Current Graduate Students
A-Z Index of Current Doctoral Students
A
Abeels, Holly
B.S. Long Island University, Southhampton College, M.S. Florida Gulf Coast University
Research Topic: Climate Change and Resiliency Community Engagement
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jules Bruck, School of Landscape Architecture and Planning
Acevedo-Charry, Orlando
B.S. Universidad Nacional de Colombia at Bogotá, M.S. University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras
Research Topic: Tropical ecology and conservation, bird communities and population trends, biodiversity response to environmental gradients, citizen science and community-based monitoring linked with quantitative tools
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Miguel Acevedo, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; Co-Chair: Scott Robinson, Florida Museum of Natural History
Adisa, Sylvia
B.S. Moi University, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Socioecological Impacts and Sustainability of Marine Fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean Region; Gender in Billfish Fisheries
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Kai Lorenzen, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Alvarez, Hernan G.
B.S. Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jessica Kahler, Sociology and Criminology & Law
Anderson, William
B.A. Valdosta State University, M.D.P. (Master's of Sustainable Development) University of Florida
Research Topic: Stakeholder perceptions and experiences related to regional climate change impacts, within relevant spheres-of-interest in tropical cropping livelihoods
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Oscar Liburd, Entomology and Nematology
Atkinson, Michelle
B.S. Stetson University, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: The Integrated Socio-Environmental Dynamics of Stormwater Pond Systems
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Paul Monaghan, Agricultural Education and Communication
B
Bajema, Jordan
B.S. Western Washington University
Research Topic: Northward range expansion of common snook along Florida’s Gulf coast
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Will Patterson, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; Co-Chair: Mike Allen, Nature Coast Biological Station
Bolds, Sara
B.S. Florida Gulf Coast University, M.S. Auburn University
Research Topic: Invasive species and disease in freshwater ecosystems
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Lindsey Reisinger, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Bolger, Lexi
B.S. University of Florida, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: STEM identity development within informal and digital educational environments, arts-based research, narrative inquiry, and science communication
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jamie Loizzo, Agricultural Education and Communication
Bonilla Liberato, Edison Daniel
B.S. University of Ibague, Colombia
Research Topic: Ecology, management, and population status of the American alligator in the Everglades
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Sergio Balaguera-Reina, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center; Co-Chair: Frank Mazzotti, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center
Brophy Cerquera, Trista
B.S., M.S. & M.A. University of South Florida
Research Topic: Urban Water Management
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Sam Smidt, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences; Co-Chair: Eban Bean, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Buddy, Miles
B.S. University of North Carolina - Wilmington
Research Topic: Phylogenetics and phylogeography of Campanulaceae in the Mediterranean Basin
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Nico Cellinese, Florida Museum of Natural History; Co-Chair: Nick Gauthier, Florida Museum of Natural History
Budhathoki, Sagar
B.S. Tribhuwan University, Nepal; M.S. Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal
Research Topic: Seedling dynamics under disturbance scenarios
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jeremy Lichstein, Biology
C
Campanino, Finella
B.S. SUNY College at Oneonta, M.S. Louisiana State University
Research Topic: Seagrass Ecology
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Laura Reynolds, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Cao, Haojie
B.S. China University of Geosciences, M.S. Wuhan University
Research Topic: Ecosystem Services
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jiangxiao Qiu, Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences
Cardoso, Wania Grangeiro
Bachelor of Law, Federal University of Pará-UFPA, LL.M, Federal University of Pará-UFPA
Research Topic: The Recognition of Traditional Territories as a Tool to Address Deforestation and Promote Human Rights to Amazonian People
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Cynthia Simmons, Geography
Cauvin, Allison
B.S. and M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Coral Disease
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Julie Meyer, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences; Co-Chair: Andrew Altieri, Environmental Engineering Sciences
Chaya, Taryn
B.S. Flagler College, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Estuarine Biogeochemistry
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Todd Osborne, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Chen, Po-An
B.S. National Chiayi University, M.S. National Chung Hsing University
Research Topic: Informationscapes ecology in family Paridae
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Katie Seiving, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Choi, Minjin
B.S. Sungkyunkwan University and University of Texas - Dallas, M.S Seoul National University
Research Topic: Lygodium microphyllum, Invasive Plants, Management
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Stephen Enloe, Agronomy
D
Dasher, Cameron
B.A. Eckerd College
Research Topic: The Role of Anthropogenic Disturbances in Shaping Plant communities and Facilitating Plant Invasions at the Eastern Andean Treeline
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Luke Flory, Agronomy
Datta, Ankita
B.S. GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, M.S. Indian Institute of Technology - Guwahati
Research Topic: Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Patrick Inglett, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Diab, Mohanad
B.S. Al Balqa'a Applied University, Jordan; M.S. Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Research Topic: GeoAI, Artificial Intelligence, Remote Sensing
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Chang Zhao, Agronomy
Dunn, Bailey
B.A. Florida International University; M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Governance issues in rural communities located near protected areas in southern Africa
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Brian Child, Geography
E
Earle, Kamala
B.S. University of Florida, M.S. University of Hawaii
Research Topic: Springs Ecology
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Tom Frazer, University of South Florida
Ebrahimi, Seyed Abolfazl
B.S. University of Guilan, M.S. Sharif University of Technology
Research Topic: Understanding Spatial and Temporal Variation in Water Quality, with an Emphasis on Pattern Differences Between Various Potential Contaminants
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Matt Cohen, Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences
Evert, Jason
B.S. Hope College, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Coastal Habitat Restoration
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Todd Osborne, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
F
Fluck Essig, Isadora
B.S. and M.S. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
Research Topic: Drivers of biodiversity
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Ben Baiser, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Foursa, Gabrielle
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Restoration Aquaculture
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Ashley Smyth, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Futada, Silvia de Melo
B.S. and M.S. University of Campinas
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Karen Kainer, Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences; Co-Chair: Joel Correia, Latin American Studies
G
Greenspan, Jeff
B.S. Johns Hopkins University, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: How can we motivate people to act in ways that support evidence-based sustainability?
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Stephen Perz, Sociology and Criminology & Law
Gómez, Oscar Godínez
B.S. and M.S. Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo
Research Topic: Spatial Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Robert Fletcher, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Gottesman, Hannah
B.S. Cornell University
Research Topic: The Spawner-Recruit Movement Ecology of Gag Grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis)
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Susan Lowerre-Barbieri, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; Co-Chair: Will Patterson, Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences
Guarino, Tori
B.S. Florida Gulf Coast University
Research Topic: Evaluating major factors of Atlantic Coast living shorelines, such as plant sourcing, availability, germination, and revegetation, and effectiveness
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Carrie Adams, Environmental Horticulture
H
Hafliger, Tyrel J.
B.S. Kansas State University
Research Topic: Wild Turkey Disease Ecology
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Samantha Wisely, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Hagyari, David
B.S. Oklahoma State University
Research Topic: Longleaf Pine Conservation and Phylogenetics
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Nico Cellinese, Florida Museum of Natural History
Haney, Cassidy
B.S. and M.S. New York University, M.S. Johns Hopkins University
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Mark Clark, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences; Savanna Barry, Nature Coast Biological Station
Hari Haran, Priyanka
B.S. University of Madras, M.S Pondicherry University
Research Topic: The effect of forest fragmentation and restoration on bird communities in the Western Ghats
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Emilio Bruna, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Harling, John
B.S. Texas A&M University, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Aspects of Livestock Systems in Sub Saharan Africa, and How They Interact With Their Environment to Allow for Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Esteban Rios, Agronomy
Harlow, Jaiere
B.S. and M.S. Tuskegee University
Research Topic: Assessing Post-Standing Movement, Feeding, and Behavioral Patterns of Florida Manatees Released on-site and from Rehabilitation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Ray Carthy, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Hiatt, Drew
B.S. University of Nevada - Reno, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Mechanisms and Impacts of Plant Invasions
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Luke Flory, Agronomy
Hermudananto, Hermu
B.S. Universitas Gadjah Mada, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Climate Change Mitigation in Indonesian Natural Forest Management through Reduced-Impact Logging
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jack Putz, Biology
Holst, Meg
B.S. Florida Southern College
Research Topic: Urban Ecology and Conservation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Corey Callaghan, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; Co-Chair: Chang Zhao, Agronomy
Hoskins, Levi
B.S. Tulane University
Research Topic: Mammalian morphology and coloration
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jonathan Nations, Florida Museum of Natural History
Howley, Samantha
B.S. and M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Biogeochemistry and Role of Anthropogenic Drivers in Wetlands and Streams
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Matt Cohen, Forest Resources and Conservation
Hurtado, Liz
B.S. Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Scott Robinson, Florida Museum of Natural History
I
Iriarte, Aleida
B.S. Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
Research Topic: Diversity, evolution, and natural history of amphibians and reptiles
Chair/Faculty Advisor: David Blackburn, Florida Museum of Natural History
J
K
Kang, Yiyang “Calvin”
B.S. Xiamen University
Research Topic: Quantifying variation in coastal wetland structure and function across a winter temperature gradient
Chair/Faculty Advisor: David Kaplan, Environmental Engineering Sciences
Kant, Medelin
B.S. Oklahoma State University, M.S. Oregon State University
Research Topic: Climate Change Impacts on Plant Ecophysiology and Drivers of Plant Mortality
Chair/Faculty Advisor: William Hammond, Agronomy
Kawall, Sarina
B.S. University of Guyana; M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Human-Wildlife Conflict in the Rupununi, Guyana
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Matthew Hallett, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Keegan, Coral
B.S. Georgetown University, M.S. Yale University
Research Topic: Using interdisciplinary methods to examine how multiple-use landscapes in Sub-Saharan Africa can be optimized to support biodiversity conservation and human well-being
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Robert McCleery, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Kefelegn, Getachew Amare
B.S. Debre Berhan University, M.S. Haramaya University
Research Topic: Sustainable Agriculture; Optimizing Nutrient Dynamics to Enhance Nutrient Use Efficiency
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw, Agronomy
Klevtcova, Anna
B.S. Irkutsk State University, M.S. North Carolina State University
Research Topic: Socio-Physiological Factors Influencing Hunters’ Attitude to Management of Their Hunting Land
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jessica Kahler, Sociology and Criminology & Law
Kucharski, Shelby
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Biogeochemical modeling of root-soil interactions; Microbial respiration of SOC and plant-derived carbon; Hyperspectral analysis of soil; Amendment-based soil carbon stabilization
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Chris Wilson, Agronomy
Kyasiimire, Beatrice
B.A. and M.S. Makerere University, M.A. International Institute for Geo-Information Sciences and Earth Observation
Research Topic: Ecological and Social Costs of Linear Infrastructure Development in the Murchison-Semliki Landscape Uganda
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Mark Hostetler, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
L
Lamichhane, Saneer
B.S. Tribhuvan University, M.S. Kathmandu University
Research: Ecology and Conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger of Nepal
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Madan Oli, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Lang, Emily
B.S. Florida State University, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Behavior change related to sustainable urban landscaping
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Laura Waner, Agricultural Education and Communication
Lenc, Jan
B.S. and M.S. University of South Bohemia
Research Topic: The influence of microgeographic processes (i.e. vertical stratification) on the community composition and distribution of tropical ectotherm species at different temporal and spatial scales
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Brett Scheffers, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Lewis, Dakota
B.S. and M.S. University of Central Florida
Research Topic: Understanding Fish Community Responses to Disturbance
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Andrew Altieri, Environmental Engineering Sciences
Lockhart, Sarah
B.S. Eckerd College, M.S. Duke University
Research Topic: Wildlife Corridor Design and Implementation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Tom Hoctor, Design, Construction & Planning
Lynch, Sherri
B.S. Auburn University, M.S. Florida State University
Research Topic: Native Solitary Bee Conservation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Debbie Miller, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; Co-Chair: Mack Thetford, West Florida Research and Education Center
M
Mahrajani, Rajani
B.S. Tribhuvan University, M.S. Northern Arizona University
Research Topic: The Role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge for Climate Change Adaptation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Bron Taylor, Religion
Manning, Morgan
B.S. University of Georgia, M.S. University of Georgia
Research Topic: Interdisciplinary Quantitative Ecology
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Miguel Acevedo, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
McIntyre, Tina
B.A. and P.S.M. University of Central Florida
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Laura Warner, Agricultural Education and Communication
Mintz, Jeff
B.S. Pacific University, M.S. Oregon State University
Research Topic: Bayesian statistics for ecology
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Mathew Leibold, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Mirzajonova, Gulchiroy
B.S. Fergana State University, M.S. Fergana State University
Research Topic: Environmental and Health Concerns that are Vulnerable to Consequences of Climate Change
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Sarah McKune, Environmental and Global Health
Moffis, Brooke
B.S. Tennessee Technological University, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Promoting Biodiversity and Sustainability in Urban Landscaping
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Basil Iannone, Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences
Moore, Tiffany
B.S. North Carolina State University
Research Topic: Pine Rockland Invertebrate Conservation (Bartram’s Scrub Hairstreak Butterfly, Miami Tiger Beetle, and Pine Rockland Trapdoor Spider)
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jaret Daniels, Entomology and Nematology and Florida Museum of Natural History
Mora, Mónica
B.S. Universidad de Chile, M.S. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Research Topic: Human Dimensions in Conservation Biology
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Nia Morales, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Morgan, Rachel Serafin
B.S. Marist University
Research Topic: Western Atlantic Coral and Coral Conservation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Joshua Patterson, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Morris, Hope
B.S. Southern New Hampshire University; B.S.A. University of Texas - Austin; M.S. University of West Alabama
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Flavia Tabay Zambon, Indian River Research and Education Center - Fort Pierce
N
Niragire, Ildephonse
B.S. University of Rwanda
Research Topic: Nematode diversity across a gradient of habitats in the Nebraska Sandhills
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Dorota Porazinska, Entomology and Nematology
Nyatuame, Caleb Atsu
B.S. University of Cape Coast, Ghana; M.S. Northern Arizona University
Research Topic: Integrating AI Tools into Teaching Pedagogy for a Culturally Responsive Environmental Education to Enhance Teacher Capacity Building
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Yue Li, Forests, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences
O
Oliveira Teodoro da Silva Kuzma, Aline
LL.B. Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná
Research Topic: Greening Development II: Working with Communities to Identify Incentives for Development Projects and Low-Income Neighborhoods
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Andrew Koeser, Environmental Horticulture
Olubisi, Oluwasegun John
B.S. and M.S. Obafemi Awolowo University
Research Topic: Beneficial reuse of wastewater for agricultural production
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Mary Lusk, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, Co-Chair: Davie Kadyampakeni, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Opincarne, Megan
B.A. Ball State
Research Topic: Studying the Intersectionality of Ecological Relationships, and the Importance of Maintaining Ecological Balance to Preserve the Natural Systems and Organizations We Reply Upon
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Nancy Denslow, Veterinary Medicine
Orenstein, Alex
B.S. Florida State University; M.S. School of Oriental and African Studies, United Kingdom
Research Topic: Agro-Pastoral Ecology in West Africa
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Gerrit Hoogenboom, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
P
Palmer, Chad
B.A. Arizona State University, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Fisheries Management
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Ed Camp, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Perez, Kristie
B.A. Florida International University, MFAS University of Florida
Research Topic: Assessing the current and potential role of shellfish for to improve coastal water quality
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Shirley Baker, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Perry, Emily
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Understanding the Relationship Between Soil Microbial Communities and Tree Physiology
Chair/Faculty Advisor: William Hammond, Agronomy
Poincon, Liliane
B.S. Université d’État d’Haïti, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Rural Nonprofit Organizations in Haiti: Gender, Power and Perceived Benefits of Membership
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Mickie Swisher, Family, Youth, and Community Sciences
Prasanna, Varshitha
B.S. and M.S. Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences
Research Topic: Precision water management, nutrient technology, water quality, groundwater leaching, crop and hydrological modeling
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Vivek Sharma, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Q
R
Reimer, Jenna
B.S. University of Maryland
Research Topic: Shellfish and water quality improvement
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Ashley Smyth, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, and Tropical Research and Education Center; Co-Chair: AJ Reisinger, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Rivas, Mayra
B.S. Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Impact Evaluation: Recovery of Natural Capital of the Dry Corridor Region and Climate Adaptation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Conner Mullally, Food and Resource Economics
Rodgers, Phillip
B.S. University of Florida, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Human Dimensions of Prescribed Burning
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Rae Crandall, Forest Resources and Conservation
Rojas-Cañizales, Daniela
M.S. University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley
Research Topic: Examining the human behaviors and motivations behind the legal and illegal take of sea turtles
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Vanessa Hull, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Rozzi, Bruno
B.S. Arizona State University
Research Topic: Agricultural Carbon Sequestration and Land Restoration on Clay Settlement Areas
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Zachary Brym, Agronomy
S
Sapkota, Anisha
B.S. Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal; M.S. Eastern New Mexico University
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Vaugh Shirey, Florida Museum of Natural History
Sawant, Suyash
B.S. and M.S. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research - Tirupati
Research Topic: Complexity of vocal communication in family Paridae
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Kathryn Sieving, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Schlachter, Katharine
B.S. University of Virginia
Research Topic: Benthic community ecology of coastal marine systems
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Laura Reynolds, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, Co-Chair: Marc Hensel, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Searles, Adam
B.S. University of Central Florida
Research Topic: Elucidating the Mechanisms Driving Community Differences Between Algae and Seagrass Habitats
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Charlie Martin, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; Co-Chair: Laura Reynolds, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Siemann, Megan
B.S. Rice University, M.S. Texas A&M University
Research Topic: Incorporating Trophic Ecology Data Sources into Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Modeling
Chair/Faculty Advisor: David Chagaris, Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics Sciences
Singh, Rajkaranbir
B.S. Punjab Agricultural University, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Gabriel Maltais-Landry, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Soifer, Lydia
B.S. Davidson College, MPhil University of Cambridge
Research Topic: Tropical Forest Microclimate Ecology and Biogeography
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Brett Scheffers, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Song, Jiayi
B.S. South China University of Technology
Research Topic: Geospatial Artificial Intelligence for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Modeling
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Chang Zhao, Agronomy, Co-Chair: Corey Callaghan, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
St. Fort, Josue
B.S. Université d’État d’Haiti, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Optimizing micro-irrigation for reduced water use during strawberry establishment and freeze protection in Florida
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Carlene A. Chase, Horticultural Sciences; Co-Chair: Vivek Sharma, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Stanley, Rick
B.S. Harvard University, MRes. Imperial College
Research Topic: Ecology and Conservation of Tropical Birds
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Bette Loiselle, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Steele Cabrera, Sarah
B.S. Brandeis University, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Insect Conservation and Ecology
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jaret Daniels, Entomology and Nematology
Swigris, Anna
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Restoration Ecology of Freshwater Ecosystems
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Corey Callaghan, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
T
Taneja, Yukti
B.S. University of Delhi, M.S. Wildlife Institute of India
Research Topic: Plant Invasions, Ecology, and Evolution of Mutualisms
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Luke Flory, Agronomy
Tate, Richard
B.S. Humbolt State University
Research Topic: Linking Biological and Cultural Conservation in Achara, Georgia (Caucasus)
Chair/Faculty Advisor: John Stepp, Anthropology
Teryda, Natalia Sofia
B.S. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, M.S. University of California San Diego
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Ray Carthy, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Tian, Vera
B.S. University of Virginia, M.E.S. University of Pennsylvania
Research Topic:
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jane Southworth, Geography
Tittl, Jessica
B.S. Wittenberg University
Research Topic: Probiotic Coral Bacteria Pangenomes
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Julie Meyer, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Troy, Savannah
B.S. University of Texas-Austin
Research Topic: Differential Impacts of Habitat Degradation on Avian Biodiversity Across Space and Time in Southern Africa
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Robert Fletcher, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Tucker, Kaitlyn
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Fish Age Validation and Utilize DNA Methylation as a Novel Means to Determine Age of Difficult-to-Age or Protected Species with only Fin Clip Samples
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Will Patterson, Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics Sciences
U
V
Vinod Anand, Akshay
B.S. University of Madras, M.S. Pondicherry University
Research Topic: Understanding the Ecological and Environmental Drivers Governing Avian Species Composition and Distribution along an Elevational Gradient in the Western Ghats, India
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Robert Guralnick, Florida Museum of Natural History; Co-Chair: Bette Loiselle, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Vinson, Alyssa
B.S. University of South Florida, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Socioecological drivers of tree survival in new housing developments
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Andrew Koeser, Environmental Horticulture
W
Walsh, Rachel
B.S. and M.S. Florida State University
Research Topic: Insect ecology, genomics, population genetics, and conservation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Akito Kawahara, Biology and Florida Museum of Natural History; Co-Chair: Jaret Daniels, Entomology and Florida Museum of Natural History
Walus, Alexandria
B.S. and M.S. Michigan State University
Research Topic: Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Fisheries
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Marc Hensel, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Weimorts, Justin
B.S. University of Georgia
Research Topic: The Effects of Animal Diversity and Abundance on Nutrient Cycling and Ecosystem Services
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Matt Whiles, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Wells, Audwyn Ondine
B.S. Bard College; M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Extension education approaches for achieving water resource protection across key stakeholder groups
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Paul Monaghan, Agricultural Education and Communication
Williams, Ajit
B.S. and M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Mapping and Evaluation of Agroecosystems in the Southeastern US
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Zachary Brym, Agronomy
Wixson, Joel
B.S. Colorado State University, M.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Modeling, and Fishery Science
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Joann Mossa, Geography
Wu, Ruoyu
B.S. Nanjing University, M.S. University of Michigan
Research Topic: Global change ecology, ecosystem services, and sustainability science
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jiangxiao Qiu, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences
X
Y
Yesilkusak, Derya
B.S. Selcuk University, M.S. Wageningen University & Research
Research Topic: Climate Adaptation and Sea Level Rise, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Green Infrastructure
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Thomas Hoctor, Department of Landscape Architecture
Ykeuti Meiga, Ana Yoko
B.S. Centro Universitário Filadélfia, M.S. Universidade Federal de São Carlos
Research Topic: Movement and Spatial Ecology and Wildlife Conservation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Denis Valle, Forest Resources and Conservation
Z
Zhi, Ran
B.S. Nanjing Agricultural University, M.S. Renmin University of China
Research Topic: Soil phosphorus (P) identifying and management; P cycle modeling and prediction
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jiangxiao Qiu, Forest Resources and Conservation
Zoka, Melpomeni
B.S. & M.S. Agricultural University of Athens, Greece; M.S. Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands
Research Topic: Physics-Informed Neural Networks and Earth Observation for Natural Resources Applications
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Nikolaos Tziolas, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center; James Jawitz, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
A-Z Index of Current Master's Students
A
Agis, Daniel
B.S. Johns Hopkins University
Research Topic: Seed biology; seed-based plant conservation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Héctor E. Pérez, Environmental Horticulture
B
Bishop, Jennifer
B.S. Broward College
Research Topic: Restoration on aquatic plants and how to best grow them for future restoration projects
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Lynn Gettys, Agronomy/Aquatic Wetland Plant Science
Brebion, Andre
B.S. University of North Florida
Research Topic: Interdisciplinary GIS Implementation for Conservation Efforts
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Todd Osborne, Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience; Co-Chair: K. Ramesh Reddy, School of Natural Resources and Environment, and Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Broxton, Jazmyn
B.S. University of Florida
Research topic: Effects of Beach Alteration on Gas Exchange and Sea Turtle Egg Incubation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Ray Carthy, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
C
Cinquini, Andrew
B.S. Washington State University
Research Topic: Tree Physiology and Mortality with Climate Change
Chair/Faculty Advisor: William Hammond, Agronomy
Coleman, Isaac
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Impacts of Renewable Energy on Biodiversity within the Gulf of Mexico
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Vanessa Hull, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Cooke, Sarah
B.S. Towson University
Research Topic: Invasive Reptile Ecology and Management
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Frank Mazzotti, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
D
D’Espies, Madyson
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Bottlenose Dolphin population dynamics and feeing behavior in Cedar Key, FL
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Iske Larkin, Large Animal Clinical Sciences
E
Escobar Torres, Patricia
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Cultural heritage preservation in Southwest Florida
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jamie Loizzo, Agricultural Education and Communication
Estes, Madeline
B.S. Rhodes College
Research Topic: Habitat Restoration
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Carrie Reinhart Adams, Environmental Horticulture
F
Febrina Anjali Fika, Jelvi
B.S. Universitas Pattimura
Research Topic: Nutrient Loading in Aquatic Ecosystems and Environmental Changes
Chair/Faculty Advisor: K. Ramesh Reddy, School of Natural Resources and Environment, and Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Fussel Persaud, C. Analise
B.A. Florida International University
Research Topic: Assessing the potential of citizen science data to track changes in abundance of wading birds in South Florida
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Corey Callaghan, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
G
Gank, Keefer
B.A. University of Florida
Research Topic: Climate Science
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Michael Andreu, Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences
H
Hobbs, Harrison
B.S. Flagler College
Research Topic: Understanding and restoring Florida’s dwindling seagrass populations through the lenses of biogeochemical cycling and subaqueous sediment geomorphology
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Todd Osborne, Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience
I
J
Jiang, Rola
B.S. & B.A. Rhode Island College
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jamie Loizzo, Agricultural Education and Communication
K
L
Lin, Meng Bing
B.S. State College of New York
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: H. Dail Laughinghouse, Agronomy
Lowe, Samantha
B.S. Duke University
Research Topic: Human Dimensions of Biodiversity Through the Lens of Participatory Science
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Corey Callaghan, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Luchau, Nicole
B.A. New York University
Research Topic: Climate Impacts on Economically Important Fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico
Chair/Faculty Advisor: David Chagaris, Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences
Lumas, Wistride
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: How Climate Change Affects Gentrification in Little Haiti, Miami
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jessica Kahler, Sociology, and Criminology & Law
M
McDaid, Kelsey
B.S. University of California, Santa Cruz
Research Topic: Decision frameworks for disaster management
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Christa Court, Food and Resource Economics
Medo, Stephanie
B.S. University of South Florida
Research Topic: Dispersal Patterns of Juvenile Black Bears
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Daniel J. Smith, Landscape Architecture
N
O
P
Palmieri, Sebastian
B.S. Broward College
Research Topic: Pollinator Ecology of Hydrophytes
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Lyn Gettys, Agronomy
Pierson, Taylor
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Insect ecology, conservation, population genetics and genomics
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Jaret Daniels, Entomology and Nematology, Florida Museum of Natural History
Pietraszun, Stasia
B.S. Florida State University
Research Topic: Restoration Ecology and GIS
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Carrie Adams, Environmental Horticulture; Co-Chair: Laura Reynolds, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Q
R
Rayhan, Jahir
B.S. University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
Research Topic: Linnaean and Wallacean shortfalls (addressing knowledge gaps) in moths and butterflies
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Akito Kawahara, Florida Museum of Natural History
Romero-Olvera, Miguel
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Exploring optimal habitats for nest box placement to support Southeastern American Kestrel (Falco sparverius Paulus) restoration by increasing nesting success and post-fledgling survival
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Christina Romagosa, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
S
Samuels, Tabitha
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Coastal Restoration
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Deborah Miller, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; Co-Chair: Mack Thetford, Environmental Horticulture
Schoenberger, Kathleen
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Hydrodynamics of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in Florida Springs
Chair/Faculty Advisor: David Kaplan, Environmental Engineering Sciences
Self, Madison
B.S. Broward College
Research Topic: Biological Control of Water Hyacinth using Megamelus scutellaris
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Lyn Gettys, Agronomy
Smit, Steven
B.S. University of Michigan
Research Topic: Resource Allocation and Trade-Offs, Animal Behavior
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Christine Miller, Entomology and Nematology
Stroobosscher, Zoë
B.S. Calvin University
Research Topic: TBA
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Sandra Guzman, Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Swestyn, Katlyn
B.A. University of South Florida
Research Topic: Landscape ecology, pollinator conservation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Sandra Wilson, Environmental Horticulture; Co-Chair: Grady Roberts, Agricultural Education and Communication
T
Taylor, Autumn
B.S. Grand Valley State University
Research Topic: Harmful Algal Bloom Mitigation
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Dail Laughinghouse, Agronomy
Thrasher, Jessica
B.A. University of Montevallo
Research Topic: Attitudes and behavior change related to green industry best management practices
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Alison Adams, Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences
U
V
W
Walton, Christy
B.S. University of Central Florida
Research Topic: Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Pine Tree Hydraulic Function and Disease Risk
Chair/Faculty Advisor: William Hammond, Agronomy
Wanamaker, Christian
B.S. University of Florida
Research Topic: Effects of Warming and Drought on Success and Distribution of Invasive and Native Restoration Grasses
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Luke Flory, Agronomy; Co-Chair: Deah Lieurance, Agronomy
Weber, Chantille
B.A. University of South Florida
Research Topic: Coastal resources: Influence of artificial reef systems on recruitment and biomass fluctuations in Northwest Florida
Chair/Faculty Advisor: K. Ramesh Reddy, School of Natural Resources and Environment, and Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
Wingo, Morgan
B.S. Berry College
Research Topic: Grassland community ecology, fire ecology, wildlife site-use
Chair/Faculty Advisor: Carolina Baruzzi, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
X
Y
Z