LAB MEMBERS
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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 (PhD Candidate in Biology)
co-advised by Dr. David Russell
contact: iyengadm@miamiOH.edu
Dhruv is a PhD 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.
Fletcher Niece (MS Student in Biology)
contact: nieceak@miamioh.edu
Fletcher is a first-year master’s biology student specializing in avian disease ecology. She is passionate about avian conservation, having experience working with all different taxa through bird banding and seasonal positions. These experiences have fueled her current interest in studying how pesticides and parasites interact with their avian hosts and with each other, as there are many unanswered questions in regards to bird fatalities within the context of our complex anthropogenic environment. She is especially interested in how parasites affect their hosts in populations with historical rates of exposure to high concentrations of pesticides. Outreach is an important aspect as well, and Fletcher envisions more communication between bird banders and the public as an effort to bring more awareness to the alarming rate of biodiversity loss. When she is not talking about birds to everyone within earshot, she enjoys arts and crafts, reality TV (guilty pleasure), native plant gardening, and hanging out with friends.
Ellis Kelsey (PhD Student in EEEB)
contact: kelseye2@miamioh.edu
More info coming soon!
Cameron Murray (PhD Student in EEEB)
contact: murra195@miamioh.edu
More info coming soon!
Ginny Boehme (MS Student in Biology)
contact: boehmemv@miamioh.edu
More info coming soon!
Allison Helferich (Undergraduate Researcher)
Allison is currently a junior majoring in Zoology at Miami University. She is investigating the effects of nest temperature on offspring immunity and susceptibility to blood parasites in eastern bluebirds and tree swallows. Outside of research, Allison enjoys hiking, reading, arts and crafts, and playing guitar.
Eliana Danner (Undergraduate Researcher)
Eliana is a junior Zoology major at Miami University and is interested in becoming a wildlife biologist. She is researching how life history traits influence blood parasite prevalence across a wide range of species that reside in and migrate through Ohio. Outside of the lab Eliana enjoys traveling, hiking, aerial silks, reading, and listening to music.
Ava Yunker (Undergraduate Researcher)
Ava is currently a senior majoring in Zoology and Pre-Medical at Miami University. She is interested in becoming a veterinary epidemiologist and is planning on applying to vet school in this upcoming round. Currently, Ava is investigating how immunity and infection status vary with different migratory strategies in the Wood Thrush, Swainson's Thrush, and American Robin. Outside the lab, she likes to read, hike, and travel.
Braeden Pelko (Undergraduate Researcher)
Braeden is currently a senior at Miami majoring in Zoology and Environmental Science, as well as combined degree program student pursuing a Masters of Environmental Science with a focus on Applied Ecology and Conservation. He is currently studying the vector contact rates of box-nesting songbirds during the nesting cycle and its relationship to the surrounding natural environment. He wants to pursue a career in the field of disease ecology or ecological epidemiology. Outside of research, Braeden likes to play guitar for his band, read, hike, and go to concerts.