Prospective graduate student interested in joining our lab? Check our Contact page
Alessandro Catenazzi, PhD - Assistant Professor
My research interests are the systematics and conservation of Neotropical amphibians and reptiles, and the ecological dimensions of biodiversity. For the first line of research, I work primarily in the Andes and the Amazon. I collaborate with colleagues in museums and other research institutions in describing new species and developing phylogenies of frogs from the mega-diverse eastern slopes of the Andes. I am interested in using phylogenies as a road map to compare and contrast physiological traits among species, As part of these investigations, my collaborators and I are studying thermal preferences, tolerance to heat, and the influence of temperature on physiological functions, in order to understand how climate warming will affect these animals. Finally, a major theme of my current research is exploring the effects of fungal disease on the ecology of amphibians, a group that is experiencing staggering biodiversity losses worldwide. After documenting the collapse of a species-rich amphibian assemblage, I am interested in developing strategies to mitigate the impact of the fungal disease chytridiomycosis on surviving species. I'm an Amphibian Red List Authority and an Associated Researcher with CORBIDI.
Profiles: ResearchGate | Google Scholar | publons
My research interests are the systematics and conservation of Neotropical amphibians and reptiles, and the ecological dimensions of biodiversity. For the first line of research, I work primarily in the Andes and the Amazon. I collaborate with colleagues in museums and other research institutions in describing new species and developing phylogenies of frogs from the mega-diverse eastern slopes of the Andes. I am interested in using phylogenies as a road map to compare and contrast physiological traits among species, As part of these investigations, my collaborators and I are studying thermal preferences, tolerance to heat, and the influence of temperature on physiological functions, in order to understand how climate warming will affect these animals. Finally, a major theme of my current research is exploring the effects of fungal disease on the ecology of amphibians, a group that is experiencing staggering biodiversity losses worldwide. After documenting the collapse of a species-rich amphibian assemblage, I am interested in developing strategies to mitigate the impact of the fungal disease chytridiomycosis on surviving species. I'm an Amphibian Red List Authority and an Associated Researcher with CORBIDI.
Profiles: ResearchGate | Google Scholar | publons
Affiliations
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Graduate students
Anne Sabol - PhD candidate
I'm originally from Ohio (Go Bucks, right Rachel??), where I got my Bachelor's degree in Zoology from The Ohio State University. During undergrad I studied cichlid personality and UV vison and participated in an REU at Oklahoma State University, focusing on bluebird nestling ecology. I then got my Master's degree at the University of Michigan in Dr. Ben Dantzer's lab, studying prairie vole sociality. After graduating, I worked for the San Diego Zoo Conservation Research Institute in Hawaii studying the behavior of the highly endangered 'alala (the Hawaiian crow). During this project I realized I wanted to move my research more in a conservation direction, so I am excited to focus on combining conservation and behavior in amphibians for my PhD.
Profiles: ResearchGate | Google Scholar |
I'm originally from Ohio (Go Bucks, right Rachel??), where I got my Bachelor's degree in Zoology from The Ohio State University. During undergrad I studied cichlid personality and UV vison and participated in an REU at Oklahoma State University, focusing on bluebird nestling ecology. I then got my Master's degree at the University of Michigan in Dr. Ben Dantzer's lab, studying prairie vole sociality. After graduating, I worked for the San Diego Zoo Conservation Research Institute in Hawaii studying the behavior of the highly endangered 'alala (the Hawaiian crow). During this project I realized I wanted to move my research more in a conservation direction, so I am excited to focus on combining conservation and behavior in amphibians for my PhD.
Profiles: ResearchGate | Google Scholar |
Rachel Prokopius - PhD candidate
I am a life-long Ohio resident, and have lived in two opposite corners of the state. Go Buckeyes (sorry, not sorry, Anne)! I received a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a chemistry minor from Northern Kentucky University, an area containing some of the highest amphibian diversity on the planet. During undergrad my research focused on macroinvertebrate bioenergetics and their contribution to the inner workings of lotic systems, as well as the conservation status of big-game fish in Caribbean waters. My macroinvertebrate research took me to Karlstad, Sweden for six months and factored into my Honors Thesis, which compared macroinvertebrate biomass and attributes between two biomes. I was also able to spend three weeks in Belize comparing presence and size of economically-important marine species between conservation and general-use fishing zones off the Belizean coast. My research interests are not necessarily limited to one group of organisms; I think all animals are freaking awesome! I plan to focus my Ph.D. work on animal behavior and the connection between it and the conservation of various species and populations of organisms. My interests include niche partitioning, intra and interspecific competition and invasive species.
I am a life-long Ohio resident, and have lived in two opposite corners of the state. Go Buckeyes (sorry, not sorry, Anne)! I received a Bachelor’s degree in Science with a chemistry minor from Northern Kentucky University, an area containing some of the highest amphibian diversity on the planet. During undergrad my research focused on macroinvertebrate bioenergetics and their contribution to the inner workings of lotic systems, as well as the conservation status of big-game fish in Caribbean waters. My macroinvertebrate research took me to Karlstad, Sweden for six months and factored into my Honors Thesis, which compared macroinvertebrate biomass and attributes between two biomes. I was also able to spend three weeks in Belize comparing presence and size of economically-important marine species between conservation and general-use fishing zones off the Belizean coast. My research interests are not necessarily limited to one group of organisms; I think all animals are freaking awesome! I plan to focus my Ph.D. work on animal behavior and the connection between it and the conservation of various species and populations of organisms. My interests include niche partitioning, intra and interspecific competition and invasive species.
Matt Morris - MS (Summer 2021)
I hail from the land of chicken wings and seasonal depression, the intellectual nucleus of the United States: Buffalo, New York. In 2014, I moved from sumptuous Buffalo to St. Petersburg, Florida where I obtained my B.S in biology from Eckerd College. I now am a second semester master’s student in the lab. During my time in the Catenazzi lab, I will be working with the critically endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, specifically, researching the disease aspects of their recovery program. Read more about sparrow research here.
I hail from the land of chicken wings and seasonal depression, the intellectual nucleus of the United States: Buffalo, New York. In 2014, I moved from sumptuous Buffalo to St. Petersburg, Florida where I obtained my B.S in biology from Eckerd College. I now am a second semester master’s student in the lab. During my time in the Catenazzi lab, I will be working with the critically endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, specifically, researching the disease aspects of their recovery program. Read more about sparrow research here.
BIOLOGY HONORS PROGRAM (2020-2021)
Helena Miranda - Undergraduate student
I am a Biology major with a Chemistry minor at FIU and part of the Biology Honors Program. I aspire to go to medical school and am currently on the Pre-med track, so hopefully I’ll be starting medical school in 2022 after a gap year. I was born and raised in Brazil, in a city named Belo Horizonte, and moved to Miami in 2016. I love living in Miami because I’m always 5 minutes away from the beach and Miami has a constant summer year round.
I am a Biology major with a Chemistry minor at FIU and part of the Biology Honors Program. I aspire to go to medical school and am currently on the Pre-med track, so hopefully I’ll be starting medical school in 2022 after a gap year. I was born and raised in Brazil, in a city named Belo Horizonte, and moved to Miami in 2016. I love living in Miami because I’m always 5 minutes away from the beach and Miami has a constant summer year round.
Undergraduate students (2019-2020)
Miguel Gonzalez
Miguel mapped haplotype distribution of cryptic frogs in the Andes using DNA from frog skin swab extracts. Allen Rodriguez
Allen ran molecular assays for disease detection and quantification. |
Yahnell Judah
Yahnell tested a new qPCR protocol to detect mitonuclear discordance in frog skin swab extracts. Now PhD student in the Biomedical Sciences at the University of Miami Xavier Latortue
Xavier tested a new qPCR protocol to detect mitonuclear discordance in frog skin swab extracts. Asier Bracho
Asier explored the effects of fungal infection on immune function in frogs. |
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (2018-2019)
Daniela Oyola
I’m an international student majoring in Biology at FIU with the desire to pursue a career in the optometry field. I was born in Cartagena, Colombia and came to the FIU three years ago to get my educational degrees. As a biology student I became very interested in research at the molecular and cellular level. So far the lab has and will continue to help me gain knowledge and experience in PCR, DNA extraction and preparation of gels for gel electrophoresis. As of my hobbies, I enjoy reading, photography, exercising, and movies. |
Quinn Simpson
I hail from the northernmost, westernmost, easternmost, largest, and greatest state in America, Alaska. In 2014 I moved to Miami for taekwondo and am currently a senior at FIU perusing a B.S in Biology, following a pre-med track. It is my second semester as an undergraduate researcher in the Catenazzi lab, where I have primarily been acting as a research assistant and helping Alex and Dr. Catenazzi with their amphibian research on Bd and Enrico with his salmonella infection on freshwater turtles. I hope to carry out future research examining the immunological effects of different peptides produced by frogs in combating Bd, using CRISPR gene editing technology. |
FORMER graduate STUDENTS
Dr. Alex Shepack - PhD (Fall 2020)
I hail from the land of Dunkin Donuts and traffic circles, the greatest state in the Union, Connecticut (sorry David). I recently finished my Masters in Environmental Science from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies examining the effect of urbanization on amphibian populations (w/ David Skelly). Prior to that I worked on oviposition site choice in gray tree frogs at the University of Connecticut (w/ Mark Urban). Since 2008 I’ve been working in Costa Rica with the Forman School Rainforest Project, a high school group focusing on biological monitoring. At FIU i’m excited to return to the Neotropics to work on my PhD. I’ll be studying amphibian community composition and rebounding populations in Bd enzootic areas. I’ll be focusing on the dynamics and genetic structure of rebounding populations, causes for rebounds and overall community structure changes since the declines began. For more info on my current or past research check out my website!
Profiles: ResearchGate | Google Scholar |
Now Post-doc at the University of Notre Dame
I hail from the land of Dunkin Donuts and traffic circles, the greatest state in the Union, Connecticut (sorry David). I recently finished my Masters in Environmental Science from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies examining the effect of urbanization on amphibian populations (w/ David Skelly). Prior to that I worked on oviposition site choice in gray tree frogs at the University of Connecticut (w/ Mark Urban). Since 2008 I’ve been working in Costa Rica with the Forman School Rainforest Project, a high school group focusing on biological monitoring. At FIU i’m excited to return to the Neotropics to work on my PhD. I’ll be studying amphibian community composition and rebounding populations in Bd enzootic areas. I’ll be focusing on the dynamics and genetic structure of rebounding populations, causes for rebounds and overall community structure changes since the declines began. For more info on my current or past research check out my website!
Profiles: ResearchGate | Google Scholar |
Now Post-doc at the University of Notre Dame
Andrew Rubio - MS (April 2019, SIUC)
I attended SUNY Oswego for my undergraduate, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. My ultimate goal is to utilize the knowledge I receive throughout my education and carry out research projects that will contribute to the conservation and management of endangered species. I am especially interested in the conservation of Neotropical amphibians. At Southern Illinois university, I aspire to better understand the effects that chytridiomycosis has had and continues to have on amphibians. I am also interest in how ecosystems are altered due to the reduction of amphibian diversity. I am hoping that my research here will pave way in developing adequate conservation plans that will help conserve and reduce the loss of amphibian diversity.
Now PhD student in Kyle Summers lab at ECU
I attended SUNY Oswego for my undergraduate, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. My ultimate goal is to utilize the knowledge I receive throughout my education and carry out research projects that will contribute to the conservation and management of endangered species. I am especially interested in the conservation of Neotropical amphibians. At Southern Illinois university, I aspire to better understand the effects that chytridiomycosis has had and continues to have on amphibians. I am also interest in how ecosystems are altered due to the reduction of amphibian diversity. I am hoping that my research here will pave way in developing adequate conservation plans that will help conserve and reduce the loss of amphibian diversity.
Now PhD student in Kyle Summers lab at ECU
David Burkart - MS (December 2015, SIUC)
I come from North Carolina, home of everything great and wonderful from Krispy Kreme donuts to the world's highest salamander diversity. Luckily it was the latter, not the former, that caught my interest during my formative years and inspired my passion for nature, particularly, herpetology. I received my B.S. in Biological Sciences from N.C. State University. Following my graduation, I pursued varied dreams by conducting field work in both the southeast and South America in between touring the United States in a rock and roll band. My interests in both herpetology and conservation channeled my pursuits towards studying chytridiomycosis, eventually leading me to the Catenazzi lab at SIU. Here I have focused my efforts on the natural methods that make frogs resistant to the disease and how these can be applied towards mitigation strategies. In particular, I am investigating why two closely related species of marsupial frog differ in their response to chytridiomycosis - one is resistant and one susceptible. Using analytical techniques like mass spectrometry and next generation DNA sequencing, I identified the compositions of each species' antimicrobial peptides and cutaneous bacterial symbionts, two amphibian defense mechanisms that have been linked to chytridiomycosis resistance.
Now a Biology Instructor at Montgomery College
I come from North Carolina, home of everything great and wonderful from Krispy Kreme donuts to the world's highest salamander diversity. Luckily it was the latter, not the former, that caught my interest during my formative years and inspired my passion for nature, particularly, herpetology. I received my B.S. in Biological Sciences from N.C. State University. Following my graduation, I pursued varied dreams by conducting field work in both the southeast and South America in between touring the United States in a rock and roll band. My interests in both herpetology and conservation channeled my pursuits towards studying chytridiomycosis, eventually leading me to the Catenazzi lab at SIU. Here I have focused my efforts on the natural methods that make frogs resistant to the disease and how these can be applied towards mitigation strategies. In particular, I am investigating why two closely related species of marsupial frog differ in their response to chytridiomycosis - one is resistant and one susceptible. Using analytical techniques like mass spectrometry and next generation DNA sequencing, I identified the compositions of each species' antimicrobial peptides and cutaneous bacterial symbionts, two amphibian defense mechanisms that have been linked to chytridiomycosis resistance.
Now a Biology Instructor at Montgomery College
Brandon LaBumbard - MS (December 2015, SIUC)
I am from a small town north of New York City in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. I attended SUNY Oswego for my undergraduate and graduated in 2012 with a BS in Zoology and a minor in Chemistry. I enjoy researching amphibians and turtle conservation. I am now a Master’s student in the Catenazzi Lab at SIUC working on amphibian decline in Peru caused by the pathogenic chytrid fungus, Bd. The research I conduct focuses on community effects and species roles in the transmission of Bd.
Now PhD student in Doug Woodhams lab at UMASS Boston
FOrmer visiting scholars
Enrico Vezzani - Researcher (University of Modena)
I come directly from Italy where I got my bachelor in Natural Science, at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. I always had a deep passion for reptiles and amphibians and my goal is to be involved in reptile conservation and management. I started my adventure here in Florida assisting James Stroud in his research on Anoles and later on I volunteered at ZooMiami. Right now I’m primarily helping Catenazzi in his research on Bd, while I also carry out some personal projects, like salmonella infection on freshwater turtles.
I come directly from Italy where I got my bachelor in Natural Science, at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. I always had a deep passion for reptiles and amphibians and my goal is to be involved in reptile conservation and management. I started my adventure here in Florida assisting James Stroud in his research on Anoles and later on I volunteered at ZooMiami. Right now I’m primarily helping Catenazzi in his research on Bd, while I also carry out some personal projects, like salmonella infection on freshwater turtles.
Nicolas Delgado - Undergraduate student (Universidad Cayetano Heredia)
Nicolas visited our lab in October 2019 to investigate how a anti-Bd bacteria inhibits growth of the chytrid fungus.
Nicolas visited our lab in October 2019 to investigate how a anti-Bd bacteria inhibits growth of the chytrid fungus.
Lina Agredo - Undergraduate student (Icesi University)
I am a Biologist with emphasis in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Icesi University located in Cali, Colombia. My research interests are Animal Physiology and Molecular Biology. I participated in a project that studied mechanisms of neuroprotection against ischemia, which later on became my undergrad thesis. I undertook the study of hypoxic pre-conditioning in cerebral primary cultures, learned various procedures and techniques such as MTT cell viability assay, immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry. Although my projects have mainly focused on Lab related work, I am also interested in (and love) field work. I participated in the 2016 international Bird Fair of Colombia and have a general interest in Conservation and Ecology, specifically in Amphibians and diseases, which led me to the Catenazzi Lab. I analyzed measurements of field body temperatures during summer 2018.
I am a Biologist with emphasis in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Icesi University located in Cali, Colombia. My research interests are Animal Physiology and Molecular Biology. I participated in a project that studied mechanisms of neuroprotection against ischemia, which later on became my undergrad thesis. I undertook the study of hypoxic pre-conditioning in cerebral primary cultures, learned various procedures and techniques such as MTT cell viability assay, immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry. Although my projects have mainly focused on Lab related work, I am also interested in (and love) field work. I participated in the 2016 international Bird Fair of Colombia and have a general interest in Conservation and Ecology, specifically in Amphibians and diseases, which led me to the Catenazzi Lab. I analyzed measurements of field body temperatures during summer 2018.
SIUC Creative and Scholarly Saluki Rookies Program 2016/2017
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Chris Smaga
Chris is an undergraduate student at SIUC and he investigates the taxonomy of an enigmatic Andean snake. He is the president of the SIU Herpetology Club (SIU Herpetology Enthusiasts of Southern Illinois, of which David Burkart was first president and co-founder). Now Master student at the University of Georgia |
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS 2016/2017 (SIUC)
Nate Hooven
I am from Lindenhurst, Illinois and I am pursuing a BS in Zoology, Wildlife Biology track. I have been involved with research on recent amphibian declines due to chytridiomycosis infection using quantitative PCR. I'm interested in the ecology and management of mammals. Now Master student at The University of Kentucky. |
Joseph Townsend
Joseph has conducted research in the lab investigating symbiotic skin bacteria in frogs. Specifically, he has assisted with 16S sequencing and identification of bacterial strains from DNA extracted from skin swabs of tropical frogs. Now in Vet school at St. George's University. |
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS 2015/2016 (SIUC)
Shannon McQueen
I'm a senior in the animal biology track for zoology. As an undergraduate assistant in the lab, I have been involved in a variety of projects including preparing samples for stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry, PCR and real time PCR, and peptide quantification. |
Dan Sears
I am a third year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in zoology with a specialization in wildlife biology and conservation and a minor in environmental studies. Currently, I serve as a volunteer undergraduate assistant, aiding in PCR processing and other ongoing projects. In the future, I plan on seeking a career in wildlife conservation. |
Megan Colburn
I am a junior majoring in zoology, and I hope to go to veterinary school when I graduate. In veterinary school, I hope to specialize mainly in reptiles. In my free time I like to play guitar and ukelele, play video games, and spend time outside. While working in lab, I prepare plates for PCR and microBCA, as well as enter data. |
Sana Khan
I am a freshman and a Physiology major on the Pre-Medicine track. In the past, I was involved with the IJAS Science Fair, and I researched the effects of spices on the growth if E. coli. I love going to new places and taking pictures throughout my travels, and I one day hope to visit all 50 states. In the lab you can find me preparing plates for PCR. |
Isaac Harris
I am a freshman hailing from Carbondale pursuing my degree in zoology and a minor in environmental studies. I hope that when I finish with school, I am able to pursue a career in park and recreation management. I enjoy being in nature, taking photographs, and playing basketball. While working in the lab I am normally preparing plates for PCR. |
Nathan Hooven
I am from Lindenhurst, Illinois and I am pursuing a BS in Zoology, Wildlife Biology track. I have been involved with research on recent amphibian declines due to chytridiomycosis infection using quantitative PCR. I'm interested in the ecology and management of mammals. Now Master student at The University of Kentucky. |
Undergraduate researchers 2014/2015 (SIUC)
Shannon McQueen
I'm a junior in the animal biology track for zoology. My favorite animal is the polar bear,Ursus maritimus. As an undergraduate assistant in the lab, I have been involved in a variety of projects including preparing samples for stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry, PCR and real time PCR, and peptide quantification. I am also starting to work on a collaborative project between the Catenazzi and Fisher labs involving mammalian cell tissue cultures and toxicity assays. |
Dan Sears
I am currently a second year student working towards a Science Degree in Zoology with a specialization in Wildlife Biology and Conservation and a minor in Environmental Studies. It should not be a surprise that wildlife conservation is a field I find particularly interesting and hope to pursue in the future through graduate studies. As an undergraduate assistant, I mainly aid in prepping Bd swab samples for PCR. Also, I have helped with David Burkart's microBCA assay for his graduate work and inputted the Peruvian sample data in a spreadsheet. |
Cody English
I'm a volunteer undergraduate assistant. I assist with PCR analysis and any other areas where help is needed in the lab. I major in zoology and would like to pursue a career in conservation. |
Julie Driebergen
I'm a junior in Zoology and Geology with a minor in Creative Writing and I am also the president of the SIUC Chapter of the Wildlife Society and Zoology Club. For graduate school, I hope to study paleontology pertaining to early amphibians or early mammals/synapsids. In the lab, I help with PCR and I listen to recorded audio for frog calls. |
Megan Colburn
I am a sophomore majoring in zoology, and I hope to go to veterinary school when I graduate. In veterinary school, I hope to specialize mainly in reptiles. In my free time I like to play guitar and ukelele, play video games, and spend time outside. While working in lab, I prepare plates for PCR and microBCA, as well as enter data. |