Mikus Abolins-Abols, Assistant Professor of BiologyI am a physiological ecologist trying to understand how animals (birds) respond to the human-induced rapid environmental change. I am particularly interested in the effect of heat, pollution, and anthropogenic stressors on bird physiology, health, and behavior. To answer this question, I split my time between studies in the field and laboratory, wearing many hats in the process. In my work I am often surprised by the resilience or birds and saddened by the toll human-induced environmental change is having on them. In addition to physiological ecology, I have a soft spot for behavior and developmental biology of color in birds, and avian brood parasite and their host interactions.
|
Keegan Abeson, Graduate StudentI am first-year graduate student researching the effects of urbanization on native resident bird species. I am interested in examining how anthropogenic environments impact avian physiology, morphology, and behavior. The project I am currently working on is centered around how corticosterone concentrations vary in American Robin nestlings due to greenness, pollutants, and other environmental factors. I have a background in wildlife science and forestry. I received my bachelor’s degree of science in wildlife from the Purdue University department of Forestry and Natural Resources in the spring of 2024. I have research and field experience working with a variety of songbirds, and Northern Saw-whet Owls. I am excited to be at UofL and to pursue my passion of advancing the field of ornithological research!
|
Elise Mittlestat, Undergraduate Research AssistantI am an undergraduate researcher pursuing a degree in biology at the University of Louisville. I am looking forward to beginning my graduate studies with the goal of continuing research and earning my PhD. Studying the impact of urbanization on local wildlife with the Green Heart Louisville Project has sparked my passion for environmental health and conservation. It has been eye-opening learning about the environmental impacts on local populations of birds. For future projects, I hope to focus on the effects of pollution on the genotoxicity of birds.
|
Ashley Stine, Undergraduate Research AssistantI am a senior undergraduate student studying biology at the University of Louisville. I have been researching with this lab for about three years, including a wonderful summer doing field work and, since then, a significant amount of time analyzing American Robin blood samples. I am interested in wildlife biology, and I hope to pursue field research in some capacity in the future. After graduation, I intend to explore different career options and research fields, then likely further my studies with graduate school.
|
Valentina Rodriguez-Munoz, Undergraduate Research AssistantHey there fellow scientists! I am Valentina Rodriguez-Munoz, an undergraduate at the University of Louisville currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology and neuroscience here at the University of Louisville. My main curiosity and research interest is how the environment (physical, social, environmental) affects our physiology and health (humans and other wildlife). I am currently investigating how air pollution affects the inflammation response in the American Robin.
Career Goal: become a medical doctor and researcher to strengthen our understanding of the dynamic between the environment, environmental physiology and human health. A note of gratefulness: I would like to give my sincere gratitude to Dr. Hope Jahren for writing Lab Girl; a book that not only inspired me to give science research a try, but one that also changed the way I perceived what it means to be a scientist. Fun fact about me: I love international food/cuisine, hot chocolate and bubble tea. |
Bella Saalfeld, Undergraduate Research AssistantI am an undergraduate student at the University of Louisville pursuing a degree in bioengineering on the pre-medical track. Although I'm new to research, I'm excited to be working with my mentor, Carolina, on a project analyzing robin blood. My interests lie at the intersection of biomedical science and ecology, and I'm eager to learn more about the physiological effects of environmental factors on animal health.
|
Makenzie Kuhns, High School TeacherMakenzie is a high school chemistry teacher at Waggener High School. She has been teaching for the last three years and is spending this summer participating in the BIOs-RET program to learn about local environmental issues to bring back to her classroom. Prior to RET Makenzie conducted research in a medicinal chemistry lab and is excited to use her research skills again in Dr.Abolins-Abols lab. In her free time Makenzie can be found reading a book, binging the latest Netflix show, or hanging out with her dog and cat!
|
Dr. Erin Brock, High School TeacherI graduated with a Doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Louisville in 2009, and then worked as a research scientist at the UofL Brown Cancer Center. In 2013, I switched my career into teaching. I currently teach Biology and Dual-Credit Biology at Seneca High School in JCPS. This summer, I am taking part in a NSF-funded Urban Ecology Research and Environmental Justice program for JCPS science teachers through UofL. As part of this program, I am working with Dr. Abolins-Abols to participate in his lab research on various effects of urbanization on birds. I am excited to take all that I have learned about environmental issues and environmental justice within Louisville and incorporate it into teaching the importance of science to my students.
|
Izzy Sims, Undergraduate Research AssitantI am currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Louisville. I hope to attend graduate school and eventually a doctorate program. Research is my passion and I hope to dedicate my career to fieldwork and add to the experiences I've gained here at U of L. My research interests focus on ecology and conservation, but I've started to develop a soft spot for birds.
|