Principal Investigator
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Dr. Sarah Knutie
She/Her/Hers Assistant Professor of EEB at UConn Faculty Affiliate at the UConn Institute for Systems Genomics, USFQ & GSC, National Geographic Explorer, Faculty Advisor for the UConn chapter of ESA SEEDS, Secretary-Elect for SICB DEDE division E-mail: sarah.knutie AT uconn.edu, Twitter: @SarahKnutie Research interests: Disease ecology & evolution, environmental change, ecoimmunology, microbiomes, animal behavior, Google Scholar Education: Post-doc: Integrative Biology, University of South Florida (2014-2017), PhD: Biology, University of Utah (2009-2014), MS: Biology, University of Tulsa (2007-2009), BS: EEB, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (2001-2006) Favorite things: trips to Minnesota to visit her niece, traveling with her partner, and all things (indoor) cats. First gen college student, neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ proud. |
Post-Doctoral Researchers
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Dr. Ashley Love
She/Her/Hers NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow Ashley completed her dissertation at Oklahoma State University in 2019 working with Dr. Sarah DuRant. Her research aims to understand the factors that contribute to individual variation in disease susceptibility and disease transmission. Her dissertation explored how infection and perceived risk of infection alter behavioral, nutritional, and physiological responses relevant to disease susceptibility and transmission in songbirds. Her recent research in the DuRant lab focused on disease-mediated maternal effects and explored whether diseases experienced by females prior to mating and egg laying can shape offspring immunity and responses to infection. In the Knutie lab, Ashley will explore how diet and gut microflora shape host defensive strategies and host-parasite interactions in box-nesting birds. Some of her favorite hobbies include birding, playing video games, hiking, reading, and spending time with her dog! Ashley's Website! |
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Dr. Heather Skeen
She/Her/Hers UConn Research and Teaching Scholar Heather is the EEB Research and Teaching Scholar working with the Knutie and Hird Labs. She completed her PhD at the University of Chicago in 2022 where she focused on characterizing microbiota of Nearctic-Neotropical migratory birds and analyzing temporal trends in blood pathogen prevalence of Catharus thrushes. Heather’s work integrates the use of museum collections and active field work to identify mechanisms which influence the ecology and evolution of host-associated microorganisms. During her postdoc she is focusing on using the immune system to better understand bird-microbiome interactions and evolution. |
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Dr. Ryan Shannon He/Him/His Research Technician AKA Lab Wizard Ryan completed his Ph.D. in 2022 under the advisement of Dr. Matthew Bolek at Oklahoma State University. Ryan’s dissertation focused on the diversity of blood parasites infecting amphibians and reptiles using gene sequencing to characterize mixed infections of trypanosomes and apicomplexans. In the Knutie lab, he is assisting with multiple projects involving gene expression, genetic sex determination of birds, and molecular detection of avian pox. Ryan enjoys hiking, birding, and playing video and board games. |
Graduate Students
Order in which they started in the lab
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Sydney Horan
She/They PhD Student in EEB NSF GRFP Honorable Mention Sydney graduated with a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) in 2020, where she conducted research in the lab of Dr. Doug Woodhams. At UMB, her research explored mitigation strategies against amphibian fungal pathogens— specifically Bsal, a novel emergent disease of salamanders. During her PhD, she plans to explore what and how environmental factors influence the evolutionary ecology of avian host-ectoparasite relationships across space and time with the Nest Parasite Community Science Project. In her free time, Sydney enjoys digital art, video games, photography, and listening to music. Sydney's Website -- Google Scholar Page -- 46 Questions |
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Alyssa McGurer She/They MS Student in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Alyssa is a senior majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut. Once she graduates she will continue with her Master's Degree in Biodiversity and Conservation at UConn. Her previous research experience in the Wagner Lab included lepidopteran systematics, specimen archival, and preparation. Her undergraduate Honors Thesis is focused on identifying and DNA barcoding caterpillar parasitoids and their hosts. Alyssa’s future plans include more involvement with vertebrate specimen preparation, assisting with field research projects in the Knutie Lab, and finding future research questions to explore. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her cats and snake, gardening, reading, and dabbling in traditional art. |
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Alex Soldo
She/Her/Hers MS Student in EEB Alex graduated with a B.S. from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where she conducted research under Dr. Shannon Farrell. Her research investigated the relationship between Black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and their ground-foraging songbird hosts, specifically focusing on the differences in tick loads between different species and life stages. Alex is interested in the effect of invasive parasites and human activity on island birds and how and why some individuals, populations, and species are parasitized at different abundances, in order to inform conservation for at-risk species. During her Master’s, she plans to investigate how co-infection by multiple invasive parasites can affect the fitness of Darwin’s finches. In her free time, Alex enjoys birding, drawing, playing video games, and hanging out with her dog Larry. |
Post-Baccalaureate Technicians
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Gabriela Mena She/Her/Hers Gabriela has a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Her research interests include birds cognition and behavior, ecology, and biodiversity conservation in the tropics. For her BSc. thesis, she explored pollination interactions for hummingbirds in the Ecuadorian Chocó. Using palynological techniques, she compared the relationship between community diversity and pollination patterns in a natural vs. human-modified habitat. In 2021, she worked as a field technician in the project “Conservation of the threatened populations of Galapagos small land birds” at the Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galapagos Islands, where she developed an interest in disease ecology. Gabriela joined Knutie’s lab as a field technician to study the effects of food supplementation in the resistance of Philornis downsi in Darwin’s finches in the Galapagos Islands. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, yoga, and nature photography. |
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Jailene Contreras She/Her/Hers Jailene graduated with a degree in Biology from the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL). She has worked on various projects in the Galápagos Islands, including biological control of Philornis downsi and behavior of landbirds in agricultural zones on Santa Cruz Island. This research has awakened her research interest in the ecology and conservation of terrestrial ecosystems. In 2023, Jailene joined Dr. Knutie's lab as a field technician to study the effects of urbanization on the effect of P. downsi on Darwin's finches on San Cristobal Island, Galápagos. She also conducted an independent project on how nest construction influences the effect of parasitism on Geospiza spp. finches. |
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Katia Goldberg She/ Her/ Hers Katia has a passion for mother nature and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in 2022 from the University of California, Davis. She majored in wildlife conservation biology with an emphasis in ornithology. Katia also minored in international development and is interested the intersection between culture and conservation. Her past research investigated how shade from trees in natural areas can help nestling birds tolerate heat stress for Western Bluebirds and Tree Swallows. Katia joined the Knutie lab in 2023 to study the effects of urbanization on the effect of P. downsi on Darwin's finches on San Cristobal Island, Galápagos! Her hobbies include swimming in the ocean, drawing and painting, birdwatching and biking! |
Undergraduate Students
Order in which they started in the lab
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Caroline Webb
She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Environmental Science Caroline is a senior at the University of Connecticut, majoring in Environmental Science with a Human Health Concentration, and minoring in both Molecular and Cell Biology and Environmental Economics and Policy. This past summer she completed an internship working jointly with the National Weather Service Los Angeles and the South Coast Air Quality Management District working on a project to better understand the relationship between meteorological metrics and ozone air pollution in the South Coast Air Basin. While her research interests center around immunology and the intersection of environmental and human health, she is also passionate about environmental stewardship and was awarded a UConn@COP27 Fellowship to attend the 2022 international climate conference. In the Knutie Lab, she works on the Nest Parasite Community Science Project. Outside of research, Caroline is a member of the UConn Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams, and enjoys open-water swimming and cycling when the weather is nice. |
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Shantae McIntyre
She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Biology Shantae is a senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Anthropology and Africana Studies with the goal to apply for veterinary school after graduation to combine interests in conservation and wildlife health. Ultimately, she hopes to specialize in marine wildlife. She seeks to also be a part of outreach and education for the youth, especially women and minorities wishing to pursue a career in conservation. In the Knutie lab, Shantae assists Grace Vaziri, a PhD student in the lab, studying the wood frog immune system in response to temperature change. Outside of the Lab, she is the treasure for ASEZ, Save The Earth From A-Z, an international university club established by student volunteers from the Church of God, who act to solve practical problems around the world. |
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Elizabeth Cochrane
She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Natural Resources SURF Awardee Elizabeth is a senior at UConn studying Natural Resources and the Environment with a concentration in Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation. In recent years, she has grown fond of bird-watching and observing animal behavior. Elizabeth has previously conducted research in St. Croix of the USVI and in Sarasota, Florida studying coral reef health and disease. Her prior work in outdoor education and bird of prey rehabilitation sparked her interest in ornithology and disease ecology. In the Knutie lab, she works on the Nest Parasite Community Science Project. She spent the Summer of 2022 conducting field for her SURF grant entitled, Do invasive house sparrows affect parasite communities in eastern bluebird nests? You can often find Elizabeth reading fiction novels, listening to podcasts, or exploring new trails. |
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Heather Bjerke She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Pathobiology Heather is currently a junior majoring in Pathobiology in the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources at the University of Connecticut. Her main interests are pathology, biology, disease-focused research, and One-Health (the connection of the health of people, animals, and the environment, CDC). In the Knutie Lab, Heather has been a member of Nest Parasite Community Science crew since Fall of 2021. Outside of the lab, she is a member of the Forestry and Wildlife Club at UConn and The Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk, CT. In her spare time she loves to hike, create art, and travel. She is excited to work in the lab and with her crew members this year! |
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Kunzika
He/They Undergraduate Researcher in Environmental Studies Kunzika is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Puppet Arts. Their research interests include environmental racism and its effects, entomology, and ecological conservation. In the Knutie lab, they are focusing the effects of urbanization on host-parasite interactions, as well as developing outreach for the Nest Parasite Community Science Project. In the past, they have assisted in multiple field research projects, assisted in the community-driven project EntoGEM, and conducted a literature review of indigenous BMPs for AGU 2021 Fall Meeting. Outside of the lab, Kunzika is the Secretary of UConn ESA SEEDS and spends their time creating environmental-based puppet shows. In their spare time, they like to read books, write songs, and draw. |
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Patrick Sheridan He/Him/His Undergraduate Researcher in EEB Patrick is a Junior majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in statistics. His research interests include conservation biology, global effects of anthropogenic climate change, biodiversity studies of avians and reptiles, and the intersection of policy and academic research. In the Knutie Lab, he is working on a research paper for his honors thesis related to the distribution of anthropogenic material in eastern bluebird nests in hopes of determining what factors influence that distribution. Outside the lab, he is a statistics tutor and volunteers at his town land trust. In his free time, Patrick enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending time with his friends and family. |
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Sila Inanoglu She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Biology Sila is a Junior at UConn majoring in Biology and minoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. She spent a year at the squid room in the Nyholm lab where she grew an interest in the molecular side of biology and a fascination with understanding animals as model organisms. Sila hopes to remain curious in the Knutie Lab through the Nest Parasite Community Science project. She is most excited to dissect nests, identify parasites, and hopefully research the patterns and questions she begins to form. In her free time, Sila enjoys tabletop games, going on hikes, and arts and crafts. |
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Lorraine Pérez She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Biology Lorraine is a senior majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in French. From freshman through junior year, she was a student at UXonn Hartford where she was actively involved in the Academic Achievement Center and the B Center. She will be joined the Knutie lab in Fall 2022 with interests in evolutionary biology, ecology, and epidemiology. She is also an NSF REU student who will be traveling to the Galapagos Islands in 2023. Her hobbies include gardening, baking, and spending time with loved ones. |
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Anita Amiti She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Biology Anita is a junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Biological Sciences and on the pre-medical track. Her main interests include biology, immunology, genetics, disease, One Health (the connection of the health in people, animals, and the environment), and gut microbiota. In the lab, she is working with Dr. Ashley Love to explore how host diet and microbiota alter host gene expression. Outside of the lab, she is a member of the Pre-med Society at UCONN, and the Bridge to Guanin (an alternative break service trip). In her free time, she loves to run, style clothes and interior designing. |
Prospective Members
Post-docs: I do not currently have funding for a post-doc position. However, I'd be happy to collaborate on/sponsor an NSF PRFB proposal for the 2023 deadline if you are interested in climate change, urbanization, and invasive parasites of birds in the Galápagos Islands. Must have experience with field work (preferable international) and breeding birds. Please contact me to discuss possible projects!
Graduate students: I am not considering applications for graduate students until fall 2024.
Undergraduate students: We are considering applications to hire one (paid) undergraduate student to start fall 2023 on the Nest Parasite Community Science crew.
Graduate students: I am not considering applications for graduate students until fall 2024.
Undergraduate students: We are considering applications to hire one (paid) undergraduate student to start fall 2023 on the Nest Parasite Community Science crew.
Past Lab Members
(we miss you!!!)
Post-doctoral Researcher
Dr. Johanna Harvey (2017-2019), Currently a Fellow at the AMNH
Graduate Students
Mia Nahom (2018-2022), B.S. in EEB and M.S. in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, SURF Awardee
Jessica Gutiérrez (2019-2021), M.S. in EEB, Currently an Aquatic Field Ecologist at NEON
Amanda Deguire (2019-2020), M.S. in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Post-bacc Lab Personnel
Gabrielle "Gabby" Solomon (2020-2022), NSF REPS fellow, Currently a M.S. student at Villanova University
UConn Lab and Field Technicians
Isabela Vargas (2022), Galapagos Field Technician
Mackenzie Watkins (2018-2019), B.S. in EEB
UConn Nest Parasite Community Science Crew Member
Mahima Mehta, (2020-2022), Lead Undergrad Researcher, IDEA Awardee, B.S. in MCB
Rachel Bahouth (2019-2021), Lead Undergrad Researcher, SURF Awardee, B.S. in Biology
Vel Johnston (2022), Undergraduate in EEB
Jenna Bartholomew, (2021-2022), Undergraduate in NRE
Emily Cowan, (2021-2022), Undergraduate in EEB
Sharan Ghai (2018-2019), B.S. in Biology
Amelia Mascolo (2019-2020), B.S. Biology
UConn Honor's Students and Independent Undergraduate Researchers
Bryanna Caicedo (2020-2022), B.S. in Biology, EEB Research Fellow
Alyssa Addesso (2017-2020), B.S. in MCB, IDEA Awardee
Lauren Albert (2017-2019), B.S. in EEB, SURF Awardee, Currently a PhD student at Indiana University
UConn Undergraduate Research Students
Kylee Brown (2020-2022), B.S. in NRE
Xingya Zhao (2021-2022), B.S. in EEB, Currently a Master's student at Columbia University
Joseph El-Achkar (2021-2022), B.S. in Biology
Catherine Goncalves (2019-2021), B.S. in Biology
Alyson Tomaszewski (2021), B.S. in Psychology
Jada Williams (2021), Undergraduate in Animal Science
Jada Bygrave (2020), B.S. in Natural Resources
Jamie Kurowski, (2020), B.S. in EEB
Daniel Shoushani (2019), B.S. in MCB
Rob Lepore (2019), B.S. in Biology
Rachel Barta (2019) B.S. in Pathobiology
Itasca and Galapagos Field Technicians
Taylor Verrett, M.S. (2018-2019), Currently a PhD student at the University of Oklahoma
Suzannah Tupy (2020-2021), B.S. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
Victoria Simons (2021), B.S. in Wildlife Biology, Currently a Master's Student at Colorado State University
Kiley Chernicky (2018), B.S. in Biology, Currently a Master's Student at DePaul University
Shelby Simon (2018), B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Currently a Master's Student at the University of Georgia
High School Student Researchers
Logan Stech (2020), White Earth Reservation Research Intern, Current an undergraduate at UMN-Morris
Dr. Johanna Harvey (2017-2019), Currently a Fellow at the AMNH
Graduate Students
Mia Nahom (2018-2022), B.S. in EEB and M.S. in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, SURF Awardee
Jessica Gutiérrez (2019-2021), M.S. in EEB, Currently an Aquatic Field Ecologist at NEON
Amanda Deguire (2019-2020), M.S. in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Post-bacc Lab Personnel
Gabrielle "Gabby" Solomon (2020-2022), NSF REPS fellow, Currently a M.S. student at Villanova University
UConn Lab and Field Technicians
Isabela Vargas (2022), Galapagos Field Technician
Mackenzie Watkins (2018-2019), B.S. in EEB
UConn Nest Parasite Community Science Crew Member
Mahima Mehta, (2020-2022), Lead Undergrad Researcher, IDEA Awardee, B.S. in MCB
Rachel Bahouth (2019-2021), Lead Undergrad Researcher, SURF Awardee, B.S. in Biology
Vel Johnston (2022), Undergraduate in EEB
Jenna Bartholomew, (2021-2022), Undergraduate in NRE
Emily Cowan, (2021-2022), Undergraduate in EEB
Sharan Ghai (2018-2019), B.S. in Biology
Amelia Mascolo (2019-2020), B.S. Biology
UConn Honor's Students and Independent Undergraduate Researchers
Bryanna Caicedo (2020-2022), B.S. in Biology, EEB Research Fellow
Alyssa Addesso (2017-2020), B.S. in MCB, IDEA Awardee
Lauren Albert (2017-2019), B.S. in EEB, SURF Awardee, Currently a PhD student at Indiana University
UConn Undergraduate Research Students
Kylee Brown (2020-2022), B.S. in NRE
Xingya Zhao (2021-2022), B.S. in EEB, Currently a Master's student at Columbia University
Joseph El-Achkar (2021-2022), B.S. in Biology
Catherine Goncalves (2019-2021), B.S. in Biology
Alyson Tomaszewski (2021), B.S. in Psychology
Jada Williams (2021), Undergraduate in Animal Science
Jada Bygrave (2020), B.S. in Natural Resources
Jamie Kurowski, (2020), B.S. in EEB
Daniel Shoushani (2019), B.S. in MCB
Rob Lepore (2019), B.S. in Biology
Rachel Barta (2019) B.S. in Pathobiology
Itasca and Galapagos Field Technicians
Taylor Verrett, M.S. (2018-2019), Currently a PhD student at the University of Oklahoma
Suzannah Tupy (2020-2021), B.S. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology
Victoria Simons (2021), B.S. in Wildlife Biology, Currently a Master's Student at Colorado State University
Kiley Chernicky (2018), B.S. in Biology, Currently a Master's Student at DePaul University
Shelby Simon (2018), B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Currently a Master's Student at the University of Georgia
High School Student Researchers
Logan Stech (2020), White Earth Reservation Research Intern, Current an undergraduate at UMN-Morris
Our Amazing Collaborators:
Susan Balenger (University of Mississippi)
Charles Brown (University of Tulsa)
Mike Butler (Lafayette College)
Jaime Chaves (Universidad San Francisco de Quito)
Ethan Clotfelter (Amherst College)
Muir Eaton (Drake University)
Kiyoko Gotanda (University of Cambridge)
Kevin Kohl (University of Pittsburgh)
Jennifer Koop (UMass - Dartmouth)
Jeb Owen (Washington State University)
Dominique Potvin (University of the Sunshine Coast)
Jacques Robert (University of Rochester)
Jason Rohr (University of South Florida)
Maxine Zylberberg (University of California, San Francisco)
Itasca Biological Station
Peregrine Fund (Martin Quiroga and David Anderson)
Galapagos Science Center
...Your name here??
Susan Balenger (University of Mississippi)
Charles Brown (University of Tulsa)
Mike Butler (Lafayette College)
Jaime Chaves (Universidad San Francisco de Quito)
Ethan Clotfelter (Amherst College)
Muir Eaton (Drake University)
Kiyoko Gotanda (University of Cambridge)
Kevin Kohl (University of Pittsburgh)
Jennifer Koop (UMass - Dartmouth)
Jeb Owen (Washington State University)
Dominique Potvin (University of the Sunshine Coast)
Jacques Robert (University of Rochester)
Jason Rohr (University of South Florida)
Maxine Zylberberg (University of California, San Francisco)
Itasca Biological Station
Peregrine Fund (Martin Quiroga and David Anderson)
Galapagos Science Center
...Your name here??
Sarah A. Knutie
University of Connecticut, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
75 N. Eagleville Rd., Unit 3043, Storrs, CT 06269-3043
E-mail: saknutie AT gmail.com or sarah.knutie AT uconn.edu
Updated August 2019
University of Connecticut, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
75 N. Eagleville Rd., Unit 3043, Storrs, CT 06269-3043
E-mail: saknutie AT gmail.com or sarah.knutie AT uconn.edu
Updated August 2019
