Current and Past Graduate Students
Contact Us
Department of Biology
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
800 UT TYLER
Ph: 903.566.7402
biology@uttyler.edu
Department of Biology
Current Graduate Students
McKenzie Adkins, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold and Mr. Jared Dickson
Research Interests: I am interested in organisms with the greatest conservation needs.
Email: madkins4@patriots.uttyler.edu
Adrian Alvarez, B.S., Texas State University
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta and Dr. Ryan Shartau
Email: aalvarez33@patriots.uttyler.edu
Kingsley Amoateng, B.S., University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Advisor: Dr. Wei-Chin Ho
Research Interests: Microbial genetics and evolution, with a specific focus on response
mechanisms to environmental changes (e.g., temperature, antibiotic presence, pH, etc…)
and population genetic forces.
Email: kamoateng@patriots.uttyler.edu
Matthew Blow, B.S., University of Central Florida
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold
Research Interests: I am mainly interested in field ecology and genetics of wetlands
and freshwater communities. Specifically, I am interested in eDNA techniques to track
various species in freshwater and tidal environments. While at UT Tyler, I will focus
on developing a LAMP eDNA assay to detect two SGCN Crayfish species.
Email: mblow@patriots.uttyler.edu
Gwendolyn (Jade) Bouse, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold and Ms. Jessica Coleman
Research Interests: My research interests are primarily focused on the conservation
of Avian species.
Email: gbouse2@patriots.uttyler.edu
James Campbell, B.S. in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, University of Kentucky
Advisor: Dr. Tanya Brown
Research Interests: I am interested in studying the response of marine species to
environmental stressors, especially cnidarians.
Email: jcampbell29@patriots.uttyler.edu
Torrence Campos B.S. in biology, Our Lady of the Lake University
Advisor: Dr. Tanya Brown
Research Interests: I am interested in environmental stressors, behavioral patterns,
human impacts on the environment, and how marine life interacts with their environment.
Email: tcampos@patriots.uttyler.edu
Elizabeth Croft, B.S. in Biological Sciences, SUNY Binghamton University
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta and Dr. Ryan Shartau
Research Interests: I am interested in aquatic sciences, ecology, conservation, ichthyology,
freshwater habitats/ecosystems, and herpetology.
Email: ecroft@patriots.uttyler.edu
Morgan Dooley, B.S., Tarleton State University
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams (Non-thesis)
Research Interests: My interests are in genetics and reproduction.
Email: mdooley@patriots.uttyler.edu
Maritza Estrada, B.S., East Texas A&M University
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta
Research Interests: I am particularly interested in Conservation biology and conservation
genetics.
Email: mestrada11@patriots.uttyler.edu
Md. Al-amin Ul Haque, B.S., University of Development Alternative and North South
University
Advisor: Dr. Wei-Chin Ho
Research interest: I am interested in antibiotic resistance & appropriate application,
bacterial & parasitic disorders, pharmacology & toxicology, and Microbiology.
Email: mhaque2@patriots.uttyler.edu
Yushe Nazrul Islam, B.S.C in Biotechnology, BRAC University, Bangladesh
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Research Interests: Treatment for rare diseases, such as Parkinson's disease. I am
interested in understanding the genetic framework behind a particular mechanistic
level.
Email: yislam@patriots.uttyler.edu
LeAnna Johnson, B.S., West Texas A&M University
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams (Non-thesis)
Research Interests: Microbiology
Email: ljohnson88@patriots.uttyler.edu
Mariana Lopez-Pineda, B.S., in Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Research Interests: I currently working with Dr. Bill in the VLP project. We are using
virus-like particles (VLP) and zebrafish models. We are designing four HK97 VLPs that
have been externally modified with neuropeptides that have been shown to target specific
regions of the brain or nervous system. We are hoping to see localization after these
VLPs are injected to the zebrafish.
Email: mlopezpineda@patriots.uttyler.edu
Gabriel McDanield, B.S. in Environmental Biology, Ferris State University
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Email: gmcdanield@patriots.uttyler.edu
Ciara Moroney, B.S. in Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold
Research Interests: I am currently interested in conservation biology, veterinary
medicine and infectious disease.
Email: cmoroney@patriots.uttyler.edu
Addie Munn, B.S. in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Biology, Texas Tech. University
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Research Interests: My current project is on evaluating the distribution of the Australian
Redclaw Crayfish and their habitat in southern Texas. During my undergraduate studies,
I worked on a few projects with American Alligators, but my main project was looking
at the habitat and distribution of New World Crocodilians and how climate change could
affect their distribution and movement in the future. I also have a very strong interest
in snakes and lizards.
Email: mmunn4@patriots.uttyler.edu
Feranmi Obe, B.S., of medical laboratory science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology,
Nigeria
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Research Interests: I am interested in temporal analysis of the effect of pneumolysin
on Human airway epithelia cells.
Email: fobe@patriots.uttyler.edu
Hope Sabella, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill and Dr. Farah Deba
Research Interests: I am interested in Osteoarthritis pain management.
Email: hsabella@patriots.uttyler.edu
Samrina Thapa, B.S., Agriculture and Foresty University, Chitwan Nepal
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Research Interests: I have a keen interest in fisheries management and the conservation
of aquatic ecosystems with a focus on aquatic ecology and biodiversity. My research
aims to understand and protect aquatic species, pollutants, and biological communities
by exploring the ecological process that sustains them and the causes and consequences
of biodiversity loss. I am especially interested in how different land use and anthropogenic
activities - such as agriculture and urban development impact the functional ecology
of flowing water bodies. I am also committed to the conservation of rare and threatened
aquatic species, working to develop strategies that mitigate threats, restore habitats,
and preserve biodiversity.
Email: sthapa12@patriots.uttyler.edu
Andrew Walker., B.S., University of Wyoming
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Shartau
Research Interests: I will be conducting research on crayfish physiology limitations.
Email: awalker46@patriots.uttyler.edu
Lillie Watson, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold and Ms. Jessica Coleman
Research Interests: My research focuses on the conservation of birds and animals
Email: lwatson9@patriots.uttyler.edu
Jacqueline Wiebe, B.S., Dallas Baptist University
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani (Non-Thesis)
Research Interests: Microbiogy
Email: jweibe@patriots.uttyler.edu
Zoe Williams, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold & Ms. Jessica Coleman
Research Interests: I am currently interested in Avian ecology.
Email: zwilliams7@patriots.utttyler.edu
Former Graduate Students
2025
Elizabeth Boshers, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Katrin Kellner
Thesis: Learning in Nonleafcutting Fungus-Gardening Ants
Kennedi Davis, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Using Vegetation Communities to Compare Natural and Constructed Wetlands in
the Red River Basin in Texas and Louisiana.
Trent Furr, B.S.
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Shartau
Thesis: Impact of Gas Supersaturation on the Development of Gas Bubble Trauma in Paedomorphic
Eurycea Salamanders.
Dakota Meeks,
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill (Non-thesis)
Jennifer Moore, B.S. in Microbiology, Texas State University
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams (Non-Thesis)
Shelby Rodriguez-Edwards, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Using Herpetofauna to Determine Wetland Health and Function in the Red River
Watershed
Alexandra Sofia Tamayo, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Thesis: Modulation of Pulmonary Epithelial Paracellular Permeability by Pneumolysin
from Steptococcus pneumoniae
2024
Elexis Anderson, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold & Ms. Jessica Coleman
Thesis: Avian Index of Biotic Integrity: Evaluating Wetland Health in the Red River
Basin, Texas/Louisiana.
Marcos Bermudez, B.S. in Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill (Non-Thesis)
Sarah Burgett, B.S. in Wildlife Resources, University of Idaho
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Banta
Thesis: Ecological Niche Modeling of Endemic Texas Crayfish Species Under Current
Conditions.
Raul Faburrieta, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Banta
Thesis: The Stability of Epigenetic Variants that Can Act as Loci Causing Phenotypic
Change.
Dillon Flowers, B.S. in Zoology, Weber State University
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Shartau
Thesis: Investigating the Cellular Mechanisms of Intracellular pH Regulation During
Exposure to High CO2.
Rachel Leicher, B.S. in biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Evaluating the Success of a Relocated Mussel Community in the Lower Sulphur
River, Texas.
Justin Rea, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Comparison of Fish and Macroinvertebrates Communities in Natural and Constructed
Wetlands in the Red River Basis in Texas and Louisiana.
Matthew Richards-Perhatch V, B.S., Western Washington University
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Thesis: Forage Preference in Two Geographically Co-occurring Fungus Gardening Ants
(Formicidae): A Novel Dietary DNA Approach
Kenlynn Volz, B.S. in Fisheries & Wildlife Science, Oregon State University
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta, Dr. Joe Glavy, and Mr. Alan Lizarraga
Thesis: Ophidiomyces Ophidiicola and Texas Snakes: A Field to Bench Study of Ophidiomycosis.
James York, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold
Thesis: Development of a Novel eDNA Sampling Method for Macroinvertebrates Species
of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Texas
2023
Ashley Herrington, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams (non-thesis)
Justin Hunt, B.S. in Biomedical Science, Tarleton State University
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Thesis: An Ecological Survey of East Texas Salamanders Across the Camp Tyler Outdoor
Field School in Smith County, Texas.
Stephan Joseph, B.S. The University of Florida
Advisor: Dr. Riqing Yu
Thesis: Mercury Contamination and Microbial Hg Methylation Gene Characterization in
Martin Lake.
Parker, Karley, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Monitoring the Effects of Poultry Waste on Fishes and Macroinvertebrates in
the Sabine River.
2022
Chastity Aguliar, B.S., San Angelo State University
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold
Thesis: Differential Expression of Photosynthetic Genes in Cryptophyte Algae (Hemiselmis
cryptochromatica CCMP 1181)
Blake Bringhurst, B.S. in Biology: Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The University
of Texas at Austin
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Thesis: Microbial Dimensions of Symbiosis and Dysbiosis in Fungus-Gardening Ants.
Lillie Hawkins, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Associations of Rare Caddisflies with the Western Dwarf Salamander Eurycea
paludicola.
Marissa Netti, B.S., University of Tampa
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Greenwold
Thesis: Niche Partitioning of Food Resources by Freshwater Mussels in a Multispecies
Mussel Bed in the Sabine River
Nathan Schubert, B.S. in Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta
Thesis: Niche Modeling of Eight Crayfish Species in Texas.
2021
Dustin Esmond, B.S. in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University
of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Thesis: A Transcriptomic Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Superbug Pseudomonas
aeruginosa Utilizing Clinical Isolates
Samantha Rowe, B.S. The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Water Quality Analysis of the Neches River and Analysis of Pathogenic Bacterial
Contaminants
Chase Rowan, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Katrin Kellner
Thesis: Comparative Microbiome Analysis of the Fungus Gardening Ant Species Trachymyrmex
arizonensis
2020
Brandi Ballard, B.S. in Environmental Science, TAMU-Commerce
Advisor: Dr. Riqing Yu
Katherine “Kat” Beigel, B.S. Evolution & Ecology and a B.A. Art, Ohio State University
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Thesis: A Cophylogenetic Analysis of Fungus Gardening Ants and their Symbiotic Fungi
Danielle Joerger, B.A. in Biology and Environmental Studies, Augustana College
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Ecological Analysis of Macroinvertebrates and Fish Species in Six Streams
on a Louisiana Military Base from 2001 to 2019.
Alan Lizarraga, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Prevalence of snake fungal disease cause by Ophiodiomyces ophiodiicola in
East Texas.
Catherine Martini, B.A. Neurobiology, New Florida College
Advisor: Dr. Clement Chan
Thesis: Testing the Combined Module Swapping and Repair by Modification Strategies:
A Step Toward Universal Toolbox
Sarah Reeder, B.S. The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta
Thesis:
2019
Bridget Fitzgerald, B.A. Behavioral Neuroscience, University of San Diego
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Thesis: Nanomedical Applications in Zebrafish: Characterizing VLP HK97 as a Cell-Specific
Delivery Tool in Danio rerio.
Jade McCarley, B.S. in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science with a concentration
in Wildlife Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: The Status of the Kisatchie Painted Crayfish (Faxonius maleate) in Louisiana.
Nevada King, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Riqing Yu
Thesis: Microbial Mercury Methylation at Caddo Lake: A Molecular Ecology Approach.
Sarah F. Senula, B.S. in Biological Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Thesis:2018 Species Distribution Modeling and Cold-tolerance of a Fungus-Farming Ant
Symbiosis.
2018
Jared Dickson, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Thesis: Habitat Associations and Detectability of Three Unionid Species Along the
Upper Sabine River in East Texas
Elizabeth Hinkle, B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Philosophy, Texas A&M University-Corpus
Christi
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Suitable host fish, population structure, and life history characteristics
for the state threatened, Louisiana pigtoe, Pleurobema riddellii.
Rachel Romo, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Katrin Kellner
Thesis: Mating Frequencies and Ecological Modeling of Harvester Ant: Pogonomyrmex
comanche
Sara Rumbelow, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Physiological responses of the state threatened Texas Pigtoe to environmental
stress.
Matthew Wolkoff, B.S., in Psychology, America University
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Thesis: Population Structure, Demographic History, and Environmental Niche of the
Sand Fly Disease Vector Lutzomyia shannoni (Dyar) (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the U.S.,
Mexico, and Colombia
2017
Mattea Allert, B.S. in Biology with an Emphasis in Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Research Interests: I am interested in looking at different components of the symbiotic
relationship of fungus-gardening ants.
Thesis: Microbiome Analysis of Two Sympatric Fungus-Gardening Ants, Trachymyrmex septentrionalis
and Trachymyrmex turrifex
Larrimy Brown, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. John Placyk
Research Interests: Aquatic Ecology, Crayfish, Evolutionary Biology, and Conservation
Thesis: Phylogenetic and ecological analysis of two populations of the Kitsatchie
Painted Crayfish, Orconectes maleate (Decapoda: Cambaridae)
Jared Dickson, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Research Interests: Mussel Ecology
Thesis:
Derek Draper, B.S. in Biology, Cellular Track, Schreiner University
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Research Interests: Biomedical and more specifically oncological research
Thesis: Cloning and expression of Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase for elucidating
the pathophysiological effect on lung tissue.
Janey Dudley, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Temporal dynamics of fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages on military land
in western Louisiana.
Andrew Glen, B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Research Interests: I am interested in the conservation of freshwater ecosystems through
demographic and ecology-based research.
Thesis: Examining the relationship between mesohabitats and freshwater mussels in
an East Texas River.
Elyse Kite, B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, UCLA with a Minor in Asian American Studies
Advisor: Dr. Brent Bill
Thesis: Neural expression and function of autism candidate genes in Zebrafish
Julia Norrell, B.S. in Biology Texas A&M University Corpus-Christi
Advisor: Dr. Joshua Banta
Research Interests: Botany, plant conservation
Thesis: Differentiating the Neches river rose mallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx) from its
congeners by means of phylogenetics and population genetics.
Andrea Ortiz, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Kate Hertweck
Research Interests: I am investigating how polyploidy and hybridization influences
plant distribution using ecological niche modeling and computational tools like RStudio.
Thesis:
Charles Pratt, B.S.,
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Thesis: Reevaluating the occurance and phylogeny of the pigtoe unionid mussel Fusconaia
askewi, Fusconaia lananensis, Fusconaia flava, and Pleurobema riddelli in Texas.
Maura Purcell, B.S., California State University Chico
Advisor: Dr. Riqing Yu
Research Interests: Microbial Ecology and Agricultural Management
Thesis:
Cassie Vaughan, B.S.,
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: The role of tributaries in structuring mussel communities
Matthew Wolkoff, B.S., in Psychology, America University
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Research Interests: Phlebotomine sand flies and other arthropod disease vectors.
Thesis:
2016
Mitch Barazowski, B.S. in Animal Ecology, Iowa State University
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Research Interests: I am interested in the spatial ecology and behavior of reptiles.
Thesis: Integrating Habitat Suitability Modeling and Radio Telemetry to Describe Habitat
Use of the Western Massasaugas, Sistrurus t. tergeminus, in Texas.
Steve Hein, B.A. McDaniel College
Advisor: Dr. John Placyk
Thesis: An Integrative Approach to Species Delimitation in the Massasauga Rattlesnake
(Sistrurus catenatus) with an Emphasis on the Western Massasauga, S. C. Teregeminus,
and Desert Massasauga, S. C. Edwardsii in Texas.
Edith Plants-Paris, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Population Dynamics and Genetic Differentiation of the Threatened Freshwater
Mussel Species Fusconaia askewi, Fusconaia lananensis and Pleurobema riddellii.
Gretta M. Sharp, B.S., in Bioenvironmental Sciences & Soil Chemistry, Texas A&M College
Station
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Exploration of Chemical and Biological Management Strategies for Diaphornia
citri the Primary Vector of Candidatus liberibacter asiaticus.
2015
Erin Bertram, B.S., Central Michigan University
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Confirmation of Potential Cyprind Hosts for State Threatened Freshwater Mussels
of East Texas
Alex DeMilto, B.S. Arizona State University
Advisor: Dr. Jon Seal
Thesis: Lignocellulose Metabolism in a Fungus-Gardening Ant Symbiosis
Justin Hernandez
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Ecological Niche Modeling of Pteronotrophis hubbsi, the Bluehead Shiner: Evaluating
the Effects of Spatial Filtering and Maxent Features Across Various Spatial Extents
Kayla Key, B.S. The University of Tennessee at Martin
Advisor: Dr. John Placyk
Thesis: Using Ecological Niche Modeling and Genetics to Evaluate the Conservation
Status of the Texas Gartersnake, Thamnophis sirtalis annectens
Amalia Lopez, B.S. and Licentiate in Biology, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae): Nearly Complete Mitochondrial
Genome, Single Mitochondrial Genes and Complete Mitochondrial Genome Comparison, and
insecticide resistance genes of Potato Psyllid Population form North America
Bidisha Pal, B.Tech, Amity University, India
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Thesis: Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase induces Reconstructing of Actin Cytoskeleton
by Phosphorylation of RhoA Proteins
Chissa Rivaldi, B.S. in Biology, The University of Texas at Austin
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Texas: Mitochondrial Genome Assembly,
Trypanosma cruzi detection, and bacterial Community Analysis
Megan Rudolph, B.S.
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Management of Solenopsis invicta and Nylanderia fulva
Patrick Rydzak, B.S. Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Manipulation of the Solenopsis invicat Virus-1 by RNA Interferene in the Red
Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and Examination of
Differing micro RNA Expression
Melody Sain, B.S., The University of Tennessee at Martin
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta
Thesis: Distinguishing the Neches River Rose Mallow, Hibiscus dasycalyx, from its
Congeners using DNA Sequencing Data and Niche Modeling Methods
Bijaya Sharma, B.S. (Biotechnology), Purbanchal University, Nepal
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: RNA interference: Potato/Tomato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Oral Delivery
of a Double-Stranded RNAi Construct
Lindsey Griffin, B.S., Austin College
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Determining Best Practices for Freshwater Mussel Relocation using Burrowing
and Behavior
Daniel Symonds, B.S., SUNY - ESF
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Importance of Tributary Data for Evaluating Rare East Texas Mussel, Niche
Models, and Community Structure
2014
Austin Alleman, B.S., The University of Texas of Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Srini Kambhampati
Thesis: Blattabacterium Genome: Structure, Function and Evolution.
Justin Dalrymple, B.S. in biology, Boston College
Advisor: Dr. Josh Banta
Thesis: A Description of Tolerance to Apical Meristem Damage in Wild Populations of
Arabidopsis thaliana and its Genetic Basis
Kurt Felix, B.S. The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis:
Nate Marshall, B.S. in zoology, The Ohio State University
Advisor: Dr. John Placyk
Thesis: Identification of potential fish hosts from wild populations of state-threatened
East Texas freshwater mussels using a molecular identification data set.
2013
Alex Arp, B.S., Kent State University (Zoology)
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Bactericera cockerelii range expansion, Candidatus liberibacter solanaraerum
detection and microbial community analysis.
David Bakken, B.S., Indiana University
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Recruitment and survival of post-parasitic juvenile mussels in an East Texas
river.
Anna Biesbrock, B.S., California State University, Fresno
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Propagation of Homolodisca coagulate virus -01 Homoalodisca vitripennis cell
culture
David Ford, B.S. Louisiana Scholar’s College
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Ground-truthing Maxent in East Texas Rivers.
Kirian Heffentrager, B.S., Penn State University (Wildlife and fisheries sciences)
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Utilizing Maxent in improve and explain a species distribution model for
freshwater mussel species in East Texas.
Kaitlyn Pettingill, B.S., University Wisconsin at Eau Claire
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Physiological consequences of compensatory growth: a look at snake species
exhibiting sexual size dimorphism.
2012
Omar Castillo, B.S. in Biology (Concentration: Microbiology), University of Texas
at San Antonio
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Thesis: Cellular mechanisms of parthenogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Jeremy Chamberlain, B.S., in Biology from Iowa State University; M.S., The University
of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Stochastic life-history variation in populations of western ribbon snakes
(Thamnophis proximus) in East Texas.
Katie Chamberlain, B.S., in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University; M.S., The University
of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. John S. Placyk, Jr.
Thesis: Effects of the herbicide atrazine on the behavior of the checkered gartersnake
(Thamnophis marcianus).
Rebekah Chapman, B.S., Northern Michigan University; M.S., The University of Texas
at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Population genetics of the potato Psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli.
Ashley Dunithan, B.S., Ball State University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Using Ecological Niche Modeling to Predict Occurrence of Rare Fish and Unionid
Mussels in East Texas.
Daniel Goodding, B.S., Morningside College (Sioux City, IA); M.S., The University
of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Influence of substrate and hydraulic variables on habitat preferences of a
sculptured and an unsculptured freshwater mussel.
Bradley Martin, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler; M.S., The University of Texas
at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. John S. Placyk, Jr.
Thesis: Molecular phylogenetics and phylogeography of the American box turtle (Terrepene
spp.).
Christopher S. Samuelson, B.A., Liberal Arts New School for Social Research N.Y. N.Y.
; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Jim Koukl
Thesis: Movement patterns in resident and translocated Three-toed box turtles (Terrepene
caolina triunguis).
Julia Sonn, B.S., The University of Arkansas; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Troy Anderson
Thesis: Influence of Agricultural stream habitat alterations on mosquitos and amphibians:
patterns, processes, and predictions.
2011
Jamie L. Cantrell, B.S., University of Southern Mississippi; M.S., The University
of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. John Playck & Dr. Darrell Pogue
Thesis:
Henry L. Schreiber IV, B.S., in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University;
M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Blake R. Bextine
Thesis: Genetic analysis of the prophage regions of a phytopathogenic bacterium.
2010
Sheri A. Sanders, B.S., in Environmental Science & Management and Zoology, Michigan
State University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. John Placyk
Thesis: Ecological, morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the pseudogeographica
subgroup (Genus: Graptemys).
Matthew J. Troia, B.S., University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire; M.S., The University
of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Spatial and temporal variability in hydrogeomorphic conditions structure fish
and mussel assemblages on the upper Neches river.
2009
Iqbal Ahmed, B.S., University of Texas at Arlington; M.S., The University of Texas
at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Cliff Boucher
Thesis: The role of IcmP, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa insulin-cleaving metalloprotease,
in respiratory infection.
Curtis A. Clark, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler; M.S., The University of Texas
at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ali Azghani
Thesis: Mechanism of epithelial barrier disruption by Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase.
Chase Hively, B.A., Carson-Newman College; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. James F. Koukl
Thesis: A comparative analysis of two turtle assemblages in an altered floodplain.
2008
Dawn Byars, B.S., Texas A&M University; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Influences of diet and dam on age of maturation in African house snakes, Lamprophis
fuliginosus.
Elizabeth Farley, B.S., University of Florida; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Darrell Pogue & Dr. Lance Williams
Thesis: Breeding ecology of Bachman’s sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis) in post oak savannah
on Camp Maxey, Lamar County, Texas.
David Kimberly, B.A., Otterbein College; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Mercury and the physical performance of cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorous).
Denise Lin, B.S., University of California, Davis; M.S., The University of Texas at
Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Putative Zebra Complex Pathogens Detection, Biotype Differentiation, and cDNA
Library Construction of Potato/Tomato Psyllid (Bacteriera cockerelli) in Texas
Jake A. Pruett, B.S., Middle Tennessee State University; M.S., The University of Texas
at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Thermal ecology and habitat use of the western cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus
leucostoma
Danielle Tufts, B.S., University of California, Davis; M.S., The University of Texas
at Tyler
Advisor: Drs. Blake Bextine and Darrell Pogue
Thesis: Identification of colony phenotype and potential biological control methods
of Solenopsis invicata buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) using molecular techniques.
2007
Andree Clark, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler; M.S., The University of Texas
at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Cliff Boucher
Thesis: Role of the outer membrane protein OprQ in Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence
Brian Jackson, B.S., University of California, Riverside; M.S., The University of
Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Impact of feeding behaviors on the transmission of Xylella fastidiosa by Homalodisca
vitripennis (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae).
Peixin Jiang, B.S.; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Blake Bextine
Thesis: Competition of two strains of Xyella fastidiosa in foregut of glassy-winged
sharpshooter.
Jason Keyes, B.S.; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Jim Koukl
Thesis: Evaluation of acclimation for repatriated three-toed box turtles (Terrepene
carolina triunguis).
Melissa Nicholson, B.S.; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Don Killebrew
Thesis: The effect of density and relative egg sac placement on the life history traits
of green lynx spider Peucetia viridans (Araneae, Oxyopidae).
Robert Jadin, B.S.; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: Phylogeny of the Porthidium group (Squamata: serpentes: crotalinae) inferred
from morphological data.
2006
Jessica Coleman, B.S., The University of Texas at Tyler; M.S., The University of Texas
at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: Basking habits of map turtles (Emydidae: Graptemys) along the Sabine River
in East Texas.
Timothy R. Hunkapiller, B.S.; M.S., The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: The effects of all-terrain vehicle use on the herpetofauna of an East Texas
floodplain.
Stephan Lorenz, B.S., M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Darrell Pogue
Thesis: Effects of local and landscape habitat characteristics on wintering grassland
birds in north central Texas.
Allyson Modra, B.S., M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: Phylogeny of Bothrops, Bothriopsis, and Bothrocophias species (Serpentes:
Viperidae: Crotalinae) inferred from morphological data.
2005
David Bolanowski, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Jim Koukl
Thesis: Habitat selection, movements and survival of translocated juvenile three-toed
box turtles (Terrepene carolina triunguis).
2004
Vanessa Adams, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Darrell Pogue
Thesis: Edge effects on reproductive success of bottomland forest birds.
Shelby Braman, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Darrell Pogue
Thesis: A study of the occurrence, distribution, and effects of larval Protocalliphora
(Diptera: Calliphoridae) on secondary cavity-nesting bird species.
Alan Byboth, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: The influence of age on mating success in male gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor).
Paul Hampton, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Effects of management techniques on amphibian and reptile populations in an
East Texas floodplain.
Casey Wieczorek, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: A test of the fractional egg hypothesis using African house snakes, Lamprophis
fuliginosus, that vary in egg size.
2003
Roberto Brenes, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Movements and habitat selection of the Gulf Coast Waterdog (Necturus beyeri:
Proteidae) in East Texas.
Brian Fontenot, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: Molecular and morphological analysis of the taxonomic status of the East Texas
toad, Bufo velatus.
Karen Rispin, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Jim Koukl
Thesis: Habitat selection, movement patterns, and survival rate of hatchling three-toed
box turtles, Terrepene carolina triunguis.
2002
Matthew Gifford, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: Cryptic diversity in the Ameiva chrysolaema species complex (Squamata: Teiidae)
as revealed by analysis of morphology and mitochondria DNA.
2001
Rita Mehta, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Prey-handling behavior in newly-hatched trinket snakes, Elaphe helena.
Rod Wittenberg, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Ron Gutberlet
Thesis: A phylogenetic analysis of Bitis (Reptila: Squamata: Viperidae): recovering
the evolutionary history of Africa’s most diverse viper genus.
2000
Mark Doles, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: The use of ephemeral pools of a managed floodplain by semi-aquatic snakes.
Milton Yacelga, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: An investigation of optimal foraging theory in a natural setting: Prey choice
and patch use by semi-aquatic snakes.
1999
Brad Low, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. James Stewart
Thesis: Identification of a bacterium that grows in crystal violet using PCR and Base
sequence analysis.
Guillermo Aranguran, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Behavioral changes in the Texas rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta, as a response
to the presence of an avian predator model.
1998
Susanne Alden, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Lynn Sherrod
Thesis: Woody plant species diversity of the old Sabine bottom wildlife management
area, Smith County, Texas.
1997
Stacie Yarbough, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Don Killebrew
Thesis: Biodiversity of the aquatic coleptera with an emphasis on the adult population
dynamics of the haliplidae at two East Texas sites.
1994
Linda Allen, B.S. M.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Antipredator behavior of rainbow boas (Epicrates cenchria) as a function of
age and differential growth.
1989
Vincent Cobb, B.S., M.S.I.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Foraging strategies in flat-head snakes, Tantilla gracilus.
1987
Janice Perry-Richardson, B.S. M.S.I.S; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Sexual Selection of Males by Female Garter Snakes.
1986
Nancy Ulrich, B.S. M.S.I.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Comparative analysis of the feeding strike of Vine Snakes.
1984
Carolyn Schofield, B.S. M.S.I.S.; The University of Texas at Tyler
Advisor: Dr. Neil Ford
Thesis: Courtship in the Checkered Garter Snake, Thamnophis marcianus.
Contact Us
Department of Biology
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799
Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
800 UT TYLER
Ph: 903.566.7402
biology@uttyler.edu