Current and Past Graduate Students

UT Tyler Department of Biology

Elexis Anderson, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold & Ms. Jessica Coleman
Research Interests: Currently I am exploring the conservation of birds in Natural and constructed wetlands in Texas. 
Email: eanderson11@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Marcos Bermudez, B.S. in Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Research Interests: I am interested in Dopamine modulation in relation to Parkinson’s, as well as identifying genetic markers and treatments for Parkinson’s. 
Email: mbermudez@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Elizabeth Boshers, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Katrin Kellner
Research Interests: I am interested in Invertebrate cognition and behavioral ethology
Email: eboshers@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Sarah Burgett, B.S. in Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Banta
Research Interests: I am interested in conservation biology and climate change. 
Email: sburgett2@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Ashley Dalby, B.S., Texas A&M; MS in Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Ali Azghani
Research Interests:  I am interested in bone vasculature and Osteoporosis prevention
Email: adalby@uttyler.edu 

Kennedi Davis, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Research Interests: I am currently working on assessing wetland plants in constructed and natural wetlands. 
Email: kdavis57@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Brandon Ellingson, B.S. in Natural Resources Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Shartau
Research Interests: I am interested in bioinformatics, large scale-ecosystem dynamics, age and growth, and Salmon conservation. 
Email: bellingson@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Raul Faburrieta, B.S. in biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Banta
Research Interests: I am interested in genetics and epigenetics of Arabidopsis thaliana
Email: rfaburrieta@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Dillon Flowers, B.S. in Zoology, Weber State University
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Shartau
Research Interests: I am interested in studying physiological changes of organisms that allow adaptation to an environment. Specifically studying pH regulation of fish tissue, who often live in low oxygen environments. 
Email: dflowers4@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Trent Furr, B.S.
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Shartau
Research Interests: 
Email: tfurr3@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Rachel Leicher, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams 
Research Interests: My research interests include mussel biology and how relocation may affect them. 
Email: rleicher@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Mariana Lopez-Pineda, B.S., in Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Research Interests: I am interested in VLP delivery in the nervous system. 
Email: mlopezpineda@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Gabriel McDanield, B.S. in Environmental Biology, Ferris State University
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Research Interests: 
Email: gmcdanield@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Dakota Meeks, B.S., 
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Research Interests: 
Email: dmeeks2@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Jennifer Moore, B.S. in Microbiology, Texas State University
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Research Interests: My primary interest is focused on infectious veterinary diseases – particularly Brucella spp., Leptospira, and Rickettsia. 
Email: Jennifermoore@uttyler.edu 

Feranmi Obe, B.S., 
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Research Interests: 
Email: fobe@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Amanda Odom, B.S. in biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Greenwold and Ms. Jessica Coleman
Research Interests: I am interested in Ecology, Conservation and Bioinformatics in Avian Species. 
Email: aodom7@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Alexandra Randall, B.A. State University of New York at Oswego
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Research Interests: Aquatic conservation, marine and freshwater creative behavioral science. 
Email: abeemer@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Justin Rea, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Research Interests: My research interests include fish and macroinvertebrates in natural and manmade wetlands. 
Email:  jrea2@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Matthew Richards-Perhatch V, B.S., Western Washington University 
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Research Interests: I like Ants. 
Email: mrichardsperhatch@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Shelby Rodriguez-Edwards, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Research Interests: I am currently interested in Wetland conservation, with a focus on amphibian and reptile species. 
Email: srodriquez18@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Adrian Romero, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Research Interests: My research interests are in neurobiology and toxicology. I am interested in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative disorders focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction as a key pathway mechanism.  
Email: aromero11@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Schi-lee Smith, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Katrin Kellner
Research Interests: I enjoy studying Conservation Biology, Ecology, Genetics, and Wildlife Biology. My current research involves comparing physical crayfish surveying methods with eDNA filtering methods and their efficacy. 
Email: sbennett7@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Alexandra Sofia Tamayo, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Research Interests: S. pneumoniae and its effects on cell permeability on Calv3 and MetSA pulmonary cells. 
Email: stamayo@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Kenlynn Volz, B.S. in Fisheries & Wildlife Science, Oregon State University
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta, Dr. Joe Glavy, and Mr. Alan Lizarraga
Research Interests: I am interested in snake fungal disease, conservation biology and genetics. 
Email: Kvolz@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Zoe Williams, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold & Ms. Jessica Coleman
Research Interests: I am currently interested in Avian ecology. 
Email: zwilliams7@patriots.utttyler.edu 

James York, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold
Research Interests: Conservation Ecology
Email: jyork@patriots.uttyler.edu 

Former Graduate Students

2023

Ashley Herrington, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams  (non-thesis)
  
Justin Hunt, B.S. in Biomedical Science, Tarleton State University
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Thesis: An Ecological Survey of East Texas Salamanders Across the Camp Tyler Outdoor Field School in Smith County, Texas. 

Stephan Joseph, B.S. The University of Florida
Advisor: Dr. Riqing Yu
Thesis: Mercury Contamination and Microbial Hg Methylation Gene Characterization in Martin Lake. 

Parker, Karley, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Monitoring the Effects of Poultry Waste on Fishes and Macroinvertebrates in the Sabine River. 


2022

Chastity Aguliar, B.S., San Angelo State University
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold
Thesis: Differential Expression of Photosynthetic Genes in Cryptophyte Algae (Hemiselmis cryptochromatica CCMP 1181)

Blake Bringhurst, B.S. in Biology: Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The University of Texas at Austin
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Thesis:  Microbial Dimensions of Symbiosis and Dysbiosis in Fungus-Gardening Ants.

Lillie Hawkins, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Associations of Rare Caddisflies with the Western Dwarf Salamander Eurycea paludicola.  

Marissa Netti, B.S., University of Tampa
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold
Thesis: Niche Partitioning of Food Resources by Freshwater Mussels in a Multispecies Mussel Bed in the Sabine River 

Nathan Schubert, B.S. in Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta
Thesis: Niche Modeling of Eight Crayfish Species in Texas.

2021

Dustin Esmond, B.S. in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Thesis: A Transcriptomic Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Superbug Pseudomonas aeruginosa Utilizing Clinical Isolates 

Samantha Rowe, B.S. The University of Texas at Tyler 
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Water Quality Analysis of the Neches River and Analysis of Pathogenic Bacterial Contaminants 

Chase Rowan, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor:  Dr. Katrin Kellner
Thesis: Comparative Microbiome Analysis of the Fungus Gardening Ant Species Trachymyrmex arizonensis

2020

Brandi Ballard, B.S. in Environmental Science, TAMU-Commerce
Advisor: Dr. Riqing Yu

Katherine “Kat” Beigel, B.S. Evolution & Ecology and a B.A. Art, Ohio State University
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Thesis: A Cophylogenetic Analysis of Fungus Gardening Ants and their Symbiotic Fungi

Danielle Joerger, B.A. in Biology and Environmental Studies, Augustana College
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Ecological Analysis of Macroinvertebrates and Fish Species in Six Streams on a Louisiana Military Base from 2001 to 2019.

Alan Lizarraga, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis:  Prevalence of snake fungal disease cause by Ophiodiomyces ophiodiicola in East Texas.

Catherine Martini, B.A. Neurobiology, New Florida College
Advisor: Dr. Clement Chan
Thesis: Testing the Combined Module Swapping and Repair by Modification Strategies: A Step Toward Universal Toolbox

Sarah Reeder, B.S. The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta
Thesis: 

2019

Bridget Fitzgerald, B.A. Behavioral Neuroscience, University of San Diego
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Thesis: Nanomedical Applications in Zebrafish: Characterizing VLP HK97 as a Cell-Specific Delivery Tool in Danio rerio.            

Jade McCarley, B.S. in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science with a concentration in Wildlife Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: The Status of the Kisatchie Painted Crayfish (Faxonius maleate) in Louisiana. 

Nevada King, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Riqing Yu
Thesis: Microbial Mercury Methylation at Caddo Lake: A Molecular Ecology Approach.

Sarah F. Senula, B.S. in Biological Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Thesis:2018 Species Distribution Modeling and Cold-tolerance of a Fungus-Farming Ant Symbiosis.

2018

Jared Dickson, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Thesis: Habitat Associations and Detectability of Three Unionid Species Along the Upper Sabine River in East Texas

Elizabeth Hinkle, B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Philosophy, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Suitable host fish, population structure, and life history characteristics for the state threatened, Louisiana pigtoe, Pleurobema riddellii.

Rachel Romo, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Katrin Kellner
Thesis:  Mating Frequencies and Ecological Modeling of Harvester Ant: Pogonomyrmex comanche

Sara Rumbelow, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Physiological responses of the state threatened Texas Pigtoe to environmental stress.

Matthew Wolkoff, B.S., in Psychology, America University
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Thesis: Population Structure, Demographic History, and Environmental Niche of the Sand Fly Disease Vector Lutzomyia shannoni (Dyar) (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the U.S., Mexico, and Colombia

2017

Mattea Allert, B.S. in Biology with an Emphasis in Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Research Interests: I am interested in looking at different components of the symbiotic relationship of fungus-gardening ants.
Thesis: Microbiome Analysis of Two Sympatric Fungus-Gardening Ants, Trachymyrmex septentrionalis and Trachymyrmex turrifex

 

Larrimy Brown, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. John Placyk
Research Interests: Aquatic Ecology, Crayfish, Evolutionary Biology, and Conservation
Thesis: Phylogenetic and ecological analysis of two populations of the Kitsatchie Painted Crayfish, Orconectes maleate (Decapoda: Cambaridae)

 

Jared Dickson, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Research Interests: Mussel Ecology
Thesis:

 

Derek Draper, B.S. in Biology, Cellular Track, Schreiner University
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Research Interests: Biomedical and more specifically oncological research
Thesis: Cloning and expression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase for elucidating the pathophysiological effect on lung tissue.

 

Janey Dudley, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams 
Thesis: Temporal dynamics of fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages on military land in western Louisiana.

 

Andrew Glen, B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Research Interests: I am interested in the conservation of freshwater ecosystems through demographic and ecology-based research.
Thesis: Examining the relationship between mesohabitats and freshwater mussels in an East Texas River.

 

Elyse Kite, B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, UCLA with a Minor in Asian American Studies
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Thesis: Neural expression and function of autism candidate genes in Zebrafish

 

Julia Norrell, B.S. in Biology Texas A&M University Corpus-Christi
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Banta
Research Interests: Botany, plant conservation
Thesis: Differentiating the Neches river rose mallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx) from its congeners by means of phylogenetics and population genetics.

 

Andrea Ortiz, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Kate Hertweck
Research Interests: I am investigating how polyploidy and hybridization influences plant distribution using ecological niche modeling and computational tools like RStudio.
Thesis:

 

Charles Pratt, B.S.,
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Thesis: Reevaluating the occurance and phylogeny of the pigtoe unionid mussel Fusconaia askewi, Fusconaia lananensis, Fusconaia flava, and Pleurobema riddelli in Texas.

 

Maura Purcell, B.S., California State University Chico
Advisor: Dr. Riqing Yu
Research Interests: Microbial Ecology and Agricultural Management
Thesis:

 

Cassie Vaughan, B.S.,
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: The role of tributaries in structuring mussel communities

 

Matthew Wolkoff, B.S., in Psychology, America University
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Research Interests: Phlebotomine sand flies and other arthropod disease vectors.
Thesis:

2016

 

Mitch Barazowski, B.S. in Animal Ecology, Iowa State University
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford        
Research Interests: I am interested in the spatial ecology and behavior of reptiles.
Thesis: Integrating Habitat Suitability Modeling and Radio Telemetry to Describe Habitat Use of the Western Massasaugas, Sistrurus t. tergeminus, in Texas.

 

Steve Hein, B.A. McDaniel College
Advisor: Dr. John Placyk
Thesis: An Integrative Approach to Species Delimitation in the Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) with an Emphasis on the Western Massasauga, S. C. Teregeminus, and Desert Massasauga, S. C. Edwardsii in Texas.

 

Edith Plants-Paris, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Population Dynamics and Genetic Differentiation of the Threatened Freshwater Mussel Species Fusconaia askewi, Fusconaia lananensis and Pleurobema riddellii.

 

Gretta M. Sharp, B.S., in Bioenvironmental Sciences & Soil Chemistry, Texas A&M College Station
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Exploration of Chemical and Biological Management Strategies for Diaphornia citri the Primary Vector of Candidatus liberibacter asiaticus.

2015

Erin Bertram, B.S., Central Michigan University
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Confirmation of Potential Cyprind Hosts for State Threatened Freshwater Mussels of East Texas

 

Alex DeMilto, B.S. Arizona State University
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Thesis: Lignocellulose Metabolism in a Fungus-Gardening Ant Symbiosis

 

Justin Hernandez
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Ecological Niche Modeling of Pteronotrophis hubbsi, the Bluehead Shiner: Evaluating the Effects of Spatial Filtering and Maxent Features Across Various Spatial Extents

 

Kayla Key, B.S. The University of Tennessee at Martin
Advisor: Dr. John Placyk
Thesis: Using Ecological Niche Modeling and Genetics to Evaluate the Conservation Status of the Texas Gartersnake, Thamnophis sirtalis annectens

 

Amalia Lopez, B.S. and Licentiate in Biology, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis:  Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae): Nearly Complete Mitochondrial Genome, Single Mitochondrial Genes and Complete Mitochondrial Genome Comparison, and insecticide resistance genes of Potato Psyllid Population form North America

 

Bidisha Pal, B.Tech, Amity University, India
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Thesis: Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase induces Reconstructing of Actin Cytoskeleton by Phosphorylation of RhoA Proteins

 

Chissa Rivaldi, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Austin
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Texas: Mitochondrial Genome Assembly, Trypanosma cruzi detection, and bacterial Community Analysis

 

Megan Rudolph, B.S.
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Management of Solenopsis invicta and Nylanderia fulva

 

Patrick Rydzak, B.S. Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Manipulation of the Solenopsis invicat Virus-1 by RNA Interferene in the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and Examination of Differing micro RNA Expression

 

Melody Sain, B.S., The University of Tennessee at Martin
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta
Thesis: Distinguishing the Neches River Rose Mallow, Hibiscus dasycalyx, from its Congeners using DNA Sequencing Data and Niche Modeling Methods

 

Bijaya Sharma, B.S. (Biotechnology), Purbanchal University, Nepal
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis:  RNA interference: Potato/Tomato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Oral Delivery of a Double-Stranded RNAi Construct

 

Lindsey Griffin, B.S., Austin College
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Determining Best Practices for Freshwater Mussel Relocation using Burrowing and Behavior

 

Daniel Symonds, B.S., SUNY - ESF
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Importance of Tributary Data for Evaluating Rare East Texas Mussel, Niche Models, and Community Structure

2014

Austin Alleman, B.S., The University of Texas of Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Thesis: Blattabacterium Genome: Structure, Function and Evolution.

 

Justin Dalrymple, B.S. in biology, Boston College
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta
Thesis: A Description of Tolerance to Apical Meristem Damage in Wild Populations of Arabidopsis thaliana and its Genetic Basis

 

Kurt Felix, B.S. The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis:

 

Nate Marshall, B.S. in zoology, The Ohio State University
Advisor: Dr. John Placyk
Thesis: Identification of potential fish hosts from wild populations of state-threatened East Texas freshwater mussels using a molecular identification data set.

2013

Alex Arp, B.S., Kent State University (Zoology)
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Bactericera cockerelii range expansion, Candidatus liberibacter solanaraerum detection and microbial community analysis.

 

David Bakken, B.S., Indiana University
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Recruitment and survival of post-parasitic juvenile mussels in an East Texas river.

 

Anna Biesbrock, B.S., California State University, Fresno
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Propagation of Homolodisca coagulate virus -01 Homoalodisca vitripennis cell culture

 

David Ford, B.S. Louisiana Scholar’s College
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Ground-truthing Maxent in East Texas Rivers.

 

Kirian Heffentrager, B.S., Penn State University (Wildlife and fisheries sciences)
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis:  Utilizing Maxent in improve and explain a species distribution model for freshwater mussel species in East Texas.

 

Kaitlyn Pettingill, B.S., University Wisconsin at Eau Claire
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis:  Physiological consequences of compensatory growth: a look at snake species exhibiting sexual size dimorphism.

2012

Omar Castillo, B.S. in Biology (Concentration: Microbiology), University of Texas at San Antonio
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Thesis: Cellular mechanisms of parthenogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

 

Jeremy Chamberlain, B.S., in Biology from Iowa State University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Stochastic life-history variation in populations of western ribbon snakes (Thamnophis proximus) in East Texas.

 

 

Katie Chamberlain, B.S., in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. John S. Placyk, Jr.
Thesis: Effects of the herbicide atrazine on the behavior of the checkered gartersnake (Thamnophis marcianus).

 

Rebekah Chapman, B.S., Northern Michigan University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis:  Population genetics of the potato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli.

 

Ashley Dunithan, B.S., Ball State University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis:  Using Ecological Niche Modeling to Predict Occurrence of Rare Fish and Unionid Mussels in East Texas.

 

Daniel Goodding, B.S., Morningside College (Sioux City, IA); M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Influence of substrate and hydraulic variables on habitat preferences of a sculptured and an unsculptured freshwater mussel. 

 

Bradley Martin, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. John S. Placyk, Jr.
Thesis: Molecular phylogenetics and phylogeography of the American box turtle (Terrepene spp.).

 

Christopher S. Samuelson, B.A., Liberal Arts New School for Social Research N.Y. N.Y. ; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Jim Koukl
Thesis:  Movement patterns in resident and translocated Three-toed box turtles (Terrepene caolina triunguis).

 

Julia Sonn, B.S., The University of Arkansas; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Troy Anderson
Thesis: Influence of Agricultural stream habitat alterations on mosquitos and amphibians: patterns, processes, and predictions.

2011

Jamie L. Cantrell, B.S., University of Southern Mississippi; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. John Playck & Dr. Darrell Pogue
Thesis:

 

Henry L. Schreiber IV, B.S., in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Blake R. Bextine
Thesis: Genetic analysis of the prophage regions of a phytopathogenic bacterium.

2010

Sheri A. Sanders, B.S., in Environmental Science & Management and Zoology, Michigan State University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. John Placyk
Thesis:  Ecological, morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the pseudogeographica subgroup (Genus: Graptemys).

 

Matthew J. Troia, B.S., University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Spatial and temporal variability in hydrogeomorphic conditions structure fish and mussel assemblages on the upper Neches river.

2009

Iqbal Ahmed, B.S., University of Texas at Arlington; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Cliff Boucher
Thesis: The role of IcmP, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa insulin-cleaving metalloprotease, in respiratory infection.

 

Curtis A. Clark, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Thesis: Mechanism of epithelial barrier disruption by Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase.

 

Chase Hively, B.A., Carson-Newman College; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. James F. Koukl
Thesis: A comparative analysis of two turtle assemblages in an altered floodplain.

2008

Dawn Byars, B.S., Texas A&M University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Influences of diet and dam on age of maturation in African house snakes, Lamprophis fuliginosus.

 

Elizabeth Farley, B.S., University of Florida; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Darrell Pogue & Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Breeding ecology of Bachman’s sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis) in post oak savannah on Camp Maxey, Lamar County, Texas.

 

David Kimberly, B.A., Otterbein College; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Mercury and the physical performance of cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorous).

 

Denise Lin, B.S., University of California, Davis; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Putative Zebra Complex Pathogens Detection, Biotype Differentiation, and cDNA Library Construction of Potato/Tomato Psyllid (Bacteriera cockerelli) in Texas   

 

Jake A. Pruett, B.S., Middle Tennessee State University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Thermal ecology and habitat use of the western cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma

 

Danielle Tufts, B.S., University of California, Davis; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Drs. Blake Bextine and Darrell Pogue
Thesis: Identification of colony phenotype and potential biological control methods of Solenopsis invicata buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) using molecular techniques.

2007

Andree Clark, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Cliff Boucher
Thesis:  Role of the outer membrane protein OprQ in Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence

 

Brian Jackson, B.S., University of California, Riverside; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Impact of feeding behaviors on the transmission of Xylella fastidiosa by Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae).

 

Peixin Jiang, B.S.; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Competition of two strains of Xyella fastidiosa in foregut of glassy-winged sharpshooter.

 

Jason Keyes, B.S.; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Jim Koukl
Thesis: Evaluation of acclimation for repatriated three-toed box turtles (Terrepene carolina triunguis).

 

Melissa Nicholson, B.S.; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Don Killebrew
Thesis: The effect of density and relative egg sac placement on the life history traits of green lynx spider Peucetia viridans (Araneae, Oxyopidae).

 

Robert Jadin, B.S.; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: Phylogeny of the Porthidium group (Squamata: serpentes: crotalinae) inferred from morphological data.

2006

Jessica Coleman, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: Basking habits of map turtles (Emydidae: Graptemys) along the Sabine River in East Texas.

 

Timothy R. Hunkapiller, B.S.; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: The effects of all-terrain vehicle use on the herpetofauna of an East Texas floodplain.

 

Stephan Lorenz, B.S., M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Darrell Pogue
Thesis: Effects of local and landscape habitat characteristics on wintering grassland birds in north central Texas.

 

Allyson Modra, B.S., M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: Phylogeny of Bothrops, Bothriopsis, and Bothrocophias species (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae) inferred from morphological data.

2005

David Bolanowski, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Jim Koukl
Thesis: Habitat selection, movements and survival of translocated juvenile three-toed box turtles (Terrepene carolina triunguis).

2004

Vanessa Adams, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Darrell Pogue
Thesis: Edge effects on reproductive success of bottomland forest birds.

 

Shelby Braman, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Darrell Pogue
Thesis: A study of the occurrence, distribution, and effects of larval Protocalliphora (Diptera: Calliphoridae) on secondary cavity-nesting bird species.

 

Alan Byboth, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: The influence of age on mating success in male gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor).

 

Paul Hampton, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Effects of management techniques on amphibian and reptile populations in an East Texas floodplain.

 

Casey Wieczorek, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: A test of the fractional egg hypothesis using African house snakes, Lamprophis fuliginosus, that vary in egg size.

2003

Roberto Brenes, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Movements and habitat selection of the Gulf Coast Waterdog (Necturus beyeri: Proteidae) in East Texas.

 

Brian Fontenot, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: Molecular and morphological analysis of the taxonomic status of the East Texas toad, Bufo velatus.

 

Karen Rispin, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Jim Koukl
Thesis: Habitat selection, movement patterns, and survival rate of hatchling three-toed box turtles, Terrepene carolina triunguis.

2002

Matthew Gifford, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: Cryptic diversity in the Ameiva chrysolaema species complex (Squamata: Teiidae) as revealed by analysis of morphology and mitochondria DNA.

2001

Rita Mehta, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Prey-handling behavior in newly-hatched trinket snakes, Elaphe helena.

 

Rod Wittenberg, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: A phylogenetic analysis of Bitis (Reptila: Squamata: Viperidae): recovering the evolutionary history of Africa’s most diverse viper genus.

2000

Mark Doles, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: The use of ephemeral pools of a managed floodplain by semi-aquatic snakes.

 

Milton Yacelga, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis:  An investigation of optimal foraging theory in a natural setting: Prey choice and patch use by semi-aquatic snakes.

1999

Brad Low, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. James Stewart
Thesis: Identification of a bacterium that grows in crystal violet using PCR and Base sequence analysis.

 

Guillermo Aranguran, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Behavioral changes in the Texas rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta, as a response to the presence of an avian predator model.

1998

Susanne Alden, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lynn Sherrod
Thesis: Woody plant species diversity of the old Sabine bottom wildlife management area, Smith County, Texas.

1997

Stacie Yarbough, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Don Killebrew
Thesis: Biodiversity of the aquatic coleptera with an emphasis on the adult population dynamics of the haliplidae at two East Texas sites.

1994

Linda Allen, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Antipredator behavior of rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria) as a function of age and differential growth.

1989

Vincent Cobb, B.S., M.S.I.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Foraging strategies in flat-head snakes, Tantilla gracilus.

1987

Janice Perry-Richardson, B.S. M.S.I.S; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Sexual Selection of Males by Female Garter Snakes.

1986

Nancy Ulrich, B.S. M.S.I.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Comparative analysis of the feeding strike of Vine Snakes.

1984

Carolyn Schofield, B.S. M.S.I.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Courtship in the Checkered Garter Snake, Thamnophis marcianus.