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.

Danielle a geneticist broadly interested in how a single species diverges to become separate species and how populations respond to environmental changes. She is particularly intrigued by how species with complex life cycles are especially diverse and proficient at adapting to new environments. Her current research focuses on understanding changes in gene expression levels at different life stages and sexes which result in drastically distinct phenotypes and behaviors.

Jeremy is an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow studying the invasive white pine sawfly Diprion similis. Leveraging both historical collections and modern sampling, Jeremy is investigating adaptation and population genetics associated with a host shift to white pine after D. similis was introduced to North America in 1914. Jeremy is broadly interested in speciation, population genomics, host-plant adaptation, and plant-insect dynamics. He is also passionate about science policy and communication.

Jane is so busy collecting data and taking care of our lab babies that she hasn't had a chance to send a photo and blurb. So for now, please enjoy a photo of two sawfly embryos nearing hatch time.

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.

Cole Railey is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a specialty in Ecology and Evolution. He plans to attend medical school after completion of his undergraduate degree to become an interventional radiologist. In his free time, Cole enjoys trail running with friends, canvas painting, and creative writing.

Colton is a sophomore Biology major with a focus in Evolution and Ecology from Cynthiana, KY. After completing his degree, he plans to attend medical school, where he hopes to become a dermatologist. In his free time, Colton enjoys hiking, photography, and playing tennis.

Wynne (she/her) is a sophomore student pursuing a BS in Biology with a minor in Wildlife Management. She plans to receive a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology and an eventual PhD with a focus on chondrichthyes. In her free time, Wynne enjoys exploring new coffee shops, being a movie buff, and being outdoors.

Vasav is a sophomore 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, video games, and working out!

Nathan is so busy collecting data for his undergraduate research project that he hasn't yet had a chance to send a photo and blurb. So for now, please enjoy this photo of a hatching N. lecontei larva.

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.