Erin Brennan joined the lab as a PhD student in Spring 2024. She earned her M.S. from Western Kentucky University University and is interested in urban ecology and invasive species management. You can find out more about Erin here: https://www.erin-brennan.com/home
Julia Kachanova started her PhD. program in Fall 2020. She is interested in the ecology of urban green spaces, especially urban orchards.
Aysha Tapp-Ross joined the lab as a PhD student in Spring 2022. She earned her M.S. in Sustainability from UofL and is interested in agricultural ecology.
Shannon Walker joined the lab as a PhD student in Fall 2021. She earned her M.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University and is interested in sand dune ecology.
Current Lab Undergraduates
Ali Cass (2023)- Ali is working closely with Julia Kachanova to evaluate soil health across different urban green spaces in Louisville.
Leah Cohen (2023)- Leah is a lab assistant helping to characterize plant traits as part of an NSF grant examining plant-fungal interactions in sand dune ecosystems.
Maycee Decker (2023)- Maycee is working closely with Julia Kachanova to evaluate soil health across different urban green spaces in Louisville.
Alex Firmin (2023-24)- Alex works closely with Shannon Walker to compare differences in seed germination among Lake Michigan populations of Ammophila as part of a Mentored Research award through our Graduate School.
Nabaa Majeed (2023)- Nabaa is a lab assistant helping to characterize plant traits and fungal diversity as part of an NSF grant examining plant-fungal interactions in sand dune ecosystems.
Sierra Smith (2023-24)- Sierra is working closely with Julia Kachanova to evaluate soil health across different urban green spaces in Louisville as part of a Mentored Research award through our Graduate School.
Lab Alumni
Graduate Students Kyle Anderson- Kyle earned his M.S. in April 2015, conducting research on disturbance effects on biodiversity of marine meiobenthos. He is now a project manager at PharMerica. Dr. Binod Basyal- Binod earned his Ph.D. in Spring 2020. His research examined how plant-mycorrhizal interactions affected growth and cell wall chemistry of switchgrass in response to drought stress. He is currently a post-doctoral researcher in the lab of Berkley Walker at Michigan State University. Catherine Fargen- Catherine earned her M.S. in 2013, researching effects of invasive honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii, on aquatic invertebrates in an urban stream. She now works for the USGS in Louisville. Dr. Grace Freundlich- Grace earned her Ph.D. in July 2020. Her dissertation work focused on understanding ecological factors that influence defense priming in plant-herbivore interactions. She is now an assistant professor at Furman University (SC).
Dr. Kylea Garces- Kylea earned her PhD in May 2023, and her dissertation research focused on understanding community assembly of root fungal endophytes associated with the native dune-building grass Ammophila breviligulata. She is a post-doctoral fellow at Northeastern University in Boston. She will continue as an NSF post-doctoral fellow at Miami University (OH) in 2024. You can find out more about Kylea here: https://kyleagarces.weebly.com/.
Dr. Brad Gottshall- Brad earned his Ph.D. in Summer 2015, researching responses of AMF community diversity and function to different sustainable agricultural management practices.
Andrea Howes- Andrea earned her M.S. in 2017. Her thesis focused on characterizing soil microbial communities associated with plant invasions on Great Lakes sand dunes. She now works as a software engineer for Amazon in Washington DC. Erin Kinnetz- Erin earned her M.S. in 2017. Her thesis focused on characterizing plant-mycorrhizae relationships in different varieties of switchgrass used in biofuel cropping systems. She currently is the Assistant Director of Education for The Parklands in Louisville. Dr.Kimberly Koenig- Kimberly earned her PhD in May 2023, and her dissertation work focused on soil ecology of the invasive grass Microstegium vimineum. Kimberly now works as an environmental planner for HNTB in Louisville.
Lisa Lee- Lisa earned her M.S. in 2012 and conducted research on herbivory on Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum). She is a teacher at Tullahoma High School in Tennessee. Dr. Jeff Masters- Jeff earned his Ph.D. in 2014, and his dissertation work focused on the population biology and pollination of the invasive plant, Ranunculus ficaria. He is currently a faculty member in the Biology Dept. at UofL. Dr. Abhinav Maurya- Abhi earned his PhD. in Spring 2020. His dissertation focused on plant-herbivore interactions and plant chemical defenses. He is now the CTO of Apex Bait Technologies in Ohio.
Dr. Judy Metcalf- Judy finished her Ph.D. in 2013. Her research focused on understanding arthropod food web responses to Microstegium vimineum(Japanese stilt-grass) invasion in local forests. She is an associate professor at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Dr. Matthew Reid- Matthew earned his Ph.D. in 2018. His dissertation research focused on invasive species effects on soil biodiversity and succession on Great Lakes sand dunes. He completed a post-doc at Michigan State University and is now an assistant professor at Hendrix College (AR). Caitlin Rhodes- Caitlin graduated with an M.S. in 2012 and has research interests on invasive species of sand dunes. She went on to get her nursing degree and works at University of Louisville Hospital. Dr. Aaron Sexton earned his Ph.D. in 2022. His dissertation research focused on how solitary bees respond to urban grassland restoration efforts. He is now a post-doc at CESAB – The Centre for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biodiversity in Montpellier, France. You can find out more about Aaron here: https://aaronsexton.com/. Undergraduate Students Myron Adams (2019)- Myron conducted independent research on the ecology of plant chemical defenses in Summer 2019. Katie Arstingstall (2017)- Katie worked in my lab for one semester as an undergraduate lab assistant, focusing on plant-nematode associations. She graduated in 2017 and went on to earn an MS at Oregon State University. She currently works as a Research technologist conducting breast cancer research in Dr. Brian Clem's laboratory at the University of Louisville. Lindsay Barnes (2020)- Lindsay measured soil nematode abundance in response to plant chemical cues as part of her independent research. Sam Benanti (2012)- Sam graduated in Dec. 2012 from UofL and conducted research on mycorrhizal fungi in sand dunes. He is also co-author on one publication from our lab group (Emery et al. 2015). Sarah Benton (2017-2019)- Sarah earned her bachelor's degree in May 2019. She conducted research in my lab for two years, working on various projects including how mycorrhizal associations in plants varied in response to prairie restoration efforts and how nematode feeding preferences differed between native and non-native plants. She now works for Rural Action as a Watershed Restoration Project Manager (OH). She is also co-author on two papers from our lab group (Sexton et al. 2023; Sexton et al. 2021). Karlie Brockman (2023)- As a first-year student, Karlie assisting with research on plant traits along environmental severity gradients in Great Lakes dune plant communities. Grace Bryant (2023)- As a second-year student, Grace helped with research on fungal ecology and plant-fungal interactions in Great Lakes dune plant communities. Emily Brown (2008)- Emily was an undergraduate student as Asbury College (KY), and conducted independent research in my lab during the summer of 2008 studying competition between native and invasive sand dune plant species. She graduated from dental school at UofL and is now involved in private practice. Adam Browning (2019-20)- Adam was an undergraduate researcher in my lab from 2019-20. His independent research examined whether parasites of native bee nests in local prairie restorations are influenced by the types of pollen used in nest provisioning. He received funding through the SROP program at UofL. He graduated from UofL in Spring 2020, and completed his MS in Entomology at Michigan State University in 2022. He is currently a lab coordinator at UofL. He is also co-author on one paper from our lab group (Sexton et al. 2021, Urban Ecosystems). Erin Burba (2014)- Erin was a high school student at Gatton Academy, a STEM-intensive boarding school based at Western Kentucky University. She conducted research on the role of mycorrhizae in biofuel crop production during Summer 2014. She graduated from Northeastern University in 2020 is currently a computer engineer in the Boston area. Alexandria Bryant (2009-10)- Alex graduated in May 2010, and did her senior thesis on insect communities associated with the invasive shrub, Lonicera maackii. She completed a master's degree in Entomology from Michigan State University, and now works for 4-H in Kentucky. She is also co-author on one publication from our lab group (Masters et al. 2017). Vincent Cafazo (2022-23)- Vincent graduated in May 2023, and conducted independent research examining relationships between dune and interdunal wetland plant diversity and trait expression in the Great Lakes region. He is currently a MS student in Biology at UofL. Alexis Carey (2014)- Alexis was an undergraduate student at Transylvania University (KY) and conducted research on the role of mycorrhizal fungi in biofuel crop production as an REU student during Summer 2014. She is currently a research assistant for a medical malpractice firm based in Louisville, KY. Joseph Clagg- (2013) Joseph conducted independent research on the interactions between insect diversity and vine invasions, and on the effects of drought and density on growth and reproduction of Microstegium vimineum. He is currently the art director for a distillery in Louisville, KY. Peter Clenny (2017)- Peter conducted research on feeding preferences of plant-parasitic nematodes between native and non-native plants. He graduated from UofL in 2019. Monica Cooper (2013)- Monica was an REU student during summer 2013 from Kalamazoo College (MI), and conducted independent research on glomalin production by mycorrhizal fungi in agricultural fields. She graduated in 2014, and has had a variety of field technician positions throughout the world. She is now a PhD student in wildlife ecology at Univ. Wisconsin. SHe is also a co-author on one publication from our lab group (Gottshall et al. 2017). Keegan Curry (2019)- Keegan conducted research on the ecology of plant-fungus interactions and worked to culture root endophytes from the dune building grass, Ammophila breviligulata. Shannon Dix (2014-15)- Shannon worked as a student lab assistant during 2014-15 and has interests in natural resources management. She is currently a deputy with the Linn Co. Sheriff's Office (OR). Kristen Ehringer (2018)- Kristen graduated from UofL in 2018, and conducted independent research in my lab, focused on soil nematodes. She currently owns Daily Farm in southern Indiana. Elana Feldman (2015)- Elana was an undergraduate at Middlebury College in Vermont and had REU fellowship in my lab in summer 2015, looking at fertilizer effects on mycorrhizae associated with switchgrass. She is currently an MS student in Watershed Sciences at Utah State University. Jeff Fox (2017)- Jeff conducted research comparing Ammophila breviligulatagrowth from its native and invaded ranges, and how plant endophytes affect nematode feeding preferences. He graduated from UofL in Spring 2019 and now works for Tulsa Botanic Gardens. Kaitlyn Goode (2019)- Kaitlyn conducted research on how mycorrhizal fungi respond to drought conditions in association with switchgrass, a perennial bioenergy crop. She graduated with her B.A. in 2020 and is currently in dental school at Univ. KY. Daniella Gotschin (2014)- Daniella was an REU student from Norfolk State University (VA) and conducted research on nematodes associated with biofuel crops. She is now involved with biotech research in the Boston area. Heather Griffith (2018-2019)- Heather conducted research focusing on understanding how mycorrhizal relationships influenced plant growth. She graduated from UofL in May 2019 and is now a forester with CN Utility Consulting in Dayton, OH. Matthew Harper (2016)-Matthew was a UofL student who worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the lab. He is now a software developer for GE Aerospace in Cincinnati. Lisa Heng (2018)- Lisa was a student at Manual High School and assisted with research on how arthropods respond to prairie restoration efforts in the Louisville area during Summer 2018 with support from a Louisville Science Pathways scholarship. She is currently a Public Health Major at UofL. Sarah Hobbs (2022-23)- Sarah conducted research on plant and pollinator biodiversity in urban green spaces and microbial diversity in plant microbiomes in dunes and agricultural systems. She is also a co-author on one manuscript from our lab group that is currently in review. Marissa Huber (2020)- Marissa conducted research quantifying germination rates and root endophytes of Ammophila breviligulata, as well as pollinator activity in urban grassland restorations. She graduated from UofL in Dec. 2020 and was recently a lab technician at Univ. Tennessee. She is also a co-author on our Sexton et al. 2023 paper in Acta Oecologica. Emma Ison (2019-20)- During the 2019-20 academic year, Emma conducted independent research to assess the cyanogenic potential of leaves and seeds in response to herbivory. Emma graduated from UofL in Spring 2020 and is currently a firefighter and paramedic in Fairbanks, AK. Ayanna Jones (2014-15)- Ayanna worked in the lab as an undergraduate assistant for two years, and has conducted independent research on diversity of flying insects associated with Microstegium invasion. She graduated in 2015 and now works at Eurofins Genomics in Louisville, KY. Bethany Lee (2020-2021)- Bethany examined whether Microstegium vimineum suppresses germination of native forest species through plant-soil feedbacks. She was funded through an SROP award for Summer 2020. She graduated from UofL with her bachelor's degree in Spring 2021 and completed an internship with the USGS before starting a graduate program at the University of Florida. She is also a co-author on one manuscript from our lab group that is currently in review. Keera Lowe (2011)- Keera graduated from UofL in May 2011, and did research on plant responses to nitrogen addition. She received her masters in education at UofL and is a high school science teacher in Louisville. Katie Marx (2019)- Katie was a student at Centre College and served as a field volunteer, assisting with plant and soil surveys in forests, prairies, and dunes. Griffin McHugh (2019-20)- Griffin conducted independent research on the ecology of plant chemical defenses, and helped to culture root endophytic fungi. He graduated from UofL in Spring 2020 and is now employed at Q Laboratories in Cincinnati, OH. Ally Michels (2021)- Ally assisted with research measuring root endophyte growth rates. She also worked on a project examining soil microbes influence floral phenology of Partridge Pea, a native prairie species. She graduated from UofL in 2021. Allison Moehlman (2008-10)- Allie graduated from UofL in May 2010, and worked in the lab for two years. She is now a high school biology teacher. Emily Moehlman (2010-13)- Emily graduated from UofL in May 2013 after working in the lab for four years. She is a dental hygienist in Louisville. Aubrey Mojesky- (2014)- Aubrey graduated from Centre College in 2014, and worked as a research technician in the lab for 6 months. She received her Ph.D. from UofL in 2021 and now works for CellReady, a biotech company in Houston, TX. Lillian Mosely ( 2021)- Lillian was a recipient of an Early Undergraduate Mentored Research Grant and worked with Kimberly Koenig to examine whether plant-soil feedbacks influence Microstegium vimineum invasion success. Lindsey Mueller (2015)- Lindsey worked in the lab for one semester, and conducted independent research on the diversity of nematodes associated with biofuel crop production. She graduated from UofL in May 2015 and works for a pharmaceutical company in Columbus, OH. Phung Nguyen (2013)- Phung was an REU student from Carthage College (WI), and conducted independent research on the associations between mycorrhizal fungi and Microstegium growth. Brandon Nguyen-Ho (2018)- Brandon was a UofL undergraduate student and conducted independent research on mycorrhizal associations in switchgrass in 2018. He is pursuing a career in health sciences. Ashley Patterson (2019)- Ashley was geography major at UofL, and conducted independent research in Fall 2019 using GIS and remote sensing technology to provide data on soils and landscape features associated with invasion of Microstegium vimineumin local forests. She graduated in 2019 and is now a GIS Analyst for Hydromax USA in Louisville. Emily (Pennington) Theaker (2014-2017)- Emily worked as a lab assistant, and conducted independent research on mycorrhizal associations of different perennial biofuel crops. She graduated from UofL in May 2016 and is now an associate research scientist for Microbeam Technologies in North Dakota. Jessica Raley (2019)- Jessica assisted with a project evaluating the soil ecology of stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) invasion in local forests. She graduated from UofL in 2019 and now is a life scientist with the US EPA in Missouri. Tommy Ross (2013)- Tommy graduated from UofL in May 2013 and conducted independent research on the ecology of invasive vines. Jack Speelman (2021-22)- Jack assisted with a research project examining how AMF influence growth and foliage color in house plants. He graduated in May 2022 and is now in Dental School at UofL. Sophie Steppe (2021-22)- Sophie had an SROP fellowship for Summer 2021 and conducted research to measure ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, provided by urban orchards in Louisville. She graduated in May 2022 and is a research intern with the USGS in Boise, ID. She is also a co-author on one manuscript from our lab group that is currently in review. Cody Stevens (2013)-Cody graduated from UofL in May 2013 and has done research on seedbanks in forest habitat invaded by Microstegium vimineum, as well as invasive vine associations with native trees. He is now a chemistry teacher with Jefferson County Public Schools. Lyndon To- (2019) Lyndon is a UofL undergraduate student and assisted with a project evaluating the soil ecology of japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) invasion in local forests. Joy Uwimbabazi (2009-10)- Joy graduated from UofL in Fall 2010, and conducted a project examining fire effects on seed germination of invasive species. She earned her M.S. at UofL in public health and now lives in South Africa. She is also a co-author on one publication from our lab group (Emery et al. 2011). Khali Ward (2022)-. Khali assisted with summer research examining relationships between dune and interdunal wetland plant diversity and trait expression in the Great Lakes region. Aspen Workman (2021)- Aspen graduated from UofL in 2021 and completed an honors thesis focused on understanding relationships between plant and pathogen biodiversity in prairie ecosystems. Aspen is now an MSc student in Biodiversity Sciences at Martin Luther University in Germany. Courtney Vance (2017)- Courtney worked for one semester in my lab, extracting nematodes from soil samples. She graduated in 2017 and now works for Baptist Health in Louisville.