People

Amanda is a Colombian biologist broadly interested in disease ecology and conservation, particularly chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by a fungus decimating amphibians globally - Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Her research explores host-pathogen interactions in poison frogs, focusing on how their microbiome and unique skin chemistry influence susceptibility to Bd infection. Previously, Amanda conducted research in amphibian conservation, sexual selection, bioacoustics, and behavior. Outside of lab Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and working on her family business.

I am interested in studying the mechanisms behind chemical defense in poison frogs. Through my research, I hope to uncover key proteins involved in alkaloid sequestration across different developmental stages in these frogs. Additionally, I aim to describe various behavioral mechanisms in both tadpoles and adults that are important for maintaining their chemical defenses. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, watching movies, and playing video games!

Ian is a PhD student fascinated by behavioral and physiological adaptations in animals. Specifically, he is interested in understanding how species produce, transport, and store specialized molecules, such as poison frogs’ alkaloid toxins. For his dissertation, he will be studying the molecular mechanisms that facilitate sequestration and autoresistence in poison frog species. Previously, Ian worked as a wildlife biologist and national park ranger. When not in the lab, Ian enjoys spending time outdoors, doting on his dog, and attempting to garden.

Max studies how species respond to alarming olfactory stimuli both through their behavioral and neurobiological responses. Specifically, he is interested in how life history and developmental experience shapes this response. He will be characterizing the brain regions and neurotransmitters that regulate alarm response as well as the mechanisms in the olfactory bulb that detect and integrate olfactory stimuli. In his free time, Max likes to rock climb, snowboard, and travel.

Mila is interested in circadian rhythms and how they influence animal behavior, physiology, and ecology. Science communication and advocacy for diversity, equality, and inclusion in science are some of her passions! She believes science and education are essential tools to fight social inequality. In her podcast in Portuguese called Charlando, she talks about science, daily life, and academia, using a bit of comedy to make science more accessible to the broad public. Her hobbies include playing the drums and the ukulele, playing with her cats, and, as a good Brazilian, dancing!

I am a Peruvian field biologist passionate about animal behavior and biodiversity conservation in the tropics. I am broadly interested in understanding the evolutionary consequences of climate change and anthropogenic disturbances on species’ reproductive success. Using poison frogs as my model species, I aim to study the mechanisms underlying the diversification of reproductive strategies and how these evolutionary adaptations will respond to rapidly changing environments. With my studies, I am hoping to gather information that can be used to guide amphibians’ conservation efforts.I also love music, dancing salsa and bachata, watching scary movies, climbing trees and exploring new places.

Hi, this is Natalie! I’m a rising senior majoring in Cellular, Molecular and Organismal Biology. My work in the lab focuses on the genetic and neurological basis of the amphibious circadian rhythm system. Using glass frogs as my model organism, I aim to examine the periodical expression of encephalic clock genes, and how this information correlates with their daily activity. In my free time I enjoy drawing and reading mystery&detective fictions. A recent favorite is The Thursday Murder Club.