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.

Ashleigh earned her B.S. in biological sciences and M.S. in ecology and sustainability from California State University, Stanislaus. She earned her PhD in Fall 2024. Her thesis investigated spatial variation in reproductive barriers and genomic differentiation between a pair of hybridizing Neodiprion sister species. She is now a postdoc in the lab and has shifted her focus to the genetic mechanisms that produce host adaptation and reproductive isolation. Outside of the lab, Ashleigh enjoys scuba diving and spending time with her family.

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.

Kayleigh graduated from UK in 2024 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She is originally from Hazard, KY and enjoys hiking, writing, and reading in her spare time.

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 combines genomic approaches with morphometrics and ecological data to understand how and why insect ovipositors vary within and between insect species.

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.

Able earned his B.S. in Entomology from the University of Florida and his M.S. in Entomology from Louisiana State University. He joined the lab in Fall 2024. His Ph.D. research focuses on understanding the role of mitonuclear incompatibilities in speciation and describing how these incompatibilities shape patterns of gene flow in nature. When not in the lab, he enjoys tinkering with his computer and walking his cat.

Lexi is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Biology, with the ultimate goal of becoming an emergency medicine physician. She is from Paducah, KY and enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music, and driving around in her free time.

Shirin is a senior Biology major from New Dehli, India. After graduating, she hopes to go to medical school to train for a career in pediatric oncology. She loves traveling to different countries and experiencing new food, cultures, and traditions. And she loves taking her dog to different places.

Jazz is a senior from Blountville, TN pursuing her B.S in Animal Science. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in research She is particularly interested in climate change, adaptation, conservation, and behavior. In her free time she enjoys painting, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Gabi is a junior Biology major from Louisville, KY. Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatrician. She enjoys yoga, hiking, and thrifting/antiquing.

Elle is a junior Biology major from Cadiz, KY. After graduating, she hopes to go to medical school.

Alyssa is a junior Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology major from Grayville, IL. After graduating, she plans to obtain a masters in biostatistics and work as a biostatistician. In her free time, she loves to read, crochet, and solve sudoku puzzles.