POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
Current: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Darrin Freshwater Institute Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Dr. Rick Relyea's My research integrates fundamental ecological concepts into the study of phenotypic evolution. I have experience in a wide array of topics ranging from biogeochemistry to entomology and agricultural pest management. I am interested in the effects of nutritional imbalances on inter- and intraspecific variation and the strategies organisms use to counteract these imbalances. My research combines concepts and methods from many disciplines of biology including ecology, evolution, biogeochemistry, and physiology. |
PAST STUDENTS/GRADUATES
Ph.D.
Michelle Swan Packer (PhD, 2015-2020)
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Using Daphnia as a model, my research investigates phenotypic plasticity's influence on adaptation and evolution. Additonally, I am interested in exploring if these effects have correlary impacts on evo-eco dynamics. I am excited to be participating in a new research project in the Cook Inlet Area (Kenai Peninsula, Alaska), working with researchers from Université du Québec à Montréal, McGill University, and Stony Brook University, as well as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Here, we will be exploring the ecological and evolutionary effects of predation regime change (piscivorous, invasive pike to planktivorous, native sticklebacks). Two morphologically distinct forms of native stickleback will be reintroduced, leading to opportunities to detect divergent selection patterns on zooplankton between populations. Specifically, I'll be testing the influence of standing phenotypic plasticity on the rate and magnitude of evolutionary change in populations of Daphnia throughout the trophic change.
Areas of interest: Phenotypic plasticity, long-term ecological changes effecting evolutionary responses, predator-prey dynamics, anthropogenic and climate change stressors that drive evolutionary change, local and global patterns of adaption.
Areas of interest: Phenotypic plasticity, long-term ecological changes effecting evolutionary responses, predator-prey dynamics, anthropogenic and climate change stressors that drive evolutionary change, local and global patterns of adaption.
packer_cv_feb_2020.pdf | |
File Size: | 89 kb |
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My name is Mike. I studied Natural Resources Conservation at the University of Massachusetts and now attend the graduate program in Biology at UTA, focusing on Ecology and Evolution. I am interested in understanding how adaptive responses to anthropogenic stress affect the properties of communities and ecosystems. I work with an invasive species commonly known as the spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus). Bythotrephes was introduced into the Great Lakes in the early 1980s and has quickly spread in the United States and Canada. Beyond its direct ecological consequences, Bythotrephes exerts selection on native zooplankton, with potentially cascading effects on the structure of communities and biodiversity within lakes. By studying Bythotrephes and its prey (i.e. Daphnia spp.), I hope to gain a better understanding of the consequences of biological invasions and eco-evolutionary theory in general.
Collin Funkhouser (PhD, 2014 - TBD)
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I am interested in researching the evolutionary consequences of environmental variance, as well as competition and predation, on the physiological, morphological, and life history traits of species in novel environments.
Currently a Quantitative Biology PhD candidate at the University of Texas at Arlington in the Biology Department. Received my MS from Texas Tech University in the Natural Resources Management Department. My BS degree is from Missouri State University, with a major in Wildlife Biology with a minor in Marine Sciences.
Specialties: Aquatic ecology, physiological ecology, invertebrates, marine biology.
Field work: desert spring systems, freshwater snail biology and reproduction, alligator snapping turtles, bat netting, estuarine invertebrate sampling.
Currently a Quantitative Biology PhD candidate at the University of Texas at Arlington in the Biology Department. Received my MS from Texas Tech University in the Natural Resources Management Department. My BS degree is from Missouri State University, with a major in Wildlife Biology with a minor in Marine Sciences.
Specialties: Aquatic ecology, physiological ecology, invertebrates, marine biology.
Field work: desert spring systems, freshwater snail biology and reproduction, alligator snapping turtles, bat netting, estuarine invertebrate sampling.
Collin Funkhouser CV | |
File Size: | 128 kb |
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Shannon Beston (PhD, 2014 - 2019)
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My dissertation research explores the role of various ecological factors in the evolution of complex traits. Specifically, I address questions related to the microevolution of the eyes and brains of Trinidadian killifish, Rivulus hartii. My research takes place on the south facing slope of the Northern Range mountains on the island of Trinidad. Our recent work has shown that eye size and brain size decrease in the presence of predators, however, it remains unclear as to why we observe this pattern. The remainder of my dissertation will focus on (1) understanding why predators are associated with the evolution of a smaller eye and brain, and (2) evaluating the coordinated evolution of eyes and brains in the neurosensory system of fishes.
beston_cv_march19.pdf | |
File Size: | 238 kb |
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M.S. Students
Undergraduate Research Assistants
University of Texas Arlington
BS Biology, 2018 University of Texas at Arlington Current: Texas Christian University M.Sc Biology, 2020 expected I graduated from UTA in December 2017 with a B.S. in Biology. I'm enjoying working and gaining experience in Dr. Walsh's lab as lab manager. I intend to begin graduate work studying Ecology, Conservation, and Herpetology. I'm specifically interested in invasive fungal pathogens and how to conserve affected species. Virginia Appelgate
*National Science Foundation (NSF) Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Summer Intern (Summer 2018) Texas Christian University
BS Biology, 2020 expected Amanda Ng (2016-2018)
University of Texas Arlington
BS Biology, 2019 expected I intend on graduating with a B.S. in Biology and Minor in Biochemistry and hope to continue my education in dental school. I enjoy being involved in ecological experiments and being exposed to research methods. University of Texas Arlington
BS Biology, 2015 Current: University of North Texas PhD. Biology Drs. Jeff Johnson and James Bednarz I'm currently a PhD student at UNT studying American Kestrel conservation; populations of these small falcons have been in steep decline across North America for decades. My research focuses on survival rates and courtship behaviors in wintering kestrels across north Texas, as well as establishing migratory connectivity between their wintering and breeding grounds.
University of Texas Arlington
B.S. Biology , 2015 Current: Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science Currently a 3rd year veterinary student at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science. Struggling through my last semester of classes before I start clinics in the fall. I am following the small animal medicine route in order to walk on companion animals. Hopefully later in the future I can implement more exotic species and wildlife through taking CE courses as well as own self-learning.
University of Texas Arlington
B.S. Biology , 2015 Current: |
Graciela Mireles Barron
*IEngage Mentorship Student (2017 - 2018) University of Texas Arlington
BS Exercise Science, 2020 expected I am an Exercise Science major following the Clinical Health track with the intention of pursing medical school after graduation. I am a first-generation college student and being in a research setting is an amazing experience, including learning alongside the amazing Biology staff. University of Texas Arlington
BS Biology, 2018 Current: US Fish and Wildlife Service Intern I am currently a US Fish and Wildlife Service intern, where I plan outreach programs and assist staff with their work on endangered species, environmental contaminants, and conservation. I intend to begin graduate school in the field of aquatic biology. University of Texas Arlington
BS Biology, 2019 expected I plan on finishing a B.S. in Biology and continuing on to pharmacy school where I intend to complete my PharmD and enter the field of Clinical Pharmacy to assist patients in a hospital setting. I enjoy helping out in the lab and having the opportunity to be in a research setting while learning about Daphnia and aquatic ecology.
University of Texas Arlington
B.S. Biology , 2015 Current:
University of Texas Arlington
B.S. Biology , 2015 Current: |
Lab Assistants/Volunteers |
Jorge García (2015-2016)