Biology
Meet our Graduate Students
The Department of Biology at Tennessee Tech has a diverse graduate program comprised of both M.S. (Biology) and Ph.D. (Environmental Sciences) students. Our students are represented by the Biology Graduate Student Society (BGSS), an active organization within the department that facilitates and encourages both academic and social opportunities for graduate students.
Ph.D. Students
Abigail Blake-Bradshaw, Advisor: Dr. Brad Cohen. I am studying wintering 
waterfowl ecology and movements in West Tennessee. Specifically, I am interested in
how human disturbance and hunting pressure impact mallard movements and use of sanctuaries.
- B.S. Wartburg College
- M.S. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Peter Blum, Advisor: Dr. Justin Murdock. My dissertation focuses on how stream
insects, that develop in sediments contaminated with toxic polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs), can transfer PCBs as winged adults to terrestrial consumers, including gray
bats (Myotis grisescens), at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, TN. I am investigating emergent adult insect
biomass and PCB export from streams and reservoirs, assessing PCB risk to wildlife,
and how stoichiometry influences the transfer of PCBs.
- B.S. Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Appalachian State University
- M.S. Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Robert Brown, Advisor: Dr. Justin Murdock. My dissertation research focuses on
connections between rivers and their floodplains in response to ecosystem restoration
strategies. I am interested in nutrient subsidies that cross ecosystem boundaries
to influence spatial patterns of complete nitrogen removal (N2 production) and greenhouse gas emissions (N2O production). My work will help evaluate management practices aimed at reducing nutrient
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the Mississippi River Valley.
- B.S. Sustainable Development and Environmental Biology, Appalachian State University
- M.S. Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Shrijana Duwadi, Advisor: Dr. Justin Murdock. My research focuses on the role of 
plant species and mycorrhizae in nutrient retention in restored wetland habitats.
I am also interested in how greenhouse gas production changes in response to seasonal
soil microbial aspects and organic matter dynamics in a restored wetland.
- B.S. Agriculture, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Nepal
- M.S. Forestry, Auburn University
Cody Davis Godwin, Advisor: Dr. Chris Brown. I am studying Snake Fungal Disease 
(SFD) in Tennessee; more specifically, I am looking at the immunological, endocrinological,
and population responses of snakes to SFD. I also collaborate and work as a researcher
in the outback of Australia studying the spatial and nesting ecology of the perentie
(Varanus giganteus).
- A.S. Zoo Animal Technology, Santa Fe College
- B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
- M.S. Biology, Southeastern Louisiana University
Tanya Khan, Advisor: Dr. Hayden Mattingly. My research focuses on a Tennessee 
endemic species, the Brawleys Fork Crayfish (Cambarus williami). Specifically, I am interested in seasonal habitat utilization and influences on
community structure of C. williami and its crayfish associates.
- B.S. Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, West Liberty University
- M.S. Biology, West Liberty University
Nicholas Masto, Advisor: Dr. Brad Cohen. I am studying the spatial ecology of 
mallards wintering in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley using state-of-the-art GPS tracking
technology. Our research will inform state and federal agencies of optimal habitat
management and sustainable harvest strategies in western Tennessee and in the Upper
Mississippi River/Great Lakes region of the Mississippi Flyway.
- B.S. and M.S. Wildlife Biology and Management, Clemson University
Richard Pirkle, Advisor: Dr. Dan Combs. Canada geese in the Upper Cumberland
region of Tennessee have been intensively banded over the past two decades. My research
involves the analysis of this long-term dataset for patterns related to Canada goose
physiology and social biology including topics related to Canada goose dispersal,
reproduction, and molt site fidelity. I am also interested in the impact of targeted
hunting mortality due to banding.
- B.S. Applied Biology from the Georgia Institute for Technology
- M.S. Biology from the University of Louisville
Christopher Waters, Dr. Shawn Krosnick. My dissertation research is part of the
recovery efforts for the federally endangered mustard species Physaria globosa (Short’s bladderpod). I am investigating the reproduction dynamics, reproduction
ecology, and life history of P. globosa populations in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. A primary objective of my research
is the metabarcoding of pollinator eDNA deposited on flowers to efficiently index
and monitor pollinator communities across the range of P. globosa.
- B.S. Biology, Tennessee Tech University
- M.S. Integrative Biology, Kennesaw State University
Spencer Womble, Advisor: Dr. Justin Murdock. I am researching how wetland
hydrology affects nutrient retention in restored floodplain wetlands in west Tennessee
and Kentucky. I am also interested in assessing how North American beavers (Castor canadensis) influence ecosystem function within floodplain wetlands.
- B.S. Environmental Studies, University of Tennessee - Knoxville
- M.S. Biology, Tennessee Tech University
M.S. Students
Fahad Saud Alharbi, Advisor: Dr. David Beck. I am studying small colony variants
(SCVs) of Staphylococcus aureus, focusing on phenotypic switching. My thesis research aims to identify one of the
triggers responsible for phenotypic switching in order to reduce the difficulty in
isolating clinical isolates from patients who fail antibiotic therapy and, potentially,
improve the growth and detection of SCV isolates in clinical laboratories.
- B.S. Tennessee Tech University
Brittany Bajo, Advisor: Dr. Amanda Rosenberger. My current research project aims 
to delineate suitable and unsuitable habitat for dense freshwater mussel aggregations,
longitudinally, and continuously, based on the unique hydrogeological features of
the Duck River watershed.
- B.S. Aquatic Biology, Grand Valley State University.
Connor Ballard, Advisor: Dr. Mark Rogers. I am researching how hatchery raised 
trout and wild trout contribute to Tennessee tailwater trout fisheries. Specifically,
I am looking at the Norris and Fort Patrick Henry tailwaters in order to evaluate
hatchery trout stocking success.
- B.S. Biological Sciences, Montana State University
Sarah Brown, Advisor: Dr. Steven Hayslette. My thesis work is on diet selection 
and competitive interactions of non-target species at bird feeders. The objectives
of the study are to document seed use and selection of these species at bird feeding
stations. My secondary objective is to document the occurrence and outcomes of agonistic
interactions between birds and non-targets visiting these stations.
- B.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Tennessee Tech University
Joshua Cary, Advisor: Dr. Amanda Rosenberger. Josh is researching the habitat 
associations of Blotchside Logperch (Percina burtoni) in Tennessee and using that information to assess the viability of their potential
reintroduction into Abrams Creek.
- B.S. Environmental and Natural Resources, Clemson University
Anchita Casaubon, Advisor: Dr. Carla Hurt. I am studying coloration and 
morphology of the hyperdiverse snapping shrimp genus Alpheus. By using a combination
of morphometric and molecular tools, I will 1) determine if similarities in distantly
related shrimp are a result of convergent evolution driven by similar selection pressures
and 2) identify morphological characters of taxonomic importance in species diagnosis.
- B.S. Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami
- B.S. Marine Biology, Florida International University
Jennifer Caudle, Advisor: Dr. Kit Wheeler. I am studying biotic integrity and 
temporal changes in fish communities on Arnold Air Force Base over the past 20 years.
Additionally, I am looking at the potential to use rapidly assessed habitat bioassessments
to predict fish Index of Biotic Integrity scores throughout the Upper Duck and Upper
Elk Watersheds. If successful, the implication could be profound for agencies and
organizations monitoring streams and restoration efforts by reducing financial and
time constraints of fish surveys for biotic integrity.
- A.S. Surry Community College, NC
- B.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Tennessee Tech University
- B.S. Animal Science, North Carolina State University
Aaron Coons, Advisor: Dr. Amanda Rosenberger. My research is investigating a 
population of Longnose Darters (Percina nasuta) in the St. Francis River, Missouri to better understand habitat associations of
this endangered species across spatial scales.
- B.S. Wildlife Conservation Biology, Ohio University
- A.S. Wildlife Sciences, Hocking College
Jack Fetters, Advisor: Dr. Amanda Rosenberger. I am researching freshwater 
mussels on Tennessee's Wolf River to determine their status and abundance. This data
will be given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to better inform management recommendations.
I am also conducting a water quality assessment on the Duck and Cumberland rivers
to inform the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) on how to improve their water
quality at the Cumberland River Aquatic Center (C-RAC) - a facility where freshwater
mussels are raised.
- A.S. Hocking College
- B.S. Eastern Kentucky University
Kendell Janell Hamm, Advisor: Dr. Hayden Mattingly. My thesis work involves 
composing Species Status Assessments for two crayfish species that are endemic to
Tennessee, the Brawleys Fork Crayfish (Cambarus williami) and the Pristine Crayfish (Cambarus pristinus). The SSAs will provide information pertaining to each species’ habitat needs, life
history, current conditions, and potential future conditions in an effort to help
support future ESA decision making. I will also be conducting a life history study
for the Pristine Crayfish as little is known about the species’ reproductive cycle
or habitat needs related to different life stages.
- B.S. Urban Environmental Studies, Birmingham-Southern College
Emily Hatcher, Advisor: Dr. John Gunderson. I am studying gene expression 
of Legionella-like bacteria isolated from human-constructed water systems. By using
RNA-sequencing, I aim to determine effector proteins used for intracellular trafficking
and intranuclear growth during different points of infection.
- B.S. Biology, Tennessee Technological University
Cory Highway, Advisor: Dr. Brad Cohen. I am studying the ecology of wintering 
mallards in western Tennessee. Specifically, I am interested in the resource selection
of wintering mallards and the rate of depletion of flooded unharvested corn fields
in western Tennessee.
- B.S. Natural Resources Management, Grand Valley State University
Parker Hildreth, Advisor: Dr. Carla Hurt. My thesis research aims to identify at risk
hidden diversity within Faxonius durelli (Saddle Crayfish) and Faxonius forceps (Surgeon Crayfish) residing in the Cumberland and Tennessee river drainages. Other
projects in progress include, species delimitation of the Faxonius placidus (Bigclaw Crayfish) species complex using genomic/mitochondrial derived data sets
and determining if a newly discovered population of the federally endangered Faxonius shoupi (Nashville Crayfish) is a disjunct population or an anthropogenic introduction.
- A.S. General Studies, Motlow State
- B.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Tennessee Technological University
Ryan Hudson, Advisor: Dr. Kit Wheeler. I am studying a migration of five 
Catastomid fish species that occurs in Brasstown Creek, NC. My objectives are to determine
the amount of nutrients that these fish transport and evaluate the potential ecosystem
response they elicit.
- B.S. The Ohio State University
Valerie Jones, Advisor: Dr. Hayden Mattingly. I am studying the habitat use of the federally endangered bluemask darter on the Collins River, with implications for reintroduction in the Calfkiller River.
- B.S. Biology, Missouri State University
Rebekah Long, Advisor: Dr. Shawn Krosnick. I am studying the floral anatomy of
Passiflora incarnata (passion flower) and the functional capabilities in differing morphs of the flower’s
reproductive structures. I am also studying the primary pollinator of P. incarnata, Xylocopa virginica (carpenter bee) and its foraging behaviors. Specifically, the effects of scent marking
on Passiflora by Xylocopa.
- B.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Tennessee Tech University
Brittany McGuire, Advisor: Dr. Shawn Krosnick. My thesis research will assess how 
biology students understand experimental design both at the high school level and
in introductory university courses. The primary objective of my work is to determine
how to better prepare students for futures in scientific fields. My research interests
are in science education, communication, and informal education.
- B.S. Biology, Tennessee Tech University
Morgan Michael, Advisor: Dr. Justin Murdock. I am researching the spatial 
variability in nutrient uptake among habitat types of the western Tennessee wetland.
This restored wetland is one of many that has been implemented and managed during
my research, and will hopefully show the efficacy of the management process.
- B.S. Biology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Stefan Nelson, Advisor: Dr. Brad Cohen. I am studying habitat selection of wild 
turkeys, focusing on two study sites in Georgia and two in Louisiana. Specifically,
I am investigating which habitat components comprise habitat for turkey broods, as
well if selection of vegetation types changes depending on reproductive phenological
stage or as broods age.
- B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Northern Michigan University
Mary Scott, Advisor: Dr. Chris Brown. My thesis work involves creating a taxonomic identification key and completing a behavioral study of an unidentified species of wolf spider discovered in Arizona.
- B.S. Chemistry, East Tennessee State University
Adam Walker, Advisors: Dr. Kit Wheeler and Dr. Carla Hurt. I am a part of the 
cooperative project working on updating the status of the Striated Darter (Etheostoma striatulum) here in Tennessee. My research is investigating the distribution of E. striatulum with eDNA techniques and understanding the genetic health of the species through
population genetics methods.
- B.S. Grand Valley State University
Victor Wesley, Advisor: Dr. Mark Rogers. I research and analyze the age and 
growth of several important commercial fish species: Silver and Bighead Asian Carp
(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix; Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), Smallmouth Buffalo (Ichtiobus bubalus), and Skipjack Herring (Alosa chrysochloris) in the Tennessee and Cumberland River systems. I also assist in gathering various
data on Silver Carp via telemetry and gill netting methods.
- B.S. Biology, Louisiana State University
MacKenzie White, Advisor: Dr. Kit Wheeler. I am working to quantify the nutrient
contributions of an adfluvial sucker (Ictiobus bubalus) in eastern Tennessee via three pathways: eggs, excretion, and carcasses. Additionally,
I am working to further understand the role abiotic conditions have on larval sucker
survivorship, growth, development, and drift dynamics.
- B.S. Environmental Science, Marshall University
