People

I am an evolutionary ecologist and associate professor at Northeastern Illinois University. My lab primarily studies animal coloration using quantitative and experimental methods, and uses long-term studies to study senescence. However, I am open to any interesting project involving wildlife, evolution, or physiology.

Please email me if you’re interested or have questions about doing research.

C.V.

Sara is a Masters student who just completed her thesis on painted turtles (Chrysemys picta). Sara also completed her B.S. in Biology at NEIU where she researched epizoic algae found on two captive snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii and Chelydra serpentina). 

Noel is a Biology major with an interest in behavioral and evolutionary ecology. They hope to continue their studies in graduate school. When they're not outside looking at birds and weird fungi, they're reading science fiction, baking, or trying out a new hobby of the week.

Christina is a biology major who is aspiring to become a Veterinarian. She is particularly interested in learning about preventive care regarding an animal's behavioral and nutritional health. She is also very interested in working with wildlife and exotic pets. Her hobbies include hanging out with family and friends, reading, video gaming, and walking her dog.

Kage is an undergraduate majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Biology. They are interested in exploring how the presence of certain mite genera in freshwater bodies can serve as bioindicators of the water quality. They plan to continue their studies in graduate school on animal and plant conservation. They have two adorable 10 pound rabbits named Frank and Lavender.

Julian is an undergraduate majoring in Biology, hoping to become a teacher or conservation biologist. He studied ontogenetic pattern change of turtle shells for his summer project.

Andres is an undergraduate majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. He is interested in pursuing graduate school to study and do research in ecology and evolutionary biology. When he is not in the lab, he enjoys watching the NBA, playing video games, and spending time with his cats, Pumpkin and Luna.

Text

Caroline is a Biology major with an interest in animal behavior. She hopes to continue to study turtle sociality and eventually continue to graduate school. In her free time, she enjoys baking and hanging out with her two dogs. Caroline’s summer project focused on whether or not turtles have a preference for a familiar or unfamiliar turtle.