Lab Members

M. Elise Lauterbur

Assistant Professor
Ph.D. Stony Brook University
B.A. Oberlin College
B.Mus. Oberlin Conservatory
I am an Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Evolutionary Ecologist. I am fascinated by the evolutionary and ecological interactions and adaptations that allow organisms to survive the threats of daily life, natural and anthropogenic.

The Menagerie

Comic Relief
Leo (Canis familiaris), the SpecFic Felines (Zoltan, Delaney, and Tiptree, Felis catus, all named after fantasy and science fiction authors), and Burren (Heterodon nasicus).

Nasreen Broomand

NSF Postdoctoral Fellow
Nasreen earned her PhD in 2024 from UC Santa Cruz. Her main area of expertise is in pathogen paleogenomics (ancient DNA), which incorporates the fields of archaeology, disease ecology, and microbiology. She is interested broadly in emerging and zoonotic diseases, especially from evolutionary and ecological perspectives. Her work in the Lauterbur EvoEco Lab focuses on how pathogens carried by native and invasive rodents have influenced invasion success in New England over time. When she is not in the lab, she enjoys backpacking, baking, various types of arts & crafts, and spending time with her cat and dog.

Meron Abraham

Undergraduate Researcher
I'm a junior Zoology major also double-minoring in Applied Design and Wildlife Biology. In the EcoEvo Lab I'll be working to improve methods of historical DNA extraction from formalin-fixed rodent specimens from the UVM Natural History Collections. Outside of the lab, I love to spend time observing and photographing wildlife outdoors (especially with the UVM Birding Club!), creating art, cooking, and caring for my Eastern Collared Lizard named Rio.

Iris Lawson-Ryan

Undergraduate Researcher
I am a senior studying Environmental Science with a concentration in Conservation Biology and Biodiversity and a minor in Computer Science. In the lab I am researching genetic variation in bat echolocation traits among and within the species sequenced through the Bat1k Project. Outside of the lab I enjoy playing and coaching volleyball, cooking, reading, and exploring the outdoors!

Finn Flynn

Undergraduate Researcher
I am a third-year biology student with a concentration in ecology and evolution and a co-major in philosophy. My research involves extracting historical DNA from preserved rodent specimens. I'm interested in ecological genomics and historical DNA, particularly in insects and arthropods. Outside of school, I am a member of UVM Games Club, and I like to read and play video games. I have three cats named Biscuit, Bear, and Goose.

Jenna Lopez

Undergraduate Researcher
I am a junior honors college student majoring in biological sciences and minoring in statistics. I am currently working with the EvoEco lab on a computational project investigating patterns in ectoparasite distribution among different lemur species. Outside of research I love to explore nature, go on spontaneous adventures with friends, bake & cook, as well as listen to music & sing!

Hannah MacDonald

Undergraduate Researcher
I am a third-year Biological Science student. My research involves investigating the patterns behind gene selection in mammals. Outside of school, I like to downhill ski, read, and hang out with my dog, Winnie.

Avery Redfern

Undergraduate Researcher
My name is Avery, and I am a senior environmental science and French co-major with a minor in geospatial technologies! I am currently working on a project comparing bat species ranges along an elevation gradient for the Lauterbur lab. Outside of school, I am a part of the UVM Club Volleyball team (go cats!), Kappa Delta sorority, and Headwaters Environmental Magazine.

Li Moavenian

Undergraduate Researcher
I am a junior studying Biological Sciences with a minor in History. I am working on a project involving extracting pathogen DNA from preserved rodent specimens. I take part in Philosophy Society and Improv club, as well as running a knitting circle. I love learning new things and am always finding new topics to research. As a kid I spent my time memorizing scientific names from an encyclopedia of animals, and if you ask me, I haven’t changed much since.

Max Schibel

Undergraduate Researcher
Max is a senior studying Wildlife Biology. Max is currently developing habitat distribution models for Vermont's two flying squirrel species and is a TA for Mammalogy. In his free time, Max enjoys being active, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with friends.

You?

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