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 (PhD Student 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 pesticide. 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.
Kaleigh Seely, M.S. (Research Collaborator)
contact: seelyke@miamioh.edu
Kaleigh is a visiting professor at Miami University specializing in avian ecology. She received her master’s at Miami where she studied neonicotinoid pesticide exposure in juvenile Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows. In the lab, she is currently investigating differences in parasitism between White-throated Sparrow morphs. Kaleigh is very passionate about avian conservation and is an NABC certified bird bander. She has worked with birds and other taxa across North and South America. Kaleigh loves engaging with the community to encourage people and young scientists to foster their creativity and to bring more awareness to the importance of conserving biodiversity. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, being outdoors, hiking, rock climbing, reading, and playing with her dog, Maible.
Allison Helferich (Undergraduate Researcher)
Allison is currently a sophomore 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.
Savannah Higley (Undergraduate Researcher)
Savannah is a senior majoring in Zoology with a minor in museums and society. She is interested in avian behavior and disease ecology with a special focus raptors. She is planning to get a masters and also pursue a falconry license. Savannah also volunteers at the Hefner Museum of Natural History. Outside of research, she likes to draw, crochet, play music, and go to concerts.
Lilly Graybill (Undergraduate Researcher)
Lilly is a current senior majoring in Microbiology (BA) and Medical Laboratory Sciences (BS). In the lab, she has investigated how social cues of infection affect immune function and disease susceptibility in canaries. Additionally, Lilly is currently investigating blood parasite prevalence and immunity in resident and migratory birds. Lilly enjoys hiking, travelling, crocheting, and completing projects within her service fraternity. After she graduates in the spring, she will be doing a MLS clinical year to be a certified laboratory technician.
Eliana Danner (Undergraduate Researcher)
Eliana is a sophomore 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.
Marianne Morgan (Undergraduate Researcher)
Marianne is a sophomore majoring in Zoology with a focus in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She is studying how maternal infection history and diet affect offspring exploratory and social behavior. Marianne has two years of experience studying equine science from Butler Tech Natural Science Center and also has three years of experience as a kennel technician. Outside of research, she loves horseback riding, going to record stores, and watching Korean dramas.
Ava Yunker (Undergraduate Researcher)
Ava is currently a junior 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.