Mads Moore (They/ Them) investigates the distribution, abundance, and ecology of beetles in urban parks across NYC (#NYCBeetlesBustle), with the intention of investigating candidate genes found in chosen taxa to identify any traits aiding in urban adaptation and genetic differentiation.  Prior to becoming a graduate student, they worked with the Toews Lab from Penn State as a field assistant sampling wood warblers (hence the bird photo!), their migration patterns, and their changing microbiota across the North East.  Before that, they worked as a STEM educator and metalsmith building custom pieces in shops across Texas and Pennsylvania. Their diverse background in both education and craftsmanship has enriched their perspective on scientific research and community engagement. In their free time, they love to bike, build community, and laugh.

Caroline Gaskin (She/Her) investigates communication pathways in swarming flies, focusing on flashing wing beat frequency (#FlashingWingbeats) and its role in infraspecific mate recognition. Before her graduate studies, Caroline completed her undergraduate degree at Colgate University, where she engaged in various research projects involving tropical systems. In Costa Rica, she worked at several biological stations, examining biodiversity patterns of insect pollinators, avian and plant taxa, and investigating antlion larvae reaction rates to prey stimulus in varying population densities. Additionally, Caroline monitored the development of newly established colonies of Columbian Ground Squirrels at Flatheadlake Biological Station. Throughout her various experiences in ecological studies, Caroline has developed a deep passion for the exploration and conservation of natural systems. Outside research, she enjoys passing the time by reading and spending time with loved ones, especially her cat Yogurt-Sherbert.

Contact email: cng2131@columbia.edu

Xiaoyan Zhang (She/Her) completed her undergraduate degree at University of California, Davis, where she conducted research on various agricultural topics relating to pest management. Before graduation, Xiaoyan worked with Nansen Lab, studying the patterns of Navel Orange Worm food adaptation and host selection. Prior to that, she researched pesticide resistance in weevils, the diversity of freshwater invertebrates, and various lab colony maintenance. Xiaoyan also worked at student farm, engaging with the small-scale flower industry, pruning, and the ecology of common garden pests. With a great passion for ecological studies, Xiaoyan developed a deep interest in understanding the differences in insect behavior between modern and natural systems. Beyond research, she loves food, music, and spending time with her loving cat, Hapi.

Contact email: xz3348@columbia.edu

Eliana Hiam (she/her) is a senior at Barnard College studying environmental science. She spent this past summer investigating the use of edge habitat by click beetles in New York City parks. She intends to expand her current research into studying how beetle’s uses of urban edge habitats might differ by family in her senior thesis. Eliana brings diverse research skills and interests to the lab from cancer cell studies to human ocean ecology. On Columbia’s campus, Eliana is the leader of Hillel’s Sustainability and Climate Action Team, which aims to implement sustainable practices and increase the efficiency of energy use at the Kraft Center. In addition to research she loves baking, exploring park trails, and crafting.

Alice Wang

Malcolm Rosenthal