Principal Investigator
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Dr. Sarah Knutie
She/Her/Hers Assistant Professor of EEB Faculty Affiliate at the UConn Institute for Systems Genomics National Geographic Explorer Faculty Advisor for the UConn chapter of ESA SEEDS E-mail: sarah.knutie AT uconn.edu, Twitter: @SarahKnutie Research interests: Disease biology, ecotoxicology, host-microbe interactions, environmental change, immunology, animal behavior 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) First generation college student. Google Scholar Page Favorite things: trips to Minnesota to visit her niece, #scicomm on Twitter, and all things (indoor) cats. |
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! |
Graduate Students
Order in which they started in the lab
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Grace Vaziri
She/Her/Hers PhD student in EEB Jorgensen Fellow In 2017, Grace Vaziri graduated with a master’s degree from Iowa State University, where she worked with Dr. Jim Adelman. At Iowa State, she researched whether and to what extent gut parasite infection and the microbiota influence the severity of song sparrow’s immune responses to bacterial infection. Grace is especially interested in both asking questions about host-parasite-microbiome interactions, and in using experimental manipulations to assess how these interactions influence disease risk. During her PhD, she plans to conduct both field and laboratory experiments to study infection risk when hosts are faced with a variety of challenges including co-infection with different parasites, anthropogenic stressors such as pollution, and disruptions to the microbiota. She loves working on projects that use molecular biology and bioinformatics to explore eco-immunological concepts on animals in the wild (especially when she gets to do fieldwork!). Some of her favorite pastimes include running with her dog, watching anything produced by The Bachelor franchise, and reading, particularly books written by and about women. Google Scholar Page |
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Jessica Gutiérrez
She/Her/Hers M.S. Student in EEB 2021 UConn OUR Mentorship Excellence Awardee Jessica graduated with a B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 2016. Her independent undergrad research explored the effects of plasticizers on female mammalian reproduction. After graduation, she worked at the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) where she worked on field-based projects that broadly examined the effect of disease, climate change, and land use on ecosystems in Kansas. During this field work, she developed interests in how anthropogenic disturbances can affect organisms, such as birds. For her Master's thesis, Jessica is determining the effect of within-brood genetic diversity of Eastern Bluebirds on their parasite resistance at Itasca Biological Station in northern Minnesota. Jessica enjoys binge-watching shows, such Game of Thrones and Mindhunters, listening to podcasts, and being a naturalist while hiking. |
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Cindy Barreto
She/Her/Hers PhD student in EEB Harriott Fellow Cindy was a senior environmental analyst at the Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Brazil. Her most recent research investigated the effects of mining effluent discharge on seabirds’ health, after one of the biggest dam disaster in Brazil, occurred in 2015 in Mariana city. She received her MSc. in Biology of Freshwater Ecosystems (FURG), under the supervision of Dr. Leandro Bugoni and Dr. Adalto Bianchini. During her master’s degree, she investigated the presence of heavy metal concentrations on different tissues of Egrets and Spoonbills, relating them with foraging site and trophic level, through stable isotopes. She also holds a degree in Licentiate of Science in Biological Sciences and Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Management. She loves working with birds, aiming to contribute to their conservation. Cindy also enjoys swimming, playing videogames, reading books and, of course, loves her cats. Cindy's Website. |
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Mia Nahom She/Her/Hers MS Student in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology SURF Awardee Mia is a junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and minoring in Mathematics and French. In the Knutie lab, she designed a field experiment to explore the effect of a disruption in gut microbiota on immune response to nest parasites in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Her research interests include disease ecology and the applications of ecology to the food system and agriculture in a changing world. Outside of the lab, she is a member of the UConn Women's Track and Field and Cross Country teams, and loves to snowboard, travel, and paint. |
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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 |
Undergraduate Students
Order in which they started in the lab
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Catherine Goncalves Undergraduate Researcher in Biology Catherine is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut who is majoring in Biological Sciences. Her research interests span the fields of conservation ecology, disease ecology, and applied genetics. In the Knutie lab, she is involved in several research projects, including the effect of microbiota on developmental immunity and infection risk and the geographic mosaic theory of co-evolution between box-nesting birds and their parasites. Outside of the lab, she is a member of the UCONN Marching Band, Winter Guard, and Concert Choir. She also enjoys reading, dancing, and spending time with her friends. |
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Bryanna Caicedo She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Biology Bryanna is a junior at the University of Connecticut who is majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Her interests include disease and parasite ecology, conservation ecology, and climate change. In the Knutie lab, she investigates parasite-microbiome interactions in wood frogs by assessing how these interactions influence disease risk. Outside of the lab, she is a member of UConn Health Leaders where she contact traces positive COVID-19 cases. In her spare time, Bryanna enjoys listening to podcasts, NPR, painting, and the outdoors. |
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Kylee Brown Undergraduate Researcher in Natural Resources Kylee is a junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Natural Resources with a concentration in Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and a minor in animal science. Her research interests include field ecology, management and wildlife conservation and restoration. In the Knutie Lab, she is assisting PhD student, Grace Vaziri, with her project studying the effects of host-associated microbiota on life history strategies and disease risk in frogs. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career as a wildlife biologist. Outside the lab, she is a student representative for the UConn ESA SEEDS chapter. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, arts and crafts, gardening and more! |
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Jada Williams Undergraduate Researcher in Animal Science Jada is a junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Animal Science. After she graduates, she will be going to veterinary school to become a veterinarian and her goal is to open her own practice. In the Knutie lab she will be looking at the effect of parasitism and within-brood genetics on nesting behavior of birds. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading poetry, listening to music, and learning about crystals. |
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Xingya Zhao She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in EEB Xingya is an international student from China and a junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Her research interests including conservation biology, marine biology, and ethology. In the Knutie Lab, she will be looking at the effect of parasitism and within-brood genetics on nesting behavior of birds. Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending time with her cats, painting and learning Ikebana. |
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Alyson Tomaszewski She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Psychology Alyson is a junior at the University of Connecticut who is studying psychology and communications. In the Knutie lab, she is studying the effect of parasitism and within-brood genetic diversity on eastern bluebird nesting behavior. Outside of the lab, she enjoys running, creating comics, and listening to music. See one of her amazing comics here. |
Nest Parasite Community Science Crew
Order in which they started in the lab
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Rachel Bahouth She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Biology Lead Undergraduate for the NPCS Crew SURF Awardee Rachel is a junior at the University of Connecticut who is majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Communications. Her research interests include studying the effects of climate change on the planet. In the Knutie lab, she will be focusing on the nest-parasite citizen science study. Rachel recently returned from a semester long study abroad in Rome, Italy where she travelled to eight different countries; her favorite place was Switzerland. Outside of the lab Rachel is an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, loves attending spin-cycle classes, and spends her free time at the beach with her friends and family! |
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Mahima Mehta She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in MCB Mahima is a junior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and minoring in Spanish. Her research interests include studying the effects of climate change on the planet and wildlife conservation. In the Knutie lab, she is focusing on the nest parasite community science project. Outside of the lab, Mahima is the Public Relations and Membership Coordinator of the UConn Pre-Medical Society and Secretary of UConn ESA SEEDS. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and spending time exploring New York. |
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Caroline Webb She/Her/Hers Undergraduate Researcher in Environmental Science Caroline is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Environmental Economics and Policy. Her interests include conservation ecology, ecotoxicology, immunology, and the intersection of environmental and human health. In the Knutie Lab, she works on the nest parasite community science study. Outside of the lab, Caroline is a member of UConnWomen’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams. She also enjoys spending her time outside open-water swimming and has recently taken up cycling. |
Field Technicians
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Suzannah Tupy (2020-Present) She/Her/Hers BS in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, '19 After obtaining her Associate's during high school, Suzannah continued to the University of Minnesota to complete her Bachelor’s degree in three years. Specializing in wildlife and minoring in Wildlife Care and Handling (WCH) and Environmental Science, Policy and Management (ESPM), she worked on common green darner dragonflies and American black bear seasonal diets at the U of M, Canada lynx tracking with the Forestry Service, chronic wasting disease sampling for the MN DNR and mammal identification on over 10,000 trail cam photos for a MN carnivore study. Some of her post-graduation endeavors include a teaching assistantship in field mammalogy and studying the effect of within brood genetic diversity on nest parasite resistance in eastern bluebirds with graduate student Jessica Gutiérrez. In her free time, she likes reading, hiking, tracking and keeping up her tree ID skills. |
Past Knutie Lab Members
(We miss you!!)
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Jada Bygrave (2020)
BS in Natural Resources ('20) Jada is a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Natural Resources with emphasis on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation. Her research interests include field ecology, wildlife conservation, and restoration. She conducted her first independent study research on the ecological role and behavior of Black-back Jackles in Entabeni, Limpopo, South Africa. In the Knutie lab, she is working on the effect of urbanization on the genetics of Darwin's finches. Outside of the lab, she is the President of the UConn ESA SEEDS. In her spare time, Jada enjoys reading a good book, gardening, painting fine art and illustrations, and photography. |
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Amanda Deguire (2019-2020)
MS in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology ('20) Amanda graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State University in 2018, where she conducted research in Dr. Thilina Surasinghe’s lab. During this time, she studied local- to landscape-scale predictors of egg mass abundance of amphibians in southeastern Massachusetts. As a Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology BS/MS student, she plans to continue to focus on wildlife conservation and management. Her research interests include endangered species, disease ecology, along with using GIS as a research tool. Outside of the lab, Amanda enjoys spending time with her Aussie pup, going on outdoor adventures, and having movie nights with her friends. |
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Sharan Ghai (2018-2019) BS in Biology ('19) Sharan is an international student from India and a senior at the University of Connecticut, majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in English. Some of her research interests include sustainable development, developmental ecology, toxicology and genomics. In the Knutie Lab, she will be assisting with the nest-parasite citizen science study. Sharan recently did a semester abroad in Paris. Outside of the lab, she enjoys being a part of UConn Model UN, writing for Nutmeg publishing and hosting her radio show Outsourced, along with being an amateur sushi connoisseur. |
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Amelia Mascolo (2019-2020) BS in Biology ('20) Amelia is a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Biological Sciences and Anthropology. Her interests include the structure and properties of medicinal plants, as well as the influences from cultural beliefs and ecological limits. In the Knutie lab, she is studying the possible effects of plant and other materials as natural parasite repellents. Amelia recently returned from studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain for a semester. Outside of the lab, she is part of the theater club PAWS where she enjoys sewing and altering costumes for shows. In her spare time, she writes short stories, sketches, and does carpool karaoke with her friends. |
Dr. Johanna Harvey (2017-2019)
Former Post-doctoral Researcher
Johanna Harvey completed her dissertation in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University with Dr. Gary Voelker. She is broadly interested in parasite and host evolution across geographic and environmental gradients. Her dissertation disentangles patterns of diversification and distribution of malaria parasites in birds across the African continent. By examining the influence of climatic data (e.g. rainfall, temperature, etc.) along with the diverse suite of transmitting vectors, she hopes to better understand the distributional patterns of avian malaria parasites across contrasting bioregions. During her post-doc, she explored the effects of urbanization on reproductive success of Darwin's finches in the Galapagos and created a successful method for extracting RNA from bird blood. Her favorite pastimes include birding, spending time outdoors, visiting breweries, watching Netflix, and spending as much time as possible with her family, including her two cats, Chewie and Lucy. Johanna is currently a post-doc fellow at the AMNH with Dr. Susan Perkins. Google Scholar Page
Former Post-doctoral Researcher
Johanna Harvey completed her dissertation in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University with Dr. Gary Voelker. She is broadly interested in parasite and host evolution across geographic and environmental gradients. Her dissertation disentangles patterns of diversification and distribution of malaria parasites in birds across the African continent. By examining the influence of climatic data (e.g. rainfall, temperature, etc.) along with the diverse suite of transmitting vectors, she hopes to better understand the distributional patterns of avian malaria parasites across contrasting bioregions. During her post-doc, she explored the effects of urbanization on reproductive success of Darwin's finches in the Galapagos and created a successful method for extracting RNA from bird blood. Her favorite pastimes include birding, spending time outdoors, visiting breweries, watching Netflix, and spending as much time as possible with her family, including her two cats, Chewie and Lucy. Johanna is currently a post-doc fellow at the AMNH with Dr. Susan Perkins. Google Scholar Page
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Alyssa Addesso (2017-2020)
BS in MCB ('20) and IDEA Awardee Alyssa is a sophomore honors student at the University of Connecticut majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and minoring in Bioinformatics. Her research interests include applying genetics and bioinformatics to a lab setting and she hopes to go into the field of genetics after she graduates. In the Knutie lab, she is exploring how host microbiota mediates the effect of temperature on disease risk. Outside of the lab, she is a part of Club Running, Honors Across State Borders, and the Outing Club, and loves to read. Furthermore, her life would not be complete without ice cream or puppies! Alyssa is currently a Master's student of Forensic Science at Penn State University. |
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Mackenzie Watkins (2018-2019)
BS in EEB ('19) and Laboratory Technician Mackenzie recently graduated from the University of Connecticut with her B.S. Degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Within the UConn EEB department, she participated in projects investigating chimney swift biology, heron hunting behavior, shorebird feeding mechanics, avian population biology at inland saline lakes, and avian feather plasticity and evolution. She received a 2017 SURF and 2018 IDEA Grant, which funded her own research on the predator avoidance behaviors of juvenile brown trout. Mackenzie’s goal is to provide more insight into the behavioral strategies that brown trout use for survival in degraded or low tide habitats where they are easily exposed. She hopes that her research will also benefit trout hatcheries that intend to release their trout stocks into the wild. In the Knutie Lab, Mackenzie works as a lab technician, assisting with microbial DNA extractions from avian fecal samples and nest-parasite research. In her spare time, Mackenzie enjoys birding, canoeing, watching cartoons and creating funky-disco DJ sets. |
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Lauren Albert (2017-2019)
BS in EEB ('19), SURF Awardee, and Research Technician Lauren graduated with a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut. While an undergraduate in the Knutie lab, she designed a project to determine the effect of temperature on interactions between box-nesting bird hosts and their parasitic nest flies at Itasca Biological station in northern Minnesota. After graduation, Lauren continued field research with the Knutie Lab. First, she traveled to the Galapagos Islands where she was involved in a project that explored the effects of urbanization on Darwin's finches and their invasive parasites. She then returned to Itasca Biological Station where she helped with a project to determine the effects of a gut microbiota disruption on parasite resistance in box-nesting bird hosts. Lauren has a strong interest in disease ecology, including understanding the role of parasites in community dynamics in a changing world. Her future research would ideally include outreach and teaching to better serve local and underserved communities. Lauren's favorite pastimes include exploring the outdoors, spending time with friends and family (plus her dog!), and photography/other creative outlets. |
Taylor Verrett (2018-2019)
Former Galapagos Field Technician
Taylor is currently a Master’s student in Biology at Western Kentucky University, working with Dr. Carl Dick. Her research interests include the co-evolutionary relationship between hosts and their parasites. While working toward her Bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University, she conducted research on the phylogenetic diversity of avian haemosporidians with Dr. Johanna Harvey. In 2018 and 2019, she accompanied the Knutie Lab to the Galapagos as a field technician to study the effects of urbanization on interactions between Darwin’s finches and their invasive parasitic nest flies Philornis downsi. She has also held several other bird field jobs, including with Project Puffin and Powdermill Nature Reserve. However, as a Master’s student, her thesis research will focus on bats and their bat flies. Outside the lab, she enjoys birding, painting, and spoiling her pet parrot.
Former Galapagos Field Technician
Taylor is currently a Master’s student in Biology at Western Kentucky University, working with Dr. Carl Dick. Her research interests include the co-evolutionary relationship between hosts and their parasites. While working toward her Bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University, she conducted research on the phylogenetic diversity of avian haemosporidians with Dr. Johanna Harvey. In 2018 and 2019, she accompanied the Knutie Lab to the Galapagos as a field technician to study the effects of urbanization on interactions between Darwin’s finches and their invasive parasitic nest flies Philornis downsi. She has also held several other bird field jobs, including with Project Puffin and Powdermill Nature Reserve. However, as a Master’s student, her thesis research will focus on bats and their bat flies. Outside the lab, she enjoys birding, painting, and spoiling her pet parrot.
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Logan Stech Former Itasca Research Intern (2020) Logan was a field intern in the Itasca Research Internship Program, which is awarded to high school students from the White Earth Reservation in Minnesota. He is a recent high school graduate and was class president of Waubun High School. Logan spent this summer (2020) working with Jessica Gutierrez and Suzannah Tupy, studying host-parasite interactions between Eastern bluebirds and their parasitic nest flies. Due to COVID-19, the internship was online, where Logan worked with behavioral footage of nesting bluebirds using BORIS while also participating in career development activities, including chatting with geoscientists, writing resumes and cover letters, and learning R. Logan is currently attending the University of Minnesota, Morris, to pursue a degree in Geology. Logan also enjoys playing piano, fishing, reading fantasy or sci-fi books, playing video games, and spending time with his pet cat, Athena. |
Past Undergraduate Researchers
Jamie Kurowski, Undergraduate Researcher in EEB
Daniel Shoushani (BS '19), Undergraduate Researcher in MCB
Rob Lepore (BS '19), Undergraduate Researcher in Biology and IDEA grant awardee
Rachel Barta (BS '19), Undergraduate Researcher in Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology
Majdolin "Maggie" Aljajeh (BS '19), Undergraduate Researcher in Biology
Click here for past University of South Florida undergraduates.
Jamie Kurowski, Undergraduate Researcher in EEB
Daniel Shoushani (BS '19), Undergraduate Researcher in MCB
Rob Lepore (BS '19), Undergraduate Researcher in Biology and IDEA grant awardee
Rachel Barta (BS '19), Undergraduate Researcher in Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology
Majdolin "Maggie" Aljajeh (BS '19), Undergraduate Researcher in Biology
Click here for past University of South Florida undergraduates.
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
