LAB MEMBERS
Dr. Ashley Love (Principal Investigator)
contact: lovea3@miamiOH.edu
she/her/hers
Dr. Love is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Miami University in Ohio. Prior to joining MU, she completed her dissertation with Dr. Sarah DuRant, where she explored two primary lines of research: [1] investigating how infection and perceived risk of infection alter behavioral, nutritional, and physiological responses relevant to disease susceptibility and transmission in songbirds, and [2] exploring whether diseases experienced by female birds prior to mating and egg laying can shape offspring immunity and responses to infection. She then worked as an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Dr. Sarah Knutie's lab at the University of Connecticut, exploring how diet and gut microflora shape host defensive strategies and host-parasite interactions in cavity-nesting birds. When she is not pondering the intricacies of what drives individual variation in host responses to parasites, she enjoys being outdoors. Her main hobbies include hiking, kayaking, birding, playing video games, and reading!
Dhruv Iyengar (Master's Student in Biology)
co-advised by Dr. David Russell
contact: iyengadm@miamiOH.edu
he/him/his
Dhruv is a master’s student in biology specializing in ornithology. His work centers around bird banding, where he combines technical precision and ecological understanding to gather data critical for avian population studies. Specifically, his research focuses on classifying age and sex classes of native bird species, integrating field data with bioinformatics tools to enhance species identification and contribute to conservation efforts. As a first-generation Indian American academic, Dhruv brings a global perspective shaped by hands-on experience in biodiversity surveys and conservation projects across Namibia, Belize, Madagascar, and Ecuador. Beyond research, Dhruv is passionate about advancing public education on biodiversity conservation and fostering awareness of the importance of preserving natural habitats. In his free time, he enjoys birding, playing the guitar, and expressing his creativity through drawing, often inspired by the wildlife and ecosystems he studies. Dhruv’s dedication lies in bridging science and outreach to promote meaningful environmental change.