Guin Wogan, Principal Investigator, Assistant Professor (read more here).
Graduate Students
Neil Balchan (Doctoral student, start date -Fall 2022). 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.
Claudia Goss (Master’s student, start date – Fall 2023). Claudia is interested in understanding the impacts of environmental change on amphibian populations, specifically species native to Oklahoma
Desi Joseph (Doctoral student, 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
Connor Downs is pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Spanish. He is a Niblack Fellowship awardee (2023-24). Connor plans to pursue a career in evolutionary biology. In his downtime, Connor loves spending time with family (and his 3 dogs) and reading. Connor is working on morphology and ecology of venomous snakes using microCT scanning.
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.
Brice Hembree is a sophomore majoring in pre-vet zoology. “I’ve known for just about my whole life I wanted to attend the institution and its vet program. I have a particular interest in orthopedics, and my favorite animals are dogs and hedgehogs. Outside of animal related activities, I love the outdoors and exploring it with loved ones- whether it be hiking or just a scenic drive” . Brice is researching lizard malaria and working on a telemetry study.
Emily Kohn is a Freshman 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 joins us as a Freshman Research Scholar.
T’ariah Sprouls is a senior majoring in Zoology with a minor in Womens studies. She wants to get involved in conservation work after graduating. In her free time she enjoys traveling and reading.
Nicholas Visbal
Cory Volosevich – a junior 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.
Samuel Ross Wilson is a junior 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.
WEEOLab Alumni
(2021)
(2021-2022)
(2021-2023)