrammetry and X-ray data. This digital model will be used to improve our anatomical understanding of this iconic specimen through 3D geometric morphometrics and functional morphology of joint surfaces.

Cody Letts

codyletts

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Whitmore
St. Petersburg campus
cletts1@usf.edu

Research Bio

My research interests include water quality, specifically limnological studies.

 

Preston J. McDonald
preston mcdonald

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Margres
Tampa campus
mcdonaldp@usf.edu

Research Bio

My current research focuses on the coevolution of venom and venom resistance in rattlesnakes and their prey.


I have also been involved in research on the community ecology and microbiomes of paleotropical bats, species distribution and delimitation in blind Texas cave spiders, and conservation assessments of a rare Texas rodent population.

Before coming to USF, I earned undergraduate and Master's degrees in biology from Texas Tech University.

Elijah McEuen

elijah mceuen

 

 

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Doody
St. Petersburg campus
emceuen@usf.edu 


Research Bio

Upon capturing my first snake at the age of three, the love of reptiles captured me! I served more than 500 hours in animal husbandry and public education at the Florida Aquarium, produced over 60 videos on my YouTube channel, and assisted in gopher tortoise conservation projects under George Heinrich since 2018. My passion drove me to earn my B.S. in Biology from USF, graduating in 2023 as a King O’Neal Scholar. During that time, I served as president of the biology club for two years, bringing in notable speakers like Coyote Peterson and Dr. Whit Gibbons. I also worked on a literature review of anthropogenic impacts on snake species richness across the globe with additional primary research of its impacts within Florida. In my spare time, I delight in studying theology, camping, adventuring, traveling across the US, and my favorite herping. At the Doody Lab, I am researching the impacts and interactions between roads and gopher tortoise populations across Florida, specifically populations persisting on roadsides. If you would like to volunteer in my research, please reach out via email! 

 

Chase McGuire

Chase McGuire

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Gemmell
Tampa campus
chasemcguire@usf.edu

Research Bio

A native Floridian, I have long held a fervent passion for the outdoors, and more specifically, the marine environment. Having originally graduated from USF with a business management degree, I returned after several years in the workforce to gain a bachelor’s degree in marine biology.

My research seeks to uncover the intricacies of how marine organisms are interacting with their physical environments and how these interactions have influenced their evolutionary ecology. As a PhD student I am investigating the swimming locomotion and predator-prey interactions of reef and pelagic fishes with the assistance of high speed imaging.

Kate McLendon

kmclendon

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Stiling
Tampa campus
kmclendon@usf.edu

Research Bio

I received my B.S. in Biology from the University of Central Florida in 2022. While there, I worked on a few different research projects involving electric fish, microplastics in the Indian River Lagoon, and oyster reefs with mangrove encroachment.

As a PhD student in Dr. Stiling’s lab, I plan to focus my research on mangrove herbivory in and around Tampa Bay.

 

Ali Mulla 

 

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Doody
St. Petersburg campus
alimulla@usf.edu 

Fargam Neinavaie

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Kramer
Tampa campus
fargam@usf.edu

Alana New

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Whitmore
St. Petersburg campus
alananew@usf.edu 

Dana Nieuwkerk

Dana Nieuwkerk

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Harwood
Tampa campus
dnieuwke@usf.edu

Research Bio

I use molecular methods (e.g., qPCR, NASBA) to monitor water quality and inform public health decisions. My current projects include quantifying Karenia brevis - a toxin-producing dinoflagellate that causes red tides in the Gulf of Mexico - and fecal indicator bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli) in water samples. These data are used by stakeholders to monitor the spatiotemporal distributions of harmful algal blooms and to develop mitigation strategies.

 

Claire de Noyo

Program: M.S. 
Advisor: Judkins
St. Petersburg campus
denoyo@usf.edu 

Suman Neupane
Suman Neupane

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Kramer
Tampa campus
sumanneupane@usf.edu

Research Bio

I did my master's in biology from Missouri State University. I am interested in applied quantitative methods in wildlife ecology and epidemiology of wildlife diseases. I aim to develop computational tools that capture the complexities of disease spread and contribute to the advancement of disease ecology research. With Dr. Kramer, I will be predicting the future of SARS-Covid19 in ecological communities.
Beyond my research ambitions, I am deeply committed to raising wildlife conservation and education programs in the area's proximity to wildlife habitat.
In my free time, I love to travel, especially to natural areas where I can trek and hike in Mountainous regions. There's something always exciting about sinking in nature's beauty, away from the bustle of everyday life. I also enjoy watching soccer and cricket, and on occasion, I don’t mind joining a game for some friendly competition.

https://www.sumanshree.com.np/ 

Sofia Ocampo

socampo

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Zalamea
Tampa campus
ocampos2@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am a plant ecologist interested in the biodiversity of non-pathogenic fungal endophytes in natural ecosystems, especially root endophytes (mycorrhizae).

I study this system with the hope that this information can be integrated into disturbance mitigation of threatened ecosystems.

Tara Pedersen

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Cassill
St. Petersburg campus

Riley Phillips

Riley Philips

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Lajeunesse
Tampa campus
rileyp@usf.edu

Research Bio

I graduated with my B.S. degree in Biology from the University of South Florida (2024) where I did research on organisms conducting the reductive critic acid cycle pathway, and separately on the behavior of a captive North American river otter at an AZA-accredited institution. I have continued my education at USF by pursuing my masters degree in Ecology and Evolution.
I am currently exploring what research and systems I will be doing with Dr. Lajeunesse; however, the main topics I am looking at are parasites manipulating host behavior and herbivorous insects exhibiting cannibalism. The goal is to place the herbivorous insects in various environmental conditions to study the frequency of cannibalism, with parasitized prey being one of them. I strive to answer the 'why' questions about cannibalism in the science world as it is such an interesting and unique behavioral trait.

Anthony Powell

Anthony Powell

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Deban
Tampa campus
arpowell24@usf.edu 

Research Bio

My name is Anthony Powell, and I am a Ph.D. student in Dr. Deban’s lab.

I obtained both my Bachelor’s in Biology and my Master’s in Biology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. As a Master’s student, my research work involved identifying and measuring sustained force production in the jaw muscles of horned frogs (Ceratophrys spp.). 

For my current research interests, I hope to continue my M.S. work by looking into sustained force production in the jaws of other frogs, other muscle groups, and the physiology behind this phenomenon.

 

Roman Priestley

Roman Priestley

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Lajeunesse
Tampa campus
rpriestley@usf.edu 

Research Bio

I obtained a B.S. in Integrative Biology here at USF. During this I was fortunate enough to work in Dr. Kathleen Scott’s lab, assisting with research investigating the metabolism of worms found at deep sea hydrothermal vents. There I developed a love of dexterous lab work and a strong desire to participate in academia.

For my master’s I am working in Dr. Lajeunesse’s lab investigating Cordyceps, a grouping of fungus which parasitizes arthropods. With this work I hope to help bring about a better understanding of, what is often regarded as, a bizarre organism. I am particularly drawn to such organisms as I feel many forms of life are undeservedly overlooked or stigmatized, such as ants and fungi or vultures and carrion insects.

 

Gabriela Quesada Avila

gabiqa

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Zalamea
Tampa campus
gquesadaavila@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am a Costa Rican tropical biologist graduated from the Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica.


My main research interests are on the ecology and dynamics of complex plant and soil interactions in tropical ecosystems.

As a Ph.D. student in Dr. Zalamea’s lab, I would like to deepen into the mechanisms behind plant-soil-microorganisms interactions and how they are translated into the adaptation and survival of plant communities and their implications on the ecosystem level.

When I'm not nerding about biotic interactions I enjoy martial arts, painting, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Ashley Ramirez

Ashley Ramirez

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Cassill
St. Petersburg campus
ashleyramire@usf.edu 

Research Bio

My research interests include social behaviors, reproductive strategies, invasive species impact, and anthropogenic impact. For my graduate research, I am examining the impacts of urbanization on bird communities within St. Petersburg. I am interested in understanding what life history strategies are being selected for and against in our bird communities as the city quickly expands. When I'm not in the field or writing, I am helping to rescue and rehabilitate birds at a local sanctuary.

 

Previously I attained a B.S. in Environmental Biology with a minor in Psychology at USF Tampa. As an undergraduate, I assisted in an evolutionary biology lab studying the reproductive adaptations of the white clover. I then performed an independent study that analyzed the use of renewable energy in Vietnam and conducted personal research that analyzed cultural representations of big cat species at a local Tampa sanctuary. Additionally, I have assisted in the husbandry and training of sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks. 

Andrew Robey

Andrew Robey

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Doody
St. Petersburg campus
arobey@usf.edu 

Research Bio

I attended Salisbury University in Maryland where I received my B.S. in Biology. While in Undergrad I worked in a lab monitoring Spotted Turtle populations along the east coast of Maryland and Delaware. In the time between finishing my Bachelors and starting my Master, I have worked at various zoos doing jobs that consisted of field research on American Kestrels, animal husbandry, and conservation education. My current topic of study is observing how female Diamondback Terrapins may be able to adapt to a warming climate by being selective in their nest site choice. 

Jason Rodgers

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Gemmell
Tampa campus
jasonrodgers@usf.edu 

Isabelle Rytlewski

Isabelle Rytlewski

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Whitmore
St. Petersburg campus
irytlewski@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am a Conservation Biology MS student with a keen interest in botanical related research that primarily focuses on diatom communities and their ecology throughout Florida's water systems. I have worked alongside Drs. Tom and Melanie Whitmore in the paleo lab on the St. Petersburg campus where we have worked on taxonomic harmonization and ecological correlations of diatom communities. In 2023, I was a co-author on a presentation regarding diatom communities in Florida lakes at the North American Lake Management Society Symposium in Erie, Pennsylvania, and I will be presenting a poster at the 2024 meeting in Lake Tahoe, California. 
I was a student of the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Systematics and Ecology of Diatoms course in the summer of 2024, where I was awarded the prestigious Charles Reimer scholarship and became a contributor of the Diatoms of North America online database. I will be attending the North American Diatom Symposium in October 2024 where I will be giving a presentation on regional morphological variation of diatom species. 
My future research will continue to focus on diatom taxonomy and ecology in the state of Florida in an effort to better understand indicator species and to help monitor the long-term health of impaired or at-risk water systems so that realistic restoration and conservation goals can be defined. 

Elise Samuelson

Elise Samuelson

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Carney
Tampa campus
esamuelson@usf.edu 

Research Bio

I am currently a Ph.D. student who joined the Carney lab as an undergraduate during the summer of 2021. Topics that are of particular interest to me include studies relating to anatomy, phylogeny, and morphology. I also have special skills and interests in 3D modeling, 3D printing, and digital art, and hope to be able to incorporate these into my work.

I am planning to form my dissertation around crocodilian locomotion, specifically looking into forelimb walk cycles by reconstructing the anatomy in a 3D digital environment. With this, my findings can be used to infer and compare forelimb movement in both extinct and extant species of archosaurs.

 

Anne Sawl

Anne Sawl

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Cassill
St. Petersburg campus
aesawl@usf.edu 

Research Bio

I attained my B.S. in Biology from USF Tampa in 2021. Shortly after, I gained experience working in an AZA-accredited institution with various species, including terrestrial invertebrates, where I formed my interest in Diplopods. 
My research interests include reproductive and maternal investment strategies, ecological and population dynamics, and myriapodology. My graduate research investigates the reproductive strategies and interspecific relationship between two Florida scrub millipedes found on Lake Wales Ridge. These species live in a heavily fragmented habitat and are of conservation concern due to extensive habitat loss. I hope to understand more about their life histories and interactions in order to aid in the conservation of these vital organisms.

Alex Seigel
alex seigel

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Cassill
St. Petersburg campus
alexs210@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am currently looking at the use of environmental DNA in pre- and post-restoration sites (Robinson Preserve and Alligator Creek) to measure the biodiversity of the water system compared to traditional seine netting.

We are also looking to see if any unknown/elusive native (sharks, rays, etc.) or invasive (walking catfish, aquaria species, lionfish, etc.) species have been utilizing these habitats as those need to be factored into measuring the overall success of the restoration itself.

I am hoping to better understand the pros and cons of utilizing eDNA alongside seine nets when measuring biodiversity of tidally influenced water systems.

Tiffany Shemwell

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Prevost
Tampa campus
tiffanyagius@usf.edu

Shivam Shukla

Shivan Shukla

Program: M.S.
Advisor: Doody
St. Petersburg campus
shuklas1@usf.edu 

Research Bio

Ever since I was a child, I have loved reptiles, especially snakes. I got my B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology from USF in 2021. Before coming to the Doody Lab, I have worked on a FWS study on the threatened herpetofauna of the Florida scrub, a project looking at population dynamics and competition in daphnia species, and a couple other projects regarding avian surveys, gopher tortoises, and venomous snakes. Here at the Doody Lab, my research revolves around the intersection of conservation biology and disease ecology, specifically as it pertains to ophidiomycosis in snake populations. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, climbing, kayaking, playing/watching cricket, and cooking.

View Website

Paulina Slick

Pauline Slick

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Santiago-Alarcon / Philippidis
Tampa campus
paulinaslick@usf.edu 

Research Bio

I am a PhD student focused on discovering how microorganisms (algae and bacteria) evolve to respond/adapt to environmental stressors using multi-omic tools.  
I obtained my bachelor's degree in Aerospace Physiology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where I explored the impacts of extreme environments (e.g., simulated microgravity and lunar regolith) on bacteria and plants.

Alexandra Smith

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Harwood / Yeh
Tampa campus
alexandra2@usf.edu 

Austin Smith

as

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Kramer
Tampa campus
amsmith11@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am a Ph.D. student and research assistant in the Kramer Lab. My research interests include implementing mathematical/statistical techniques to ecological data in order to understand species invasions, niche structure/ habitat suitability, and epidemiological pathways.

My current research involves environmental degradation by invasive waterfowl, Coronavirus transmission network analysis, and creating biologically informative machine learning algorithms.

Maki Tabuchi

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Harwood
Tampa campus
mtabuchi@usf.edu

Shea Volkel

shea vokel

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Kramer
Tampa campus
sheavolkel@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am a Ph.D. student in Dr. Kramer’s lab (joined August 2019). My research focuses on invasive species, species interactions, population dynamics, and spatial ecology in large aquatic systems.

I am currently investigating the spatial and trophic dynamics of invasive lionfish and regal demoiselle in the Gulf of Mexico, along with the ecological interactions among these invasive species and native fishes.

Lauren Walling

lauren walling

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Parkinson / Richards
Tampa campus
laurenwalling@usf.edu

Research Bio

I am excited to be a Ph.D student, co-advised by both Dr. Richards and Dr. Parkinson. Through my Ph.D research I plan to examine how DNA methylation changes within symbionts of Cnidarians.

I also plan to research how changes to the epigenome of a holobiont is affected by different environmental factors, such as temperature or pH.

Prior to my time here at USF, I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in Molecular and Cellular Biology. I then obtained my master’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where I studied DNA methylation in deep-sea Octocorals.

Jana Wieschollek

jana w

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Scott
Tampa campus
jwieschollek@usf.edu

Research Bio

Hey, I am Jana and I am a graduate student from Germany! I am a Ph.D. student at  Dr. Scott’s lab. My earlier research includes work on the biochemistry of army ants and their parasites as an undergraduate student and a Master Thesis focused on mitigation of the Florida Red Tide organism Karenia Brevis via algicidal bacteria.

My Ph.D. project is going to focus on genetically interesting bacteria. These bacteria produce Carboxysome microcompartments, which help the organism with CO2-fixation. Interestingly, the bacteria seem to miss genetic information for important enzymes that are necessary for CO2-fixation. I hope to solve some puzzle pieces in this paradox for a better understanding of those organisms. A better understanding could lead to multiple applications, such as bioengineered CO2 fixation (not part of Scott’s lab research).

Jake Woods

Jake Woods

Program: Ph.D.
Advisor: Yang
Tampa campus
jpwoods@usf.edu

Research Bio

My name is Jake and I study poison dart frog behavior in Dr. Yusan Yang’s lab. Specifically, I am focused on how ecological resource availability alters sexual selection, parental care behavior, and tadpole development. Additionally, I am interested in finding out what sexual traits,  e.g. color, body size, courtship effort, are most important in mate choice and how they may vary in importance between species with different mating systems and parental care behaviors.

I received my B.S. in Biology from Saint Louis University in 2023, where I studied vibrational communication in invertebrates.

 

Need to update your bio? Click here