Students
I work with many students in a variety of research projects. This includes students volunteering with my own research projects, and serving as an advisor for both undergraduate and graduate students conducting their own project. Send me an email if you would like to get involved.
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Graduate Thesis Students
Yuanwu (Mikey) Wang
2022-current Yuanwu's research will explore the taxonomy, distribution, ecology, and behavior of fireflies in Missouri. A primary focus is related to potential adaptations to urban environments and artificial light at night (ALAN) including comparing urban (brighter skies) and rural (darker skies) communities and flash intensities. |
Tiffany Perron
2022-current Tiffany's research is focused on prairie vegetation and management for the conservation of the regal fritillary butterfly. Prairie habitats have experienced a substantial decline and management is required to prevent the encroachment of shrubs and trees. A better understanding of habitat requirements and impacts of management actions are required to enhance existing regal fritillary populations. This species is being reviewed for listing on the United States Endangered Species Act. |
Andrea Malek
2022-current Andrea's research is focused on the insect community involved with decomposition of small mammal carrion in prairie ecosystems. These insects can be used as an indicator for ecosystem function and health. A specific assessment will be comparing insect decomposer communities in areas identified as critical for conservation of Missouri's biodiversity (Conservation Opportunity Areas) and adjacent landscapes. |
Emily Henderson
2024-current Emily's research is assessing the ecological integrity of pollinators associated with coastal sage scrub and grassland vegetation communities in western San Diego County, focusing on butterflies and bumble bees. These insects will be sampled across a gradient of habitat qualities. |
Former Graduate Students
Abigail Lyons (2021-2023)
Thesis: Assessing the status and evaluating habitat preferences of the threatened skipper, Euphyes vestris harbisoni, in southern California
Michael Engel (2020-2021)
Thesis: Microhabitat use of native crayfishes and aquatic invertebrate assemblages of Bull Creek in southwest Missouri
Thesis: Assessing the status and evaluating habitat preferences of the threatened skipper, Euphyes vestris harbisoni, in southern California
Michael Engel (2020-2021)
Thesis: Microhabitat use of native crayfishes and aquatic invertebrate assemblages of Bull Creek in southwest Missouri
Undergraduate Students
None at this time.
Former Undergraduate Students
Madison Ginestra (Undergraduate Researcher)
2020
As part of a undergraduate research project, capture rates of mosquitos will be assessed using different frequencies of light in association with a standard CDC miniature light trap.
2020
As part of a undergraduate research project, capture rates of mosquitos will be assessed using different frequencies of light in association with a standard CDC miniature light trap.
Courtney Mann (Undergraduate Researcher)
2020
As part of a undergraduate research project, UV light reflectance patterns on squash (Cucurbita pepo) flowers was quantified. Selective breeding of squash likely did not consider UV light characteristics and requires specialized imaging equipment for humans to visualize. In a preliminary study (small sample size), petals of most squash varieties had similar proportions of UV reflectance but two were different.
2020
As part of a undergraduate research project, UV light reflectance patterns on squash (Cucurbita pepo) flowers was quantified. Selective breeding of squash likely did not consider UV light characteristics and requires specialized imaging equipment for humans to visualize. In a preliminary study (small sample size), petals of most squash varieties had similar proportions of UV reflectance but two were different.
Evelyn Snead (Undergraduate Researcher)
2019
As part of the forensics minor, the insect communities responsible for decomposition were assessed at several remnant prairies near Sedalia, MO, and woodlands near Warrensburg, MO. Pitfall traps were baited with a partially decomposed rat to attract insects.
2019
As part of the forensics minor, the insect communities responsible for decomposition were assessed at several remnant prairies near Sedalia, MO, and woodlands near Warrensburg, MO. Pitfall traps were baited with a partially decomposed rat to attract insects.
Emily Dunlap (Honors Student)
2018 - 2019
As part of a Honors project, pollinators of goldenrod (Solidago sp.) and New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) were compared in Owensville, MO. A comparison of insects captured with the same traps placed at different heights was another component of this project.
2018 - 2019
As part of a Honors project, pollinators of goldenrod (Solidago sp.) and New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) were compared in Owensville, MO. A comparison of insects captured with the same traps placed at different heights was another component of this project.
Hannah Odgen (Undergraduate Researcher)
2018
As part of a undergraduate research project, a marking study of the black blister beetle (Epicauta pensylvanica) was conducted at a Turkey Foot Prairie, which is located on the west side of Warrensburg, MO. This study quantified the population size, movement patterns, and survival rates of the blister beetle.
2018
As part of a undergraduate research project, a marking study of the black blister beetle (Epicauta pensylvanica) was conducted at a Turkey Foot Prairie, which is located on the west side of Warrensburg, MO. This study quantified the population size, movement patterns, and survival rates of the blister beetle.