Scholars

Testing bivalbe hybridization overtime using mitochondrial markers and low coverage genome analysis

When learning a skill, a new subject, or even a new job it can be a learning curve. There is room for mistakes, room for improvement, and room for new discoveries. This experience is something that Zee can relate to. She worked under the direction of Dr. Morgan Kelly  comparing different oyster population’s hypoxia tolerance.  She, like a few other scholars in the program, shifted her findings from graduate school to look for a job. All of the lab and computational work she did will be worth it. There were several resources that the program gave her to switch to looking for a job, but the biggest thing she got is the sense of community in the science field and being able to network with people.  Her advice, “... Also gain as many skills as you can like lab, field, and computational skills. You never know what you may need”. She is a truly resilient and determined woman who has many opportunities coming her way that will shape her into an amazing scientist.  

Credit: Jeanne Smith

Molecular Evolution of Topoisomerases in Extremophilic Microbes

Abby studied the evolution of topoisomerases, key enzymes controlling DNA topology, in extremophilic microbes. Using both computational and experimental methods, she plans to investigate molecular changes in topoisomerases that are able to operate in these extreme environments.

Sometimes, confidence in yourself is something that can be brought out through others around you. This was certainly the case for Abby. She worked with Dr. Jeremy Brown, who study phylogenetics and molecular evolution. Her project within the program was centered around molecular evolution of extremophilic bacteria. This was not something she had a lot of experience with, but she was willing to put in the work and step out of her comfort zone. She gained new computational skills, which was a large pivot from her undergrad years. Opportunities to present her work, like Discover Day, gave her a new confidence to speak about her research in a comfortable environment. Her biggest piece of advice is to “listen to your gut regarding other people’s advice. You know yourself the best, so if there is something you really want to do, don’t be afraid to make that known”. 

Credit: Jeanne Smith

Exploring Limb Loss in Squamates: Genomic Analysis of Enhancer Regions and Limb Formation Genes

Sashoya focused on the study of limb loss in squamates. She utilized existing specimen collections along with genomic sequencing and assembly approaches to identify and characterize enhancer regions and genes associated with limb formation in the limbless squamate taxa.

There are some people who naturally have a presence about them. It is confident, but kind. This is how Sashoya’s personality can be described. “Comparing my undergrad research to here, I have not touched a pipet or anything like that at LSU, but back at Rutgers I was doing all kinds of extractions and PCR’s”. Now that she has experienced both wet lab work and computational work, she knows now that she likes the wet lab experience more but will surely incorporate computational components to future projects. This is a true testament to the importance of figuring out what you do and do not like. She went to a conference outside of the group and learned very quickly that budgeting can save you a lot of headaches. “Your budget can be stretched if you plan things out. Also make sure that you get the cheapest options. There is no need to pay for the fanciest hotels, and you don’t need all that much for food, so just plan those things out and be frugal”. Something else that is beautiful to see is how Sashoya has blossomed into this confident, independent, and kind woman.

Credit: Jeanne Smith 

Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Genomic Diversity and Salinity Levels in Common Nighthawks 

Amanda studied the population decline of Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) on the Gulf Coast. Looking at spatial and temporal change in breeding habitat, trophic level and genetic diversity through a combination of stable isotopes and whole genome sequencing.

When talking to someone about their passions, they often mention what they would like to do for the rest of their lives. This can change through time, but a lucky few seem to have found their ‘spark’ early. This is the case for Amanda. Her spark? Birds. She mentioned that she had previously admired Dr. Mason’s and the LSUMNS’s work, and after a year doing independent research in the program, she was accepted into graduate school at LSU with support from the Future Scholars Fellowship.  When asked what her advice for the next cohort would be, Amanda encouraged the incoming scholars to put in the effort to learn and ask questions. “The biggest advice I can give is you get from the program what you give to the program. If you aren’t seeking out people to help you, it can keep your project from moving forward. If you don’t know what you’re doing, that’s fine, but make sure you seek guidance.”  From her time in the LAGNiAppE program it’s clear to see that she is determined, creative, and ambitious. Geaux Amanda!

Credit: Jeanne Smith

Phylogenetic Analysis and Secondary Metabolite Screening of Rubiaceae 

Shelby assembled a phylogeny of the Rubiaceae family, a large and diverse family of tropical South American plants, using herbarium specimens. Additionally, she tested members of the family for the presence of alkaloids and cyclotides, bioactive secondary metabolites.

Sometimes, your undergraduate university can have life changing opportunities for you, even after you’ve finished your degree. This was certainly the case for Shelby who graduated right here from LSU. Her growth is something she certainly credits to the Lagomarsino lab, the LAGNiAppE program’s workshops on CV building and bioinformatics, lectures and discussions with guest speakers, “Getting started on things as early as possible is one big piece of advice I have. It can be a huge help to yourself later on. You want to have wiggle room to mess up or forget things, because little mistakes can cause bigger setbacks than you’d think and it can be really frustrating. It’s also important to stay organized and try to plan your project out as much as you can before you start.” It certainly sounds like Shelby has her future plans all worked out. It doesn’t mean she won’t have bumps along the way, but at least now she has the resources and skills to conquer them.

Credit: Jeanne Smith

Investigating Regulatory Elements in Anableps anableps

The goal of Iyana's project was to use transgenesis to investigate what genes regulate the expression of the split cornea and pupils in Anableps anableps the “four eyed fish”. 

All scholars in this first cohort of the have made substantial accomplishments to get them to where they are. Iyana’s accomplishments are no exception, but she does have one that is quite unique to her. She is a recipient of the Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). From a pool of more than 15,000 students who apply each year. Iyana mentioned that Harris-Stowe State University is much smaller than LSU, and being able to be surrounded in LSU by so many people in this field of biology made her feel much more supported in her field. She says, “the best advice I can give to the next cohort is to be open minded. Information that is given to you from someone does not always have to be taken at face-value. Take in the information that is relevant to you and capitalize on it”. A huge congratulations to Oliviel and her accomplishment of winning the GRFP. We know that she will have more to come. 

Credit: Jeanne Smith

Comparative RNA Sequencing Analysis to Reveal Transcriptome Variations in Schrenkiella parvula Under Multi-Salt Stress

Jorge compared RNA sequencing data of Schrenkiella parvula under multi-salt stress vs. single salt stress conditions to identify differences in the transcriptome. His goal was to gain further insight into S. parvula's unique resilience in salt rich environments.

Jorge has one unique quality that none of the other scholars share. He was the only male scholar in this first cohort. Nevertheless, he braved the year embracing all his other female scholars and truly gotten the most out of what this program has to offer. Jorge noted that something that helped him tremendously was anything the cohort did together as a group. His advice for the next cohort, “Going to the right people with your questions, comments, and concerns can allow for that collaboration to occur”. The last thing Jorge mentioned was being kind goes a long way for people. Most of the people you talk to you won’t know, so being kind is something that may stand out to others. It certainly did in Jorge’s personality, which he will take with him wherever he goes next.  

Credit: Jeanne Smith

Quantifying Allochthonous and Autochthonous Sources of Soil Organic Matter in Coastal Louisiana Marshes 

In Louisiana, coastal land loss threatens global carbon sequestration by wetlands. Samantha studied soil organic matter in natural and created marshes, assessing contributions from autochthonous and allochthonous sources using stable isotopic analysis. Additionally, she investigated the impact of Mississippi River freshwater diversion on these marshes' organic matter composition.

Sam was a little apprehensive on what to do after graduating. She has a passion for coastal conservation and restoration, but she has made sure to keep an open mind, not knowing what opportunities would come her way moving forward. Sam has lived in Louisiana all her life and had the opportunity to travel across the country to attend and present her research in scientific conferences while networking during the year. She is certainly an amazing example of utilizing all the resources this program has to offer from the personal development side to the academic assistance of getting into graduate school. “One piece of advice I would give to the next cohort is that a year is a lot more time than you think. At first you think you won’t be able to get a whole lot done, but planning out your year early on with your mentor is something that is so essential to being successful”. She is truly grateful to the board for selecting her for this unique opportunity. 

Credit: Jeanne Smith

Climate Change Impact on Littorina littorea with Presence of Trematodes

Jeanne researched whether populations of L. littorea from Southern Louisiana are infested with trematodes and how warmer temperatures affect the rate of disease spread. Trematodes are a common parasite found on these snails and can add stress due to the heat, potentially altering the snails' behavior.

When going through challenges, sometimes work can be a great distraction to take your mind off of other things going on in your life. She is someone who knows all too well about being resilient amid facing obstacles, both in work and in life. After graduation, there was an empty feeling as to what to do next. “I was not sure if I wanted to take a break, immediately go back to school, or look for a job”. She was not familiar with this ‘in-between phase’ known as post-baccalaureate, but it seemed to fit the position she was in. She applied for the program, got in, and had no idea how life-changing it would be for her. The best advice for anyone coming into the program is “start planning out your interests with your mentor early. If you want to get a job, then make that known. If you want a master’s, then be sure your mentor knows that so you can be provided with the right resources”. There will no doubt be challenges in whatever you decide, but this program will help you be resilient to reach your goals. Jeanne is certainly going to carry that resilience with her.

Credit: Jeanne Smith

Differences in Behavior Between Two Congeneric Lizards and Lead’s Effects on Those Behaviors

Emily (Em) compared neophobia, exploration, and aggression between individuals of Anolis carolinensis and A. sagrei collected from urban sites. Corticosterone levels of all lizards were determined by analysis of blood samples collected at capture (before behavior tests) and after behavior tests, while neophobia, exploration, and aggression were observed using behavior tests.

Em can be considered one of two bird aficionados within the program. Originally looking for a master’s position straight out of undergrad, she felt like her applications were lacking something: research experience. Although she was unfamiliar with what a post-baccalaureate program offered, it was the perfect opportunity for her to expand her CV and improve her skills needed for a strong, competitive application to graduate school. Her advice is “patience is huge, along with open mindedness. Flexibility to allow things to change will serve you well in the long run with your project and in life. If things don’t work out, it’s ok.” You never know what is going to happen, and being able to ‘roll with the punches’, so to speak, is a great habit to get into for life.

Credit: Jeanne Smith 

Long-term Physiological Responses of Arabidopsis thaliana to Salt Stress

Nicole investigated the long-term effects of salinity stress on Arabidopsis thaliana. She measured photosynthetic pigment content, reactive oxygen species accumulation, reproductive fitness, and leaf physiology. Her research aimed to uncover how plants adapt to extreme environments, with potential applications in developing stress-resistant crops as global soil salinization increases.  

One of Nicole’s biggest challenges was balancing the demands of research with other responsibilities. She emphasizes the importance of time management and having a strong support system. "I never imagined I could lead a project like this as an undergraduate," she says, reflecting on her growth since her early academic years. For future scholars, she advises, "It’s okay if you’re unsure of your exact research interests, use this program to explore, network, and take advantage of every opportunity to grow as a scientist."  

Systematics of Sumatran Shrews in the Genus
Crocidura

Ellie worked to identify shrew species from the Sumatran island, and potentially discover new ones. Her research used molecular techniques such as cytochrome b gene sequencing and Ultra-Conserved Elements (UCEs).

She developed as an undergrad a fascination for small mammals, a surprise even to herself. "I used to think mammals were the most boring vertebrates," she laughs. "I didn’t even know shrews existed before this!". Time management was a significant hurdle for Ellie, but she saw steady improvement throughout the program. Initially as an undergrad, she felt limited by early exposure to only a few career options, but her perspective expanded as she explored evolutionary biology and systematics. She highlights the value of her cohort as a support system. "Building strong relationships with peers made navigating research and professional development much easier," she says. As she moves into graduate studies, she hopes to continue working with mammals and museum collections.  

Phylogenomics and Diversification of Andean Bellflowers

Leilani studied the biological and environmental drivers of diversification in Andean flora. Her project involved analyzing morphological traits and applying computational methods to understand adaptive radiation. Mentored by Dr. Laura Lagomarsino and PhD candidate Katherine Arango-Gómez), she explored how certain plant lineages diversified in response to environmental pressures. "Biodiversity research teaches us so much about the natural world," she says.  

As an undergraduate, Leilani had limited exposure to research labs and graduate school opportunities. It wasn’t until her second year that she realized she could join a lab as an undergraduate researcher. Even then, she felt uncertain about her post-graduation path. LAGNiAppE provided clarity, helping her define her research interests and understand the steps needed to pursue a PhD. Now, she plans to apply to graduate programs in 2025, focusing on macroevolutionary studies, potentially shifting her focus to fish diversity. She also hopes to continue working with museum specimens as critical resources for evolutionary research.  

Using Histological, Transcriptomic and Genomic Methods to Identify Sex Linked Genes in Eunicea flexuosa

Kara’s research centered on identifying sex-specific genes in the Caribbean Sea fan (Eunicea flexuosa). Combining histological techniques to examine gonads with DNA sequencing for gene expression analysis, she worked under the guidance of Dr. Mike Hellberg and PhD candidate Abdul Ada. Her project aimed to uncover potential genetic markers for sex determination in corals.  

 Kara will soon begin a PhD program where she will study cnidarian responses to multiple stressors, such as temperature fluctuations and bacterial infections. Reflecting on her journey, she expresses gratitude for the opportunity to explore her research interests through LAGNiAppE. The program also helped her develop key skills in bioinformatics and data analysis, easing some of her anxieties about the future. She encourages the next cohort to seize every opportunity. "Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, they’re part of the learning process. Every effort you put in will pay off."  

Comparitive Phylogeography of High-Andean Geospizopsis Finches

Brett transitioned from a full-time teaching career to research, making the most of his time at LAGNiAppE by working on two projects. The first examined how microhabitat preferences influence population structure in two species of tanagers. The second used ultra-conserved elements to reconstruct the phylogeny of the Hoatzin, a unique South American bird, investigating how evolutionary relationships shift across chromosomes. Mentored by Dr. Nick Mason and Dr. Jeremy Brown, Brett thrive on unraveling the evolutionary history behind species diversity.  

The initial learning curve was steep, and Brett sometimes felt out of place. However, with support from his mentors, he gained confidence. "They reminded me to take things one day at a time," he says. The program’s workshops demystified the graduate school application process, transforming him into a competitive candidate. Now, he will continue his research as a graduate student in Dr. Mason’s lab.  

The Role of Scavenger Receptor Class B Genes in Dewlap Color in a Native and Invasive Anole

Elena compared dewlap color variation and behavior between native green anoles and invasive brown anoles under Dr. Christine Lattin’s mentorship. Her project combined her interests in animal behavior and invasive species ecology, particularly how invasive species alter ecosystems and challenge conservation efforts. While she won’t continue this exact research, she hopes to work on reptile and amphibian conservation in the future.  

Elena initially planned to become a veterinarian but shifted toward research during college. LAGNiAppE helped her understand graduate school applications and potential career paths. "Stay open to every experience, each one teaches you something, even if it’s just figuring out what you don’t want to do," she advises. She has secured a research technician position and will also apply to PhD programs.

Understanding the Effects of Marine Stressors on Behavior and Genetic Experssion on the Marsh Periwinkle, Littoraria irrorata

Christian dedicated his research to understanding behavioral and genetic responses in the salt marsh periwinkle (Littoraria irrorata) under marine stressors. His work explored how these organisms adapt to environmental changes driven by human activity, particularly climate change. Passionate about evolutionary biology, he sought to uncover the mechanisms that allow species to persist in rapidly shifting ecosystems.  

Reflecting on his journey, Christian acknowledges the challenge of communicating the broader significance of his research. "It’s difficult to explain why such a small, seemingly insignificant organism matters in the grand scheme of things," he admits. However, through literature reviews and active participation in research, he gained a deeper appreciation for his work’s ecological implications. Now, as he transitions into Dr. Morgan Kelly’s lab as a research assistant and prepares for a PhD, he feels equipped to tackle new questions in copepod adaptation. He credits LAGNiAppE for demystifying graduate school, fostering professional connections, and helping him refine his career goals. His advice to future scholars is to embrace every aspect of the program. "This experience was more than just academic growth; it was transformative on a personal level."  

Uncovering the Drivers of Genetic Diversity of West Nile Virus Throughout Louisiana

Caitlin studied environmental factors influencing West Nile Virus outbreaks, analyzing bioclimatic variables like precipitation and temperature. She also incorporated ecological niche modeling to identify high-risk regions in the U.S. and explored the virus’s phylogenetic diversity. Guided by Dr. Rebecca Christofferson and Dr. Jeremy Brown, she merged her interests in ecology and evolution, particularly in human-impacted environments.  

A major setback occurred when her RNA samples degraded, preventing sequencing. However, she adapted her research focus, learning resilience in the process. Originally thinking on a medical career, Caitlin discovered her passion for research. "This program showed me a career path I didn’t know existed," she says. Her advice? "Trust your abilities, rely on mentors, and immerse yourself in relevant literature."

Unraveling Microbial Mediation of Plant Eco-Evolutionary Responses to Drought

Edmarie’s research investigated the critical role of soil microorganisms in helping Brassica rapa adapt to drought stress. Her project involved growing multiple generations of plants under different watering conditions and microbial histories. She analyzed plant fitness and growth rates, and characterized physical traits.

While her background is in environmental microbiology, Edmarie was fascinated by the opportunity to study plant-microbe interactions through an evolutionary lens. Her most significant challenge was overcoming imposter syndrome. "I felt my knowledge wasn't enough and that I wouldn't meet expectations". However, with support from her lab and cohort, she realized everyone was navigating their own adaptation process. Her advice to the next cohort is to be proactive: "Advocate for yourself and ask for the experiences you want. Connect with peers outside your field; those diverse relationships can open unexpected doors."

Heavy Metal Contamination in King and Clapper Rails Across a Salinity Gradient in Coastal Louisiana

Melissa analyzed lead contamination in King and Clapper Rails using museum specimens collected from the 1930s to 2022. Employing a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer, she assessed contamination levels across coastal Louisiana’s salinity gradient under Dr. Nick Mason’s supervision.  

Coding and scientific reading were initial struggles, but consistent effort led to breakthroughs. "It took months of reading papers before everything clicked," she recalls. COVID-19 limited her early research opportunities, but LAGNiAppE reaffirmed her passion. "Progress isn’t linear, be patient with yourself," she advises. The program’s networking and skill-building opportunities eased her anxieties about the future.