Principle Investigator
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Alexis M. Janosik, Ph.D. ajanosik[at]uwf.edu
Professor, Graduate Program Coordinator Biology, UWF makeyourmark.uwf.edu/ Research Interests:
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Postdoctoral Researcher
Viktoria Bogantes, Ph.D, vbogantesaguilar[at]uwf.edu
Viktoria is originally from Costa Rica. After finishing her undergrad studies at the University of Costa Rica, she moved to Auburn, Alabama for her PhD. During her PhD she focused on studying taxonomy, diversity, and systematics of several groups of annelids, using morphological, molecular and bioinformatic tools. One of her favorite research tasks is doing taxonomic work. She is interested in promoting the use of integrative approaches to identify and describe species and emphasize the importance of museum collections as the main repository of evidence of global biodiversity. Viktoria is very interested in continuing to explore marine biodiversity and contributing to scientific knowledge that can be incorporated with environmental management. At UWF Viktoria will be working on a project that involves the use of environmental DNA to metabarcode reef fish from the Gulf of Mexico.
Viktoria is originally from Costa Rica. After finishing her undergrad studies at the University of Costa Rica, she moved to Auburn, Alabama for her PhD. During her PhD she focused on studying taxonomy, diversity, and systematics of several groups of annelids, using morphological, molecular and bioinformatic tools. One of her favorite research tasks is doing taxonomic work. She is interested in promoting the use of integrative approaches to identify and describe species and emphasize the importance of museum collections as the main repository of evidence of global biodiversity. Viktoria is very interested in continuing to explore marine biodiversity and contributing to scientific knowledge that can be incorporated with environmental management. At UWF Viktoria will be working on a project that involves the use of environmental DNA to metabarcode reef fish from the Gulf of Mexico.
Graduate Students
Lindsay Curl, lfc8[at]students.uwf.edu
Lindsay graduated from Kansas State University in 2017 with a B.S. in Biology. She then served in Zambia as a Peace Corps Volunteer after which, she completed two internships. One in Cozumel, Mexico where she became a PADI Scuba Divemaster and the other in Greece with the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation. In Greece, Lindsay compared microplastic accumulation in native (Arbacia lixula) and invasive (Diadema setosum) sea urchins and has since been interested in researching microplastics. Lindsay began her graduate work at UWF in the Janosik Lab in 2020 and will be assessing microplastic contamination in unviable sea turtle eggs. Working as a camp counselor for Sea Turtle Camp, volunteering with the animal care team at Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, and participating in sea turtle patrols with Escambia County, Lindsay loves her sea turtles.
Lindsay graduated from Kansas State University in 2017 with a B.S. in Biology. She then served in Zambia as a Peace Corps Volunteer after which, she completed two internships. One in Cozumel, Mexico where she became a PADI Scuba Divemaster and the other in Greece with the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation. In Greece, Lindsay compared microplastic accumulation in native (Arbacia lixula) and invasive (Diadema setosum) sea urchins and has since been interested in researching microplastics. Lindsay began her graduate work at UWF in the Janosik Lab in 2020 and will be assessing microplastic contamination in unviable sea turtle eggs. Working as a camp counselor for Sea Turtle Camp, volunteering with the animal care team at Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, and participating in sea turtle patrols with Escambia County, Lindsay loves her sea turtles.
Samantha Engster, se59[at]students.uwf.edu
Sam graduated from Central Michigan University in 2019 with a BS in Biology: Natural
Resources. During her time at CMU, she completed a project involving radio telemetry of
painted turtles, and assisted grad students with turtle conservation genetics. Her love of the
ocean drew her to study marine biology for a semester in the Galápagos Islands, as well as a summer
in Alaska for her Honors Capstone which evaluated progesterone levels found in the whiskers of Steller sea lions and northern fur seals. Sam is currently a master's student in the Janosik Lab and is using eDNA metabarcoding to characterize reef fish communities at natural and artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.
Sam graduated from Central Michigan University in 2019 with a BS in Biology: Natural
Resources. During her time at CMU, she completed a project involving radio telemetry of
painted turtles, and assisted grad students with turtle conservation genetics. Her love of the
ocean drew her to study marine biology for a semester in the Galápagos Islands, as well as a summer
in Alaska for her Honors Capstone which evaluated progesterone levels found in the whiskers of Steller sea lions and northern fur seals. Sam is currently a master's student in the Janosik Lab and is using eDNA metabarcoding to characterize reef fish communities at natural and artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.
Amy Fellgren, akf14[at]students.uwf.edu
Amy recently graduated from UWF with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology. She began working in the lab during the summer of 2019. During that time, she worked on a Summer Undergraduate Research Project quantifying and identifying microplastics found in coquina clam tissue on the northwestern coast of Florida and the southeastern coast of Alabama. In fall 2019, she began working on an eDNA project that involved the extraction and analysis of fish eDNA from Least Tern fecal samples. The purpose of the project was to identify fish species being consumed by Least Terns, and to link those species to fish drop data collected at various sites. She is currently are graduate student in the Janosik Lab working on an eDNA project with marine mammals.
Amy recently graduated from UWF with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology. She began working in the lab during the summer of 2019. During that time, she worked on a Summer Undergraduate Research Project quantifying and identifying microplastics found in coquina clam tissue on the northwestern coast of Florida and the southeastern coast of Alabama. In fall 2019, she began working on an eDNA project that involved the extraction and analysis of fish eDNA from Least Tern fecal samples. The purpose of the project was to identify fish species being consumed by Least Terns, and to link those species to fish drop data collected at various sites. She is currently are graduate student in the Janosik Lab working on an eDNA project with marine mammals.
Kaylee Marshall, kem83[at]students.uwf.edu
Originally from Rancho Cucamonga, California, Kaylee moved to Corvallis, Oregon to attend Oregon State University to get her B.S. in Zoology. Now a Master’s student at UWF, Kaylee is working on using environmental DNA to monitor the endangered reticulated flatwoods salamander. This project involves developing models of detections for the endangered salamanders that correlate with factors that may be contributing to their survival and persistence.
Originally from Rancho Cucamonga, California, Kaylee moved to Corvallis, Oregon to attend Oregon State University to get her B.S. in Zoology. Now a Master’s student at UWF, Kaylee is working on using environmental DNA to monitor the endangered reticulated flatwoods salamander. This project involves developing models of detections for the endangered salamanders that correlate with factors that may be contributing to their survival and persistence.
Jake Roush, jar146[at]students.uwf.edu
Jake graduated from Portland State University in 2017 with a BS in Biology. While pursuing his
undergraduate degree, he conducted research examining heat shock proteins associated with anoxia tolerance in Annual Killifish. Upon completion of his degree, he took a job with U.S. Fish & Wildlife service in Colorado. His work there was centered around managing threaten or endangered species found on Colorado’s front range. In May of 2020 the Fish & Wildlife Service relocated him to his current position in Panama City where he continues to work with listed species. Jake is a master’s student in the Janosik, focusing on eDNA work in the Ochlockonee River. The goal of his project is to develop a protocol to detect listed rare freshwater mussel species.
Jake graduated from Portland State University in 2017 with a BS in Biology. While pursuing his
undergraduate degree, he conducted research examining heat shock proteins associated with anoxia tolerance in Annual Killifish. Upon completion of his degree, he took a job with U.S. Fish & Wildlife service in Colorado. His work there was centered around managing threaten or endangered species found on Colorado’s front range. In May of 2020 the Fish & Wildlife Service relocated him to his current position in Panama City where he continues to work with listed species. Jake is a master’s student in the Janosik, focusing on eDNA work in the Ochlockonee River. The goal of his project is to develop a protocol to detect listed rare freshwater mussel species.
Natalie Simmons, nes23[at]students.uwf.edu
Natalie graduated from the University of North Georgia in 2020 with a BS in Biology. Initially interested in forest systems, she studied the effects of primary versus secondary (human-disturbed) forests on orchid bee population composition in Monteverde, Costa Rica. However, after graduating, she was drawn to the ocean and is now interested in how humans are affecting oceanic systems, which has manifested into studying microplastic pollution. Natalie is a master's student in the Janosik Lab, and she is currently working on quantifying microplastic concentrations of water samples taken from Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. She will soon begin research on microplastic accumulation in benthic invertebrates from the Antarctic to determine to what extent humans are affecting one of the most remote environments in the world.
Natalie graduated from the University of North Georgia in 2020 with a BS in Biology. Initially interested in forest systems, she studied the effects of primary versus secondary (human-disturbed) forests on orchid bee population composition in Monteverde, Costa Rica. However, after graduating, she was drawn to the ocean and is now interested in how humans are affecting oceanic systems, which has manifested into studying microplastic pollution. Natalie is a master's student in the Janosik Lab, and she is currently working on quantifying microplastic concentrations of water samples taken from Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. She will soon begin research on microplastic accumulation in benthic invertebrates from the Antarctic to determine to what extent humans are affecting one of the most remote environments in the world.
Undergraduate Students
Elizabeth Everett, eae24[at]students.uwf.edu
Liz is from Crestview, Florida. Growing up near the beach and earning her open water dive certification at 12 years of age, she has always had a deep love for the ocean. She is currently an undergraduate pursuing a B.S in Marine Biology. Her passion for ocean science bloomed after a dive at the Georgia Aquarium with the whale sharks. Since then, Liz has volunteered at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, interned for Escambia County Marine Resources Division, and frequent the open ocean as a diver! After participating in the summer undergraduate research program, she is excited to continue her work characterizing biolfim on textile/plastic marine debris from the local beaches and bays.
Liz is from Crestview, Florida. Growing up near the beach and earning her open water dive certification at 12 years of age, she has always had a deep love for the ocean. She is currently an undergraduate pursuing a B.S in Marine Biology. Her passion for ocean science bloomed after a dive at the Georgia Aquarium with the whale sharks. Since then, Liz has volunteered at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, interned for Escambia County Marine Resources Division, and frequent the open ocean as a diver! After participating in the summer undergraduate research program, she is excited to continue her work characterizing biolfim on textile/plastic marine debris from the local beaches and bays.
Taber Faurie, tcf5[at]students.uwf.edu
Taber was born in Florida but spent much of his life surrounded by the diverse ecosystems of Louisiana. He attended the University of West Florida in Fall 2018, pursuing a B.S. in Marine Biology. Taber is a senior and plans to graduate by the Summer of 2022. He helped assemble the mitochondrial genome of the feather duster (Bispira melanostigma). The co- written manuscript on the feather duster was published in December 2021. Taber joined the Janosik lab shortly after, exploring the effects of microplastics on tubeworms from Pensacola Beach. The dual-sided project interacts with molecular tools and microplastics. His research aims to identify plastic in the tubes the worms secrete to quantify anthropogenic damage. He spends many of his
summers in Colorado and enjoys photography and fishing.
Taber was born in Florida but spent much of his life surrounded by the diverse ecosystems of Louisiana. He attended the University of West Florida in Fall 2018, pursuing a B.S. in Marine Biology. Taber is a senior and plans to graduate by the Summer of 2022. He helped assemble the mitochondrial genome of the feather duster (Bispira melanostigma). The co- written manuscript on the feather duster was published in December 2021. Taber joined the Janosik lab shortly after, exploring the effects of microplastics on tubeworms from Pensacola Beach. The dual-sided project interacts with molecular tools and microplastics. His research aims to identify plastic in the tubes the worms secrete to quantify anthropogenic damage. He spends many of his
summers in Colorado and enjoys photography and fishing.
Molly Hayne, mah139[at]students.uwf.edu
Molly is from Brookings, Oregon, but grew up in Colorado. She developed a love for the natural sciences at an early age and has interests in paleobiology, evolutionary biology, deep sea ecology, and science communication. Molly is a Kugelman Honors student working towards her marine biology degree at the University of West Florida, and plans to pursue a Ph.D. and work in museum curation. She has previously done research with the UWF Office of Undergraduate Research, in which she investigated the techniques used for measuring cutaneous resistance to evaporative water loss (CWL) in frogs. Molly is currently working on her honors thesis in the Janosik Lab. Outside of the lab, she can be found taking care of all the critters at the UWF Marine Facility and trying to i.d. birds on campus.
Molly is from Brookings, Oregon, but grew up in Colorado. She developed a love for the natural sciences at an early age and has interests in paleobiology, evolutionary biology, deep sea ecology, and science communication. Molly is a Kugelman Honors student working towards her marine biology degree at the University of West Florida, and plans to pursue a Ph.D. and work in museum curation. She has previously done research with the UWF Office of Undergraduate Research, in which she investigated the techniques used for measuring cutaneous resistance to evaporative water loss (CWL) in frogs. Molly is currently working on her honors thesis in the Janosik Lab. Outside of the lab, she can be found taking care of all the critters at the UWF Marine Facility and trying to i.d. birds on campus.
Caroline Hornfeck, cjh70[at]students.uwf.edu
Caroline is originally from Salisbury, Maryland, a small town not too far from the Atlantic
Ocean. She began pursuing her educational goals at a small community college and
then transferred to UWF in Fall of 2018 to fulfill her dream of obtaining a B.S in Marine
Biology. Caroline joined the Janosik Lab in Fall 2019 and quickly became interested in
molecular ecology and molecular tools. Her current research focuses on using eDNA
metabarcoding to analyze elasmobranch presence and diversity at Pensacola Beach.
She also worked on sequencing the complete mitochondrial genome of the marine
feather duster worm Bispira melanostigma. She hopes to continue her academic career
and obtain a master’s degree that focuses on using molecular tools and next generation
sequencing in marine ecosystems. Outside of the lab Caroline enjoys snorkeling at the
artificial reefs, hanging out with her cat Finn, and of course days at the beach!
Caroline is originally from Salisbury, Maryland, a small town not too far from the Atlantic
Ocean. She began pursuing her educational goals at a small community college and
then transferred to UWF in Fall of 2018 to fulfill her dream of obtaining a B.S in Marine
Biology. Caroline joined the Janosik Lab in Fall 2019 and quickly became interested in
molecular ecology and molecular tools. Her current research focuses on using eDNA
metabarcoding to analyze elasmobranch presence and diversity at Pensacola Beach.
She also worked on sequencing the complete mitochondrial genome of the marine
feather duster worm Bispira melanostigma. She hopes to continue her academic career
and obtain a master’s degree that focuses on using molecular tools and next generation
sequencing in marine ecosystems. Outside of the lab Caroline enjoys snorkeling at the
artificial reefs, hanging out with her cat Finn, and of course days at the beach!
Hailee Nigro, hgn4[at]students.uwf.edu
Hailee grew up in Tampa, FL, where her passion for marine life began. She moved to Pensacola in Fall 2019 to pursue her lifelong dream, working toward a degree in Marine Biology. She is currently a senior and joined the Janosik Lab in Spring 2020 through the NSF/NIH MARC Scholars program. Her research looks at the effects of microplastics on telomere elongation in the regenerated tissue of the gray sand star (Luidia clathrata). Outside of the lab, she enjoys all things nature, fishing, and long days at the beach.
Hailee grew up in Tampa, FL, where her passion for marine life began. She moved to Pensacola in Fall 2019 to pursue her lifelong dream, working toward a degree in Marine Biology. She is currently a senior and joined the Janosik Lab in Spring 2020 through the NSF/NIH MARC Scholars program. Her research looks at the effects of microplastics on telomere elongation in the regenerated tissue of the gray sand star (Luidia clathrata). Outside of the lab, she enjoys all things nature, fishing, and long days at the beach.
Hunter Rider, hjr5[at]students.uwf.edu
Hunter is originally from Opelika, AL and attended the University of West Florida for an experience in undergraduate research. With research came the opportunity for him to find his passion in biology and the plethora of biodiversity in the Southeastern United States, particularly fish. Hunter is a Kugelman honors student pursuing a B.S. in marine biology. In the lab, he works with environmental DNA metabarcoding on two projects. Hunter is utilizing the molecular tool to detect the presence of the River redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum) in the Escambia River, as well as to characterize the Alabama sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus suttkusi) population in the Alabama River system. In his time outside of the lab, he likes to fish, hike, and enjoy the outdoors.
Hunter is originally from Opelika, AL and attended the University of West Florida for an experience in undergraduate research. With research came the opportunity for him to find his passion in biology and the plethora of biodiversity in the Southeastern United States, particularly fish. Hunter is a Kugelman honors student pursuing a B.S. in marine biology. In the lab, he works with environmental DNA metabarcoding on two projects. Hunter is utilizing the molecular tool to detect the presence of the River redhorse (Moxostoma carinatum) in the Escambia River, as well as to characterize the Alabama sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus suttkusi) population in the Alabama River system. In his time outside of the lab, he likes to fish, hike, and enjoy the outdoors.
Former Lab Members
Taylor Beck,
After graduating from UWF, Taylor started a master's degree in Dr. Tina Whitaker's lab at Nicholls State University.
After graduating from UWF, Taylor started a master's degree in Dr. Tina Whitaker's lab at Nicholls State University.
Amy Brower, alb82[at]students.uwf.edu
Amy is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. She is current working as a Lionfish Specialist
in Division of Marine Fisheries Management for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Amy is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. She is current working as a Lionfish Specialist
in Division of Marine Fisheries Management for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Melissa Hebert, mmh46[at]students.uwf.edu
Melissa finished her master's degree in the Janosik lab Fall 2020. Her project focused on using eDNA metabarcoding to inventory elasmobranchs in Pensacola Bay. She is currently working as a Faculty Research Assistant in the Carleton Lab at the University of Maryland!
Melissa finished her master's degree in the Janosik lab Fall 2020. Her project focused on using eDNA metabarcoding to inventory elasmobranchs in Pensacola Bay. She is currently working as a Faculty Research Assistant in the Carleton Lab at the University of Maryland!
Tristyn Garza, tng8[at]students.uwf.edu
Tristyn started in the Janosik lab in summer of 2017 and recently graduated from UWF with B.S. in Marine Biology. Having spent time in the Bahamas and Mexico plastic pollution became very evident to her and with funding from the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering she started working with the lettuce sea slug, Elysia crispata, to quantify epigenetic effects of microplastic consumption. She also works on identifying microplastic samples from the Great Lakes to Antarctica. Her thesis work is focused on quantifying microplastics in Antarctic fjords and
Tristyn started in the Janosik lab in summer of 2017 and recently graduated from UWF with B.S. in Marine Biology. Having spent time in the Bahamas and Mexico plastic pollution became very evident to her and with funding from the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering she started working with the lettuce sea slug, Elysia crispata, to quantify epigenetic effects of microplastic consumption. She also works on identifying microplastic samples from the Great Lakes to Antarctica. Her thesis work is focused on quantifying microplastics in Antarctic fjords and
Juliana Giraldo, jg57[at]students.uwf.edu
Juliana is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. Her project focused on using environmental DNA to inventory fish communities. She is currently a PhD student at Texas A & M University at Galveston in the Miglietta Lab.
Juliana is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. Her project focused on using environmental DNA to inventory fish communities. She is currently a PhD student at Texas A & M University at Galveston in the Miglietta Lab.
Jenna King, Jenna_king[at]fws.gov
Jenna is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. Her project focused on using eDNA metabarcoding to examine population genetics of the Alabama sturgeon. She is now a Fish and Wildlife Biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Alabama Ecological Services Field Office.
Jenna is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. Her project focused on using eDNA metabarcoding to examine population genetics of the Alabama sturgeon. She is now a Fish and Wildlife Biologist with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Alabama Ecological Services Field Office.
Jordan Kleinschmidt, jmk68[at]students.uwf.edu
Jordan is currently pursuing her B.S. in Marine Biology at UWF as an undergraduate student. She has wanted to study Marine Biology her whole life and growing up in Central Florida cultivated this passion throughout her childhood. Currently in the Janosik Lab, Jordan’s research focuses on quantifying microplastics found within the tissues of the Florida Fighting Conch (Strombus atlas) and the effect the mciroplastics may have on the organism and the environment. In her time spent outside of the lab she is an active member of the Marine Ecology Research Society and actively participates in Ocean Hour beach cleanups on the weekends. Jordan enjoys longboarding and playing guitar in her spare time and takes any opportunity to spend a day exploring the outdoors.
Jordan is currently pursuing her B.S. in Marine Biology at UWF as an undergraduate student. She has wanted to study Marine Biology her whole life and growing up in Central Florida cultivated this passion throughout her childhood. Currently in the Janosik Lab, Jordan’s research focuses on quantifying microplastics found within the tissues of the Florida Fighting Conch (Strombus atlas) and the effect the mciroplastics may have on the organism and the environment. In her time spent outside of the lab she is an active member of the Marine Ecology Research Society and actively participates in Ocean Hour beach cleanups on the weekends. Jordan enjoys longboarding and playing guitar in her spare time and takes any opportunity to spend a day exploring the outdoors.
Holly Koch, hek8[at]students.uwf.edu
Growing up near the beach, Holly’s passion for the ocean began at a very young age. This passion grew into a career choice as Holly is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Marine Biology. Her current research project in the Janosik lab involves quantifying and characterizing microplastics in ghost crabs, Ocypode quadrata. She has a passion for conservation and would love to continue her education. Outside the lab, she spends her time volunteering for Escambia County, Ocean Hour beach cleanups, and enjoying anything outdoors.
Growing up near the beach, Holly’s passion for the ocean began at a very young age. This passion grew into a career choice as Holly is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S. in Marine Biology. Her current research project in the Janosik lab involves quantifying and characterizing microplastics in ghost crabs, Ocypode quadrata. She has a passion for conservation and would love to continue her education. Outside the lab, she spends her time volunteering for Escambia County, Ocean Hour beach cleanups, and enjoying anything outdoors.
Madyson Miller, mbm24[at]students.uwf.edu
Madyson is a former undergraduate student in the Janosik Lab. She is currently working on her master's degree in the Virgin Islands.
Madyson is a former undergraduate student in the Janosik Lab. She is currently working on her master's degree in the Virgin Islands.
Alli Myers, am196[at]students.uwf.edu
Alli graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology in May 2019. She transferred in the Summer of 2016 and started working in Dr. Janosik's lab Fall 2017. Her scientific interests lie in tropical marine invertebrate research and conservation. She is currently using eDNA research to identify if the indicator species, Fundulus jenkinsi, is extant in the salt-marshes of Pensacola’s estuarine system. She plans to apply skills learned in Dr. Janosik's lab to a Master's thesis after graduation in Spring of 2019. Over the years she has enjoyed SCUBA diving and snorkeling in very diverse environments such as the kelp forests in Monterey Bay, California, tropical water near the Mariana Trench in Guam, the Tongue of the Ocean and cays in the Bahamas, as well as the Coral Triangle in Indonesia. She just returned from a month long research in the Coral Triangle assisting with projects like the coral nursery, studying herbivorous fish patterns, coral integrity, and monitoring of the different reefs around the island for biodiversity. She also currently serves as an animal foster/rescue parent.
Alli graduated with a B.S. in Marine Biology in May 2019. She transferred in the Summer of 2016 and started working in Dr. Janosik's lab Fall 2017. Her scientific interests lie in tropical marine invertebrate research and conservation. She is currently using eDNA research to identify if the indicator species, Fundulus jenkinsi, is extant in the salt-marshes of Pensacola’s estuarine system. She plans to apply skills learned in Dr. Janosik's lab to a Master's thesis after graduation in Spring of 2019. Over the years she has enjoyed SCUBA diving and snorkeling in very diverse environments such as the kelp forests in Monterey Bay, California, tropical water near the Mariana Trench in Guam, the Tongue of the Ocean and cays in the Bahamas, as well as the Coral Triangle in Indonesia. She just returned from a month long research in the Coral Triangle assisting with projects like the coral nursery, studying herbivorous fish patterns, coral integrity, and monitoring of the different reefs around the island for biodiversity. She also currently serves as an animal foster/rescue parent.
Mariah Pfleger, mpfleger[at]oceana.org
Mariah is a former laboratory technician who worked on environmental DNA of sturgeon. She is currently working as a Marine Scientist at Oceana.
Mariah is a former laboratory technician who worked on environmental DNA of sturgeon. She is currently working as a Marine Scientist at Oceana.
Jack Prior, jack.prior[at]noaa.gov
Jack is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. He is currently a contractor with the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Reef Fish Division, through partnership with Mississippi State University and the Northern Gulf Institute. When not assisting with at-sea surveys to monitor fish populations, Jack's main duty is to work with the huge volume of video footage taken from the research vessels. His ultimate mission is to train artificial intelligence software to develop models that process this footage to detect, identify, and count organisms that are ecologically and commercially important in the Gulf of Mexico and other marine habitats.
Jack is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. He is currently a contractor with the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Reef Fish Division, through partnership with Mississippi State University and the Northern Gulf Institute. When not assisting with at-sea surveys to monitor fish populations, Jack's main duty is to work with the huge volume of video footage taken from the research vessels. His ultimate mission is to train artificial intelligence software to develop models that process this footage to detect, identify, and count organisms that are ecologically and commercially important in the Gulf of Mexico and other marine habitats.
Aleigh Rowe, agr17[at]students.uwf.edu
Growing up in land-locked Oklahoma, Aleigh was always intrigued by the ocean and passionate about conservation. She was able to pursue her dream when she enrolled in the University of West Florida and began pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology. Currently a junior, Aleigh discovered her love for research after participating in an undergraduate summer research program. She's continued her work quantifying the abundance of microplastics found in seafood from local seafood markets, and plans to expand on this research for her undergraduate thesis. Outside of the lab, she has served as President of the Marine Ecology Research Society and Vice President of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
Growing up in land-locked Oklahoma, Aleigh was always intrigued by the ocean and passionate about conservation. She was able to pursue her dream when she enrolled in the University of West Florida and began pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology. Currently a junior, Aleigh discovered her love for research after participating in an undergraduate summer research program. She's continued her work quantifying the abundance of microplastics found in seafood from local seafood markets, and plans to expand on this research for her undergraduate thesis. Outside of the lab, she has served as President of the Marine Ecology Research Society and Vice President of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
Katie Vaccaro-Garska, kmv12[at]students.uwf.edu
Katie is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. She began her undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware, but felt the pull of the ocean and so transferred to UWF to complete her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology. She served as the president of the Marine Ecology Research Society and participated in several community outreach events for marine science. While an undergraduate, she began working in a lab where she developed a passion for genetics. Her graduate research at UWF focuses on investigating sexual dimorphism in stomatopods, using the transcriptome from the eye. When not in the lab, she is easily identified by her passion for coffee, and is always found with a mug in hand.
Katie is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. She began her undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware, but felt the pull of the ocean and so transferred to UWF to complete her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology. She served as the president of the Marine Ecology Research Society and participated in several community outreach events for marine science. While an undergraduate, she began working in a lab where she developed a passion for genetics. Her graduate research at UWF focuses on investigating sexual dimorphism in stomatopods, using the transcriptome from the eye. When not in the lab, she is easily identified by her passion for coffee, and is always found with a mug in hand.
Nichelle Vantassel, vanta1nm[@]cmich.edu
Nichelle is a former graduate student in the Janosik Lab. She also received her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology here at UWF. As an undergraduate, she worked in the Janosik lab learning molecular tools and also spent summers as a benthic ecology intern at the Mote Marine Laboratory, where she worked on the scallop restoration project in the Sarasota Bay. For her graduate thesis project, she is characterized the fish populations in northwest Florida’s rare and unique costal dune lakes using environmental DNA and metabarcoding. She is mainly interested in the evolution of marine and aquatic life, molecular ecology, and the biology/genetics of extremophile organisms. She is also interested in understanding how our knowledge of life on Earth can inform our knowledge of life elsewhere in the universe. Currently she is working on a Ph.D. at the Central Michigan University. See what she's up to here.
Nichelle is a former graduate student in the Janosik Lab. She also received her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology here at UWF. As an undergraduate, she worked in the Janosik lab learning molecular tools and also spent summers as a benthic ecology intern at the Mote Marine Laboratory, where she worked on the scallop restoration project in the Sarasota Bay. For her graduate thesis project, she is characterized the fish populations in northwest Florida’s rare and unique costal dune lakes using environmental DNA and metabarcoding. She is mainly interested in the evolution of marine and aquatic life, molecular ecology, and the biology/genetics of extremophile organisms. She is also interested in understanding how our knowledge of life on Earth can inform our knowledge of life elsewhere in the universe. Currently she is working on a Ph.D. at the Central Michigan University. See what she's up to here.
Rebecca Varney, rvarney[at]crimson.ua.edu
Rebecca is a former student in the Janosik Lab and was co-advised by Dr. Chris Pomory. Rebecca began her academic career with a B.S. in genetics from the University of California, Davis. Rebecca completed her thesis work at UWF under the direction of Dr. Chris Pomory and did the work in the Janosik lab. Her graduate work at UWF merged her passion for genetics with her love of the marine life. Her research focused on telomere length and telomerase expression in regenerating tissues of the gray sea star Luidia clathrata. Rebecca is now in a Ph.D. program at the University of Alabama under the direction of Dr. Kevin Kocot. Her research interests include genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and programming. See what she's up to here.
Rebecca is a former student in the Janosik Lab and was co-advised by Dr. Chris Pomory. Rebecca began her academic career with a B.S. in genetics from the University of California, Davis. Rebecca completed her thesis work at UWF under the direction of Dr. Chris Pomory and did the work in the Janosik lab. Her graduate work at UWF merged her passion for genetics with her love of the marine life. Her research focused on telomere length and telomerase expression in regenerating tissues of the gray sea star Luidia clathrata. Rebecca is now in a Ph.D. program at the University of Alabama under the direction of Dr. Kevin Kocot. Her research interests include genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and programming. See what she's up to here.
Bailey Walkinshaw, mbw22[at]students.uwf.edu
Bailey started her undergraduate career at Northwest Florida State College before transferring to the University of West Florida in 2017, where she is pursuing a B.S. in Marine Biology with a minor in Environmental Science. Her current research focus is on exploring the use of marine sponges for collecting environmental DNA samples. She has been involved in several other projects in the lab, including the use of environmental DNA to detect Ambystoma bishopi, an endangered salamander species that is native to Northwest Florida. Outside of the lab, Bailey enjoys volunteering with seagrass monitoring in the Santa Rosa Sound and hiking along the UWF trails.
Bailey started her undergraduate career at Northwest Florida State College before transferring to the University of West Florida in 2017, where she is pursuing a B.S. in Marine Biology with a minor in Environmental Science. Her current research focus is on exploring the use of marine sponges for collecting environmental DNA samples. She has been involved in several other projects in the lab, including the use of environmental DNA to detect Ambystoma bishopi, an endangered salamander species that is native to Northwest Florida. Outside of the lab, Bailey enjoys volunteering with seagrass monitoring in the Santa Rosa Sound and hiking along the UWF trails.
Justine (Tina) Whitaker, Ph.D. jwhitaker[at]uwf.edu
Tina is a former postdoctoral researcher in the Janosik Lab. She now has an Assistant Professor position at Nicholls State. Check out her webpage here. Tina grew up in Virginia Beach, VA. She is particularly interested in using molecular tools to improve management of imperiled species and has worked with a variety of species, including sturgeon, black bears, salamanders, clams and songbirds. She obtained her B.Sc. in biology from Longwood University and her M.Sc. in biology from the College of William & Mary. She was a science teacher for five years prior to returning to school for her Ph.D. in Wildlife & Fisheries from West Virginia University (WVU). Her research at WVU used an integrative molecular approach to characterizing the migratory phenotype of lake sturgeon. As a postdoc at the University of West Florida, she worked on project utilizing environmental DNA to detect Alabama and Gulf sturgeon, microplastics, lionfish, and birds. She spends most of her free time outdoors with her dogs.
Tina is a former postdoctoral researcher in the Janosik Lab. She now has an Assistant Professor position at Nicholls State. Check out her webpage here. Tina grew up in Virginia Beach, VA. She is particularly interested in using molecular tools to improve management of imperiled species and has worked with a variety of species, including sturgeon, black bears, salamanders, clams and songbirds. She obtained her B.Sc. in biology from Longwood University and her M.Sc. in biology from the College of William & Mary. She was a science teacher for five years prior to returning to school for her Ph.D. in Wildlife & Fisheries from West Virginia University (WVU). Her research at WVU used an integrative molecular approach to characterizing the migratory phenotype of lake sturgeon. As a postdoc at the University of West Florida, she worked on project utilizing environmental DNA to detect Alabama and Gulf sturgeon, microplastics, lionfish, and birds. She spends most of her free time outdoors with her dogs.
Sheridan Wilkinson, sw43[at]students.uwf.edu
Sheridan is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. She is currently working at the Environmental Protection Agency as a Microbial Assessment of Coastal Waters Intern. She is a native of the Pensacola area and has loved the ocean her entire life. She transferred to UWF from Pensacola State College, where she dual-enrolled during high school, in the Fall of 2014. Prior to attending UWF, she volunteered in the proteomics, genomics, and wet lab of the Gulf Ecology Division (GED) of the EPA and learned both aquaculture and molecular techniques. She began working in Dr. Janosik's lab Fall of 2015 and, as an undergraduate, she investigated the phylogeography of a small clam, Donax variabilis, found along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts. She also had the opportunity to spend a week on St. Andros Island, Bahamas at the International Field Studies' Forfar Field Station. In May of 2017, she graduated with her B.S. in Marine Biology and entered the Master’s program in January 2018. Her graduate research focused on investigating the epigenetic effects of microplastic exposure in Blue gills.
Sheridan is a former master's student in the Janosik Lab. She is currently working at the Environmental Protection Agency as a Microbial Assessment of Coastal Waters Intern. She is a native of the Pensacola area and has loved the ocean her entire life. She transferred to UWF from Pensacola State College, where she dual-enrolled during high school, in the Fall of 2014. Prior to attending UWF, she volunteered in the proteomics, genomics, and wet lab of the Gulf Ecology Division (GED) of the EPA and learned both aquaculture and molecular techniques. She began working in Dr. Janosik's lab Fall of 2015 and, as an undergraduate, she investigated the phylogeography of a small clam, Donax variabilis, found along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts. She also had the opportunity to spend a week on St. Andros Island, Bahamas at the International Field Studies' Forfar Field Station. In May of 2017, she graduated with her B.S. in Marine Biology and entered the Master’s program in January 2018. Her graduate research focused on investigating the epigenetic effects of microplastic exposure in Blue gills.
Cara Womacks, chw16[at]students.uwf.edu
Cara is an undergraduate student currently pursuing her B.S. in Marine Biology. She is
originally from St. Louis, Missouri, but her passion for the ocean brought her to Florida
for college. Her current research explores DNA barcoding and crab biodiversity on
artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. She is very interested in marine ecology and hopes
to continue conducting research in this area in graduate school. Outside of the lab, she
is an active member of the Kugelman Honors program and enjoys taking part in campus
community events. She loves to hike and go birding in her free time, and during the
school year you’ll find her on most weekends at Big Lagoon State Park.
Cara is an undergraduate student currently pursuing her B.S. in Marine Biology. She is
originally from St. Louis, Missouri, but her passion for the ocean brought her to Florida
for college. Her current research explores DNA barcoding and crab biodiversity on
artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. She is very interested in marine ecology and hopes
to continue conducting research in this area in graduate school. Outside of the lab, she
is an active member of the Kugelman Honors program and enjoys taking part in campus
community events. She loves to hike and go birding in her free time, and during the
school year you’ll find her on most weekends at Big Lagoon State Park.