People – Wogan (Eco-Evo-Omics) Lab

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 is 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 (Anaxyrus). Claudia uses a combination of fieldwork, museum collections, genomic, and biochemical tools to investiagte the evolutionary relationships between broadly 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 is researching adaptations in these populations as they expand farther northward.

Katarina Mapes (Doctoral student, start date -Fall 2022). Katarina ‘s reseaarch is focused on longevity and aging in fish, and she is working 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.

Alfonsus Eko Saputro (Master’s student, start date – Fall 2025). Eko is a Fulbright Scholar from Indonesia. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science from Universitas Gadjah Mada, specializing in environmental biology and biodiversity. He has interest in amphibians, reptiles and fish. Before starting graduate school, he spent three years working as a Biodiversity officer in Kalimantan, Borneo.For his Master’s research, Eko is planning to study the ecology, evolution, and systematics of Southeast Asian amphibians and reptiles. He finds Southeast Asia an exciting place to study evolution, with its unique geography and high diversity of amphibians & reptiles.

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 dissertation research is focused on the ecological and evolutionary implications of the Moroccan refugium for a suite of African venomous snake species. He was a Fulbright Fellow to Morocco (2023-2024) hosted by Dr. Naoual Oukkache (Pasteur Institute of Morocco). Outside of research, he enjoys rock climbing, skateboarding, and traveling!

Undergraduate Students

Lilly Chandler is a junior 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.

Emily Kohn is a junior 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. She is a Wentz research scholar this year!

Cami Michaelson is a Junior student pursuing a bachelors in Zoology with a focus in Ecology and Conservation Biology. I plan to pursue a career in Marine Biological work on the coast, participating in research and conservation practices regarding reef life. I am excited to gain lab experience! I am currently using micro CT scans for morphological analysis on Sticklebacks.