Principal Investigator
Kara Andres, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University
Email: kjandr2[at]ilstu.edu
Graduate Students
Gwen Church
I am a master’s student in the Andres Lab, and I am interested in using eDNA to study the ecology and biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems. Specifically, I hope to use eDNA to gain a better understanding of the effects of anthropogenic changes on freshwater ecosystems in the Midwest. Before coming to ISU, I received my bachelor’s degree in environmental science from UMass Amherst where I studied fish ecology and eDNA metabarcoding in coastal streams. I am a huge fish nerd and in my free time I enjoy hiking, reading, and painting!
Katelin Meek
As a M.S. student in the Andres Lab, I am interested in the molecular ecology of human-impacted systems, especially as it relates to the conservation of at-risk freshwater species. I’m originally from Kansas City, Missouri and completed my B.S. in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology at Missouri State University. In my spare time, I enjoy crocheting, reading, and hiking!
Undergraduate Students
Jenna Benson
Joseph Burgoni
Daniah Corp
I am a freshman double majoring in Environmental Systems Science & Sustainability and Conservation Biology. I plan to minor in Water Sustainability in the future! I’m currently interested in marine and freshwater ecosystems and how they will change in response to a changing climate. Outside of college, I enjoy playing video games, weightlifting, and playing the baritone saxophone.
Jadyn Golz
I’m an undergraduate majoring in Biology with a minor in Environmental Systems. I’m currently interested in a variety of subjects including freshwater and entomological ecology and conservation. I’m a curious spirit who isn’t afraid to pick your brain about everything and anything!
Sydney Moeller
I am a senior majoring in Environmental Science Systems & Sustainability, with minors in Biological Sciences, Geography, and Water Sustainability. I am interested in conservation biology and global change ecology, specifically how anthropogenic disturbances degrade habitat quality, disrupt ecological processes, and alter species behavior. Outside of the lab I enjoy hiking, yoga, and gardening!