Biology Graduate Students – Department of Biology (original) (raw)

Biology Directory

Kaylie Adams / Graduate Assistant

With a background in wildlife conservation, I am interested in looking at the intersection between the traditional in-situ conservation efforts and the ex-situ work being done at accredited zoos and aquariums.

Morgan Agostini / Graduate Student

Federal Civilian Worker with 16+ years of experience developing, implementing, and assisting with organizational needs and requirements. A proven record of accomplishment of using my excellent personal communication and organization skills to lead and improve many divisions within a large federal agency. I am a team player who is driven with excellent time management skills. I am often called upon for conflict resolution and public speaking. I am successful in creating relationships amongst local, state, and federal entities to develop multi-jurisdictional memorandums of understanding.

Amir Alayoubi / Graduate Assistant

Broadly, I am interested in how nervous system organization produces complex animal behaviors. Specifically, my dissertation research uses behavioral, systems, and bioinformatic approaches to better understand cellular properties in the midbrain that underly acoustic communication in complex sensory environments.

Chase Alsup / Graduate Assistant

Completed undergraduate degree between 2016-2020 at Colorado State University Fort Collins in Biological Sciences and Conservation Biology. I worked closely with the office of Orientation and Transition Programs and as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Dept. of Biology. I am now a first-year PSM student focused on canine behavior.

Brooke Berger / Graduate Assistant

Disease ecology, quantitative ecology, waterfowl migration.

Ashley Breusing / PSM Zoo, Aquarium, Animal Shelter Management Student

I am a new graduate student for the PSM program and I am interested in the animal shelter management track. I am interested in focusing my studies on animal behavior and enrichment.

Emmalee Carruth / CSU Graduate Student

I am from Boise, Idaho and I just moved here to Fort Collins for the PSM program in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. Before moving here I worked at at vet clinic for two years. I got my undergraduate degree in Wildlife Resources for the University of Idaho, located in Moscow, Idaho.

Ainsley Chanda / Graduate Student

Attended Granville High School in Granville, Ohio earning an honors diploma in the spring of 2020. Worked at COSI in Columbus as an animal specialist volunteer throughout all four years of high school participating in husbandry, training, and programming with the museum's living collection. Following graduation, attended Oregon State University. Spent sophomore summer interning at the wildlife rehabilitation center Ohio Nature Education assisting with care and showcasing of managed birds of prey and native mammal species. During junior year worked in an on-campus research lab providing husbandry for the lab specimens, a variety of songbirds. Recently graduated from Oregon State with a B.S. in Zoology in spring of 2024. Attending the Colorado State PSM program to prepare for a career in zoo management and further cultivate knowledge of behavior, effective nutrition, and enrichment practices. Ideally would love to return to a museum position or as a keeper in a zoo.

Amandeep Cheema / Graduate Assistant

I'm interested in the molecular effects of abiotic environmental stressors in plants.

Kathy Condon / Graduate Assistant

Ph.D. Student in the Knapp Lab interested in plant and ecosystem ecology and precipitation legacy effects

Emma Dale / Graduate Student

First year student in the Accelerated Master's Program for Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. Senior in zoology undergraduate program. Currently working at Animal Friends Alliance in animal care and adoptions.

Cole Deal / PhD Candidate

PhD Candidate in Dr. Cory Williams lab studying the neuroendocrine circuits that drive seasonal feeding shifts in ground squirrels.

Liz DeCosmo / Graduate Student

Currently in my 4th year Undergraduate in Zoology and 1st year PSM in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management

Maddie Dixon / Graduate Student

PSM in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management first year student and undergraduate Zoology fourth year student with a special interest in shelter animal behavior

Nathan Dorff / Graduate Assistant

I am an aquatic ecologist. I use biota (primarily insects) to look at response to disturbance in stream ecosystems. I am particularly interested in "life below the flow" or invertebrates living in the hyporheic zone.

Jackson Dungan / Graduate Student

I received my degree in 2023 from Arizona State University in Biological Sciences (Biological and Ecological Conservation) and I am now a candidate in the P.S.M. in Zoo, Aquarium and Animal Shelter Management. During my time in this program, my studies will focus on animal behavior.

Holden Fox / Graduate Assistant

I work on the population & conservation genomics of birds 🙂

Jacqueline Garcia / Graduate Student

Hello! My name is Jacqui, I’m a current first-year PSM student with a bachelors degree in Bioloigcal Sciences. Some of my experience varies between volunteering for animal shelters like NOCO Humane, and the Denver Butterfly Pavilion. I have also interned and worked for Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center where I got to handle squirrels, raccoons, and birds. This drove my interest in wanting to work with mammals and aiding in conservation/rehabilitation. My future career goals aren’t very clear right now but I am hoping to learn and explore that with this program!

Dani Goldenfarb / Graduate Student

Dani Goldenfarb is a first year in the PSM program. She has worked with a variety of animals at an AZA-accredited zoo in Louisiana. She has also worked in an exotic animal hospital as a veterinary technician. She aims to learn more about animal behavior and facilitate enrichment in managed populations.

Melodi Harris / Graduate Student

I have received my Bachelor's of Science in Zoology and am in the PSM program for Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. I am hoping to learn all the skills to become not only a better leader, but the best zookeeper I can possibly be. This will lead to becoming the best zoo veterinarian that I can be as well.

Lita Hernandez / PSM Zoo, Aquarium, Animal Shelter Management Student

With my conservation, fisheries and sociology background, I am interested looking to combine social science perspective (humans), with education and outreach with fisheries/ native fish species population conservation- especially in an Aquarium setting.

Nicole Heskin

I am a dedicated animal welfare professional with a broad background in shelter management, leadership, behavioral care, medicine, and direct animal support. My career spans multiple states, and I'm passionate about making a positive impact on animals' lives. I bring extensive experience in team management, program implementation, and continuous learning through certifications, driven by my belief in the welfare of animals and the people who care for them. My goal is to inspire others to provide the care and compassion that every animal deserves, envisioning a future where all pets have the chance to thrive.

Hannah Horowitz / Graduate Assistant

My primary research background is in behavioral ecology, particularly bird behavior. I'm interesting in investigating the effects of climate change induced extreme weather events on avian reproductive ecology. My goal with this research is to help to inform conservation scientists about how populations may respond to an increase in the frequency, severity, and duration of extreme weather events, which is an important consideration for population viability and management.

Makenna Juergens / PhD Student

PhD student in Dr. Kate Wilsterman's lab interested in reproductive physiology and endocrinology

Michael Lamb / Graduate Student

Ever since I was a child I have had a passion for animals and a desire to help them. I decided to focus my education on behavior and conservation to determine how best I could assist the animals around the world as well as in managed care. This has lead me to join the PSM program, and I cant wait to see where it takes me.

Mary Linabury / PhD Candidate

I study pulse/press resource dynamics in grassland plant communities.

Veronica Magnuson / Graduate Student

My passion is wildlife rehabilitation of native Colorado species. I value the impact that wildlife rehabilitation can have on a community as a tangible connection between humans and the natural world around them.

Nicole Maki / Graduate Student

Hello, my name is Nicole. I am a first year PSM student. I graduated with a bachelors degree in Biological Sciences from Michigan Technological University in 2021. I have worked in lab animal care facilities, nature centers, and animal hospitals in various roles during and after my undergraduate career. With this masters, I hope to start a career in working with wildlife rescue or rehabilitation.

Sophie Maksymkiw / Graduate Assistant

I am interested in student motivation to pursue environmental civic engagement through participatory science in secondary education settings.

Julianna Mendez / Graduate Assistant

I am a Ph.D. student in the Hoke Lab interested in animal communication and neural mechanisms during various social interactions.

Myaih Mikolaizik / PSM Student

Hello, I am Myaih Mikolaizik. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I am from a small town in northern Michigan. I got my undergraduate degree in Zoology here at CSU. Now I am pursuing my PSM and have an interest in animal conservation.

Henry Millard / Graduate Assistant

My project has been tied into preexisting desalination/water pump research in Arabidopsis thaliana. The main goal of my research is to investigate the synthetic ‘pumping’ mechanism of the gene circuit by utilizing plant synthetic biology methods.

Kate Miller / HABIC Animal Trainer & Volunteer Coordinator

Addison Morris / Graduate Student

I have grown up surrounded by, and working with, many different companion animals. From doggy daycares to small animal veterinary clinics to livestock handling, I have done, and loved, it all! In recent years, I have had the privilege to travel to Africa to learn about animal behavior and conservation. That has inspired my interest in exploring the interface between those two fields, and more specifically, working with wildlife detection dogs.

Cameron Murtha / Graduate Student

I am a first year student in the PSM program. I have worked as an educator at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Wisconsin and I currently volunteer with the Elephants at the Denver Zoo. With this masters, I hope to develop leadership skills and start my career working within zoos.

Nathan Ooms / Professional Science Masters (PSM): Zoo, Aquarium, and Sanctuary Management

Josie Otto / Ph.D. Candidate

I integrate my disciplinary training in ecology and science education to study how early-career ecologists develop and strengthen their ecological literacy and identity.

Andrew Paton / Graduate Assistant

Sixth year PhD candidate in the Peers lab studying pigment biosynthesis and photo-physiology in diatom algae GTA for BZ310-Cell Biology Lecture NSF Graduate Research Fellow

Taylor Rafferty / Graduate Student

I'm originally from North Dakota, but have been living in Oklahoma City for the last year and a half. My husband is from Littleton, CO and we've visited the state a few times since we began dating. I am currently an Ungulate Zookeeper at the Oklahoma City Zoo. I am excited to learn more about this field and see what opportunities will arise to help me better prepare for a role in leadership!

Becca Renner / Graduate Student

After graduating from Washington State University with a Bachelor's in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, Becca moved onto Colorado State University to pursue a Professional Science Master's in Zoo, Aquarium, & Animal Shelter Management. Her professional interests lie in behavior, conservation, and zoo development. She is working towards becoming a zoo director in a conservation-focused zoo. Please email her at rebecca.renner@colostate.edu to arrange office hours or meetings.

Sydney Ridgeway / Graduate Student

I am a current undergraduate zoology student graduating in December of 2024. I have experience working with domestic dogs and cats in grooming and dog daycare as well working in wildlife rehabilitation. My career goals are working in a management position at a zoo.

Marina Rodriguez / Graduate Assistant

My research integrates telomere dynamics, applied conservation genomics, and evolutionary genomics to better understand the effects of climate change on migratory birds.

Mirta Rodriguez / Graduate Student

I got my bachelor's degree at Mars Hill University. I majored in zoology and minored in political and environmental science. My previous experience in the field has been about animal behavior. In addition, I have assisted in data entry for various research projects. My career goals consist of managing research with animals at a zoo and or working at a wildlife rehabilitation center to better the welfare of the animals.

Annalise Schaaf / PSM Zoo, Animal Shelter, and Aquarium Management, Graduate Teaching Assistant

As a CSU Graduate Student I am advancing my career on the zoo management track through the PSM program. Additionally I am teaching BZ 212 labs and helping students tackle the complex world of invertebrate science .

Avery Schneider / Professional Science Master's in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management Candidate

Avery Schneider is a second year in the PSM program. She has worked with large felines at a GFAS accredited wildlife sanctuary and has worked in an AAHA accredited small animal veterinary clinic. She completed her capstone research at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo examining the behavioral effects of carcass feeding in Amur leopards.

Madi Sherman / Graduate Student

I am a first-year AMP student in the Zoo, Aquarium, and Shelter Management program. I transferred to CSU from Prescott, Arizona, where I received an associate of science degree from my local community college. I have worked in animal husbandry throughout my professional career, mainly with agricultural livestock and domestic pets. Through this program, I hope to further my knowledge of exotic care and conservation so that I can work in animal conservation one day.

Samantha Sherry / Stu Researcher

I am in the Accelerated Masters Program (AMP) at CSU and will be finishing up my senior year of undergrad studying Zoology and Conservation Biology! I am in my first year of the Zoo, Aquarium, Animal Shelter Management PSM program here at CSU!

Alex Siggers / Graduate Assistant

Interested in how abiotic drivers shape above- and belowground communities through plant-soil interactions. Working from the individual to ecosystem scale to elucidate mechanisms of change.

Rhianna Stratford / Graduate Student

Greetings! My name is Rhianna Stratford. I am an online 1st year student in the PSM Zoo, Aquarium, and Shelter Management program. I am working on this masters in hopes of strengthen my chances to get into veterinary school since I plan to specialize in exotics. I currently work as a veterinary assistant/pet care assistant at Banfield Animal Hospital at Crestline and previously worked at SeaQuest Littleton as a husbandry caretaker for birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Calle Uerling / Graduate Student

I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Zoo and Conservation Science at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa in 2016. Through that program, I was able to intern at a sanctuary with big cats and bears and later interned at the Ape Initiative in Des Moines. From that internship at Ape Initiative, I became a full-time employee for three years, where my love for animal welfare grew even greater. I am hoping this program will give me the tools I need to take charge of the broad animal welfare for many different species at a zoo one day and be able to improve the lives of the many different species we have in captivity.

Gus Waneka / Graduate Assistant

I am interested in evolution of DNA replication/recombination and repair machinery. I study how these mechanisms drive variation between, and within, the three genomes housed inside plant cells: i.e nuclear, mitochondrial, and plastid genomes.

Mariah Wills / Graduate Student

Senior bachelors student in Biology and first year Accelerated Master's Program student for Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management. Veterinary technician who has key interests in veterinary medicine and animal behavior. My current experience includes working with small animals, avian, reptiles, primates, and some wildlife in the veterinary field.

Beth Wittmann / Graduate Assistant

I am a PhD Candidate in the Garrity Lab whose research centers on diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and natural resources. Specifically my work centers on critical conservation histories with a focus on ableism and sizeism in past and present outdoor experiences. I co-instruct a graduate level class about systems of oppression in science and I collaborate with the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources department in Warner College.

Corryn Zylstra / Graduate Teaching Assistant

Graduate teaching assistant for Life 102