Guin Wogan, Principal Investigator, Assistant Professor (read more here).
Graduate Students
Neil Balchan (Doctoral candidate, start date -Fall 2022). He is a NSERC PGSD fellow. Neil uses integrated-“omics” tools (genomics, proteomics, antivenomics, and museomics) to understand patterns of lineage diversification, trait diversification, and venom variation in snakes. His dissertation research applies these topics to the Asiatic cobras (Naja (Naja) spp.) – a charismatic and broadly distributed clade of medically important snakes that serve as major contributors to the global snakebite crisis. Neil also has keen interests in herpetology, natural history, and field biology, and he incorporates natural history collections and collections-based fieldwork as a major component of his research.
Connor Downs (Master’s student, start date Fall 2024). Connor’s research centers around trait evolution using comparative morphology, with a focus on the influence of an organisms ecology and genetics on its morphology. For his Master’s project, he will be investigating how the presence of specific predators affects the gene expression and development of defensive structures in the Three-spine stickleback. In his spare time he can be found hiking, biking, and going to OSU sporting events.
Claudia Goss (Doctoral student, start date – Fall 2023). Claudia is interested in amphibian diversity, ecology, and evolution. Her research in the WEEOLab focuses on investigating hybrid zone dynamics and trait diversification of the American toad species complex. Claudia uses a combination of fieldwork, museum collections, genomic, and biochemical tools to investiagte the evolutionary relationships between braodly distributed species of North American toads.
Desi Joseph (Doctoral candidate, start date – Fall 2021). Desi is interested in spatial ecology and genetic approaches to understand how species adapt to novel environmental conditions. She is specifically interested in using invasive species as model organisms for this process. While in the WEEOLab, Desi is focused on the invasion of the Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) across the United States. She intends to study genetic adaptations in these populations as they expand farther northward. She is also interested in the potential impacts that these species have through parasite spillover and spillback while completing her dissertation at OSU.
Katarina Mapes (Doctoral student, start date -Fall 2022). Katarina will be continuing WEEOLab research on amphibian microbiomes as a response to the global amphibian panzootic caused by the chyrtrid fungus. Her thesis will focus on buffalo fish genomics in collaboration with the ODWC efforts to protect these intriguing and complex animals, who have been discovered to live over 100 years.
Calvin Schaefer (Doctoral student, start date – Fall 2021). Calvin is broadly interested in integrative approaches to answering questions in the fields of ecology, evolution, and conservation using reptiles and amphibians as model organisms. In the WEEOLab, his research focuses on the ecology and evolution of complex phenotypes in venomous snakes. His current project uses micro/diceCT scanning for comparative volumetrics of snake venom glands. His dissertation research is focused on the ecological and evolutionary implications of the Moroccan refugium for a suite of African venomous snake species. He is currently a Fulbright Fellow to Morocco (2023-2024) where he is hosted by Dr. Naoual Oukkache (Pasteur Institute of Morocco) and Dr. Tahar Slimani (Université Cadi Ayyad) . Outside of research, he enjoys rock climbing, skateboarding, and traveling!
Undergraduate Students
Lilly Chandler is a sophomore pursuing a B.S. in Biology pre-med. I have always been interested in genetics and evolution and hope to pursue a career involving genetics, forensics, or a more hands-on career such as cardiothoracic surgery. I enjoy painting, camping, and spending time with my pets. She joined the lab as a part of the Freshman Research Scholars program. Lilly is using genetics techniques to identify lizard parasites.
Calli Patterson is a junior pursuing a B.S. degree in Zoology with a pre-vet focus. She is part of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Early Admission program and plans to go to vet school after graduation. She has an interest in reptiles and amphibians and looks forward to gaining research experience. Calli is working on hybrid zone dynamics.
Erika Graham is pursuing a B.S. in Biology. ” I plan to become a research scientist in the future. In my free time I enjoy playing the violin in the OSU symphony orchestra and playing basketball” Erika is working on turtle morphometrics using high resolution imaging techniques.
Emily Kohn is a sophomore pursuing a B.S in Zoology. She has always had an interest in animals and evolution. With these interests, Emily hopes to pursue a career as a research scientist. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends. She joined the lab as a Freshman Research Scholar, and is researching spatial variation in lizard scales.
Cory Volosevich – a senior majoring in zoology. “I’ve always known that I wanted to work with animals of all kinds. I want to use the experience I gain in research to further me in my goal of researching animals and eventually marine life. I enjoy genetic research and animal studies.” In her free time Cory also enjoys drawing and reading. Cory is focused on venom proteomics.
Samuel Ross Wilson is a senior working on a B.S. in Zoology with a focus on conservation and ecology. He plans to pursue a career in herpetological research. Sam is interested in gaining laboratory and field experience while studying the effects of artificial light on invasive species (Hemidactylus turcicus) populations.
Luc Bondarant is a senior at Oklahoma State University, pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a pre-medical focus and a minor in Microbiology. My career goal is to become a physician specializing in surgery while also engaging in medical research. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hunting, rock climbing, and whitewater kayaking. Luc’s research focus is on gecko morphometrics
WEEOLab Undergrad Alumni
(2021)
(2021-2022)
T’ariah Sprouls AURCA Researcher (2022-2023)
