Catherine (she/her) earned her B.S. in Ecology from the University of Georgia. She then went on to complete her Ph.D. in Brian Farrell's lab and a postdoc in Hopi Hoekstra's lab, both in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Kentucky. When not in the lab, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Alaine (she/her) received her B.S in Biology from the University of Iowa. She then entered the Integrated Biology (iBio) Program at the University of Iowa as a Master’s student under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Forbes. Following the completion of her M.S, she remained in the Forbes lab, earning her PhD studying the evolutionary history of specialist fruit flies (genus Strauzia). As a postdoc in the Linnen Lab, Alaine is investigating the relationship between changes in gene expression and adaptation to novel plant hosts in Neodiprion.

Serena is originally from New Hampshire and came to UK to study biology. She graduated in the spring of 2023 with a degree in biology and a minor in math! In her spare time she can be found at the barn with her horse.

Ashleigh earned her B.S. in biological sciences and M.S. in ecology and sustainability from California State University, Stanislaus. For her PhD dissertation, she is investigating spatial variation in reproductive barriers and genomic differentiation between a pair of hybridizing Neodiprion sister species. The overarching goal of her dissertation is to infer causal links between reproductive isolation traits and genomic differentiation to gain a greater understanding of speciation. Outside of the lab, Ashleigh enjoys scuba diving and spending time with her family.

Ryan (he/him) am an evolutionary biologist and systematist who graduated from the University of Central Florida with both his B.S. and M.S. in Biological Sciences. He broadly focuses on the biodiversity of the insect order Hymenoptera, and the underlying mechanisms driving speciation in this group. His Ph.D. research focuses on mechanosensitive ion channels in the sawfly ovipositor, and how these channels impact host choice and fitness.

Jakeb earned his B.S. in Biology from Hanover College and his M.S. in Biological Sciences from Eastern Illinois University. His research interests include biodiversity, behavior, and the processes driving speciation. His current research focuses on understanding the effects of hybridization of Neodiprion sister species in mating and reproductive outcomes in males.

Wynne (she/her) is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Wildlife Management. Upon graduation, she plans to receive a PhD in Evolutionary Biology with a focus in conservation genetics. In her free time, Wynne enjoys exploring new coffee shops, being a movie buff, and being outdoors.

Vasav is a senior biology major, on a Pre-Medical track, at the University of Kentucky. He plans to receive his bachelor's in biology then go to medical school, in hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon. His hobbies include playing sports and working out!

Will is a sophomore biology major from Owensboro, KY. After completing his undergraduate degree at UK, his goal is to pursue medicine and become a pediatrician in the future. In his free time, Will likes to exercise, do community service, and be outdoors.

Erin (she/her) is a senior pursuing her B.S in biology. Upon graduation, she plans to attend medical school in hopes to become an OBGYN. In her free time she enjoys reading, being outside, and spending time with her friends.

Luke (he/him) is a biology major passionate about all things biology. He hopes to one day get his PhD and work in research for a non-profit. When out of the lab and not doing schoolwork, he enjoys caving, VR, and attending university events.

Brianna is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Biology and Political Science. She is interested in sustainability and science communication. After graduation, she wants to pursue a masters degree in biodesign. Outside of school, she likes to read books, oil paint, and lift weights.

Graci is a junior Animal Science major, on the Pre-Vet track from Clarkson, Kentucky. After completing her undergrad degree, she plans to attend vet school and get her DVM. In her free time, she enjoys doing anything outside, coffee shop hopping, and going to the gym.

Brenden is a Senior biology major from Independence, KY. After completing his undergraduate degree at UK, his goal is to pursue his education further in graduate school. In his free time, Brenden likes to play soccer and hangout with friends.