Lab Members

MARTIN TURCOTTE - (he/him) - ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Dept. of Biological Sciences, 203 Clapp Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15260-3929

turcotte@pitt.edu

I am fascinated by evolutionary change. The extent and complexity of adaptions as well as the speed at which evolution can occur is truly remarkable. My research experimentally test how such evolution is driven by and is a driver of ecological dynamics and species interactions.

My scientific career began at McGill studying adaptation in green algae and on stickleback gene flow in British Columbia. I then joined David Reznick and Daniel Hare at the University of California Riverside for my Ph.D. There using experimental evolution in the field, I showed that rapid aphid evolution significantly alters concurrent population dynamics. In 2011, I began a postdoc with Marc Johnson at the University of Toronto at Mississauga working on plant-herbivore interactions and plant domestication. In 2014, I joined Jonathan Levine’s lab as an independent ACE postdoc at ETH in Zurich Switzerland working on the impacts of phenotypic plasticity and species coexistence. There I began working on Duckweed as a model system for Evolutionary Community Ecology. In 2017 I joined Pitt as an Assistant Professor where I intend to share my love of evolutionary-ecology with the current and next generations.

Postdoctoral Researchers

Dr. Cara Faillace (she/her)

Cara is working on the impact of evolution on species coexistence. She joins us from a postdoc at CNRS (Moulis) and a Ph.D. at Rutgers.

caf183@pitt.edu Google Scholar

Dr. Eric Yee (he/him)

I am really interested in how abiotic stressors in cities shape plant trait adaptation and evolution on both local and continental levels. I received my PhD in Earth & Planetary Sciences from Johns Hopkins University in Dec. 2023 where I worked on local heavy metal hyperaccumulation on urban lawn weeds (Plantago spp.), and morphological, physiological, and phenological adaptation to the urban heat island on cosmopolitan lawn weed species.

EGY11@pitt.edu Google Scholar

Graduate Students

Taylor in black, befuddled by an astute question from a young scientist.

Email: taz31@pitt.edu

Twitter: @taylorzallek

Taylor Zallek (he/him)

I am interested in understanding how rapid changes in evolutionary and ecological contexts shape novel communities. I completed my B.A. in Biology at St. John’s University and examined the potentially synergistic relationship between invasive shrubs and invasive earthworms in deciduous forests of central Minnesota. From there I assisted on a number of projects in the Florida Keys assessing the impact invasive red lionfish have on native reef fish communities. I completed my M.S. at Michigan Tech where I researched patterns of hybridization, genetic diversity, and intraspecific performance among populations of the invasive aquatic plant Eurasian watermilfoil before joining the Turcotte lab in August 2018!

Lacey Rzodkiewicz (she/her)

Growing up on the shores of Lake Erie, I took an early interest in aquatic ecology. This interest developed at Allegheny College where I earned my B.S. with a double major in biology and French after completing a study on the allopathic effects of anatoxin-a on phytoplankton as well as literature review algal toxins influence in France. After my time at Allegheny, I completed my M.S. at Central Michigan University studying ecotoxicology in a bivalve system with a focus on contaminant impact on reproduction. I am primarily interested in how local adaptation and selection pressure can influence anthropogenic and natural stressors’ impacts on the organismal through ecosystem levels of biological organization. Given the ever increasing biotic and abiotic stresses detected in aquatic systems, the interactions between stressors and adaptation are more important than ever to ensure appropriate resource allocation.

Email: LDR27@pitt.edu

Hannah Assour (she/her)

Hannah is a 3rd year graduate student interested in invasion and urbanization. She is co-advised with Dr. Tia-Lynn Ashman. For my thesis work, I am broadly interested in exploring the ecological and evolutionary consequences of plant polyploidy, particularly within the context of anthropogenic change. I completed my B.S. in Biology with Teaching at the Temple University. During my undergraduate career, I was fortunate enough to complete research within the fields of population/community ecology, invasion biology, and climate change biology, primarily using plant and insect study systems. Further, I am passionate about combining my work with education and conservation.

Email: HRA19@pitt.edu

Trapper Hobble (he/him)

From a young age, I have always had a fascination in the diverse organisms that inhabit our planet. This curiosity led me to Dickinson College where I received my B.S. in Biology and completed a study exploring the implications of domestication on wild yeast evolution. I am predominantly interested in the ability of organisms to evolve and adapt to changing ecological stimuli and am eager to investigate such questions further utilizing duckweed and species coexistence. With the increasing threat of biodiversity loss, our ability to understand an organism’s capability to respond to a changing environment is critical in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Email: TRH66@pitt.edu

Undergraduate Researchers

Featured

Kelvin Tieu (he/him)

I am majoring in Biology and minoring in Vietnamese. My hobbies include working out, sports, and trying to emulate Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen. I’ve always loved plants and animals, and I'm excited to learn more about ecology and evolutionary biology. In the future I hope to go into medicine, but for the time being, I am very excited to work with the best aquatic plant out there: duckweed!

Emma Paci

I am a sophomore at Pitt majoring in biology. I have always loved the environment and hope to persue a career in ecology or conservation. In my free time, I like to hike, bike, and kayak, and in the winter I work as a ski instructor. I am excited to learn more about aquatic ecology in this lab!

Ivan Guo

I'm a sophomore at Pitt majoring in general biology with a minor in chemistry and a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy running in nature and being outside. I hope that my experiences with duckweed can help me better my understanding of the plant and my future endeavors

Gyan Kanhai

My name is Gyan Kanhai and I am majoring in Biological Sciences. My first ever college lab experience was the duckweed undergrad lab and it was special because it was my first in person college class after Covid. Coming back to the lab but this time in a research setting is exciting. It's always nice to be part of a highly dedicated team with great personalities!

Lucia Miller (she/her)

I am a junior at Pitt majoring in Ecology and Evolution, minoring in English Literature, and pursuing a Sustainability Certificate. I have always loved nature and I am very passionate about wildlife conservation specifically in relation to climate change. I am excited to apply my love of plant ecology in this lab!

Dominic Aiello

I am a sophomore at Pitt majoring in Ecology & Evolution, with a minor in Chemistry, and a certificate in GIS. I started working with the Turcotte Lab at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology through the Summer Undergraduate Research Program the summer before my sophomore year. My project investigated the effects of density on eco-evolutionary dynamics. In my free time, I enjoy taking walks in the woods, kayaking, reading, and playing board games. I am excited to continue learning about ecology and rapid evolution through duckweed in this lab!

Ashlynn Moretti

Ever since a young age, I have always loved being outside & within nature whenever I had the chance. I was and continue to be very passionate about the environment and conserving its beauty. Over the years, my interest in studying the environment & all its glory + understanding how I can help the world grew massively. This led me to be where I am in my undergraduate career today.

I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Environmental Studies & Communication Rhetoric, while also pursuing a certificate in sustainability.

I am interested in environmental conservation (specifically marine & aquatic conservation), and I am hoping to one day work in this field.

In my free time, I enjoy hammocking & hiking. I also enjoy cooking and baking (I make so MEAN banana bread).

Karuna Baral

Barrak Wali (He/Him)

Hey! My name is Barrak and I’m a junior at University of Pittsburgh. My major is biological sciences and I’m minoring in economics. When I’m not busy with my studies, I love to travel and expose myself to new cultures and ideas. This research project is a great portal for me to expand my knowledge on my passion and prepare me for my future goals.

Brandon Achey (He/Him)

I am a Junior at Pitt majoring in microbiology, while also getting minor in chemistry and history. My first lab I took was duckweed survivor and I really enjoyed studying aquatic plants. When not engaged in classes, I participate in community service through my community service organization. Some of my hobbies include going on hikes, playing pickleball, and playing volleyball.

Santiago Churion

I am a junior at Pitt majoring in Biology, in addition to minoring in Chemistry as well as Music. My first lab I got to be a part of was Duckweed Survivor which allowed me to do some summer work at the Pymatuning Lab of Ecology. After working as one of many UTA's in the same lab, I am excited to be a part of the Turcotte Lab!

Hannah Wetzel

Olivia Carson

Lillian Dun

Lillian Dun is an undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in Dr. Turcotte’s ecology laboratory since September 2021 as a remote research assistant. In January 2023, Lillian shifted to in-person research and presented research findings at the University of Pittsburgh Undergraduate Research Symposium. She is currently conducting an independent research project studying the unique iron tolerance in subpopulation of duckweed (Lemna minor).

Montaux Lathan (She/Her)

My name is Montaux Lathan, I'm a senior and I'm pursuing my B.S in Natural Science. When I have free time I enjoy reading, hiking or spending time with my friends. I've always loved S.T.E.M and I plan on furthering my education once I obtain my undergraduate degree. It makes me so happy that I've gotten the opportunity to work in this lab with such motivated people, I'm excited to be a part of this project !

HUXLEY

Lab mascot and collector of rubs and treats.

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Former Lab Members

PDFs, Graduate Students & Technicians

Dr. Thomas Anneberg (2021-23): Former NSF PRFB, now USDA Data Analyst
Dr. Rachel Reeb (2022-23): Former Ph.D. student (mostly advised by Dr. Kuebbing), now postdoc at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Audrey Burr: (2021-23): Former technicians and NSF researcher, now doing Ph.D. with Joel Sachs at U.C. Riverside
Jae Kerstetter (2018-22): Former technician, now doing Ph.D. at Rutgers with Ceasar Rodriguez-Saona
Jiaqi Tan (2018-20): Former postdoc, now an Assistant Professor at Louisiana State U.
Sergio Ramos (2019-21)
Joshua Armstrong (2017-19): Former technician; now PhD at Virginia Commonwealth U. with James Vonesh

Undergraduates

Swapna Subramanian (2017-20): PhD at U. of Connecticut with Dan Bolnick
Lillian Leak (2017-20): PhD at Penn State
Ashley Morris (2017-18): now doing a PhD at Stony Brook University with Jessica Gurevitch
David Conover (2017-18): Former undergrad now in the U.S. Navy
Julie Everett (2018-19); Shourya Mukherjee (2018-19);
Erin Fullerton(2019-21); Olivia Alfe (2019-21); Pooja Jacob (2019-21); Jared Goga (2020); Anna Kelly (2020-21); Kevin Mulcahy (2021-22); Elijah Cordrey (2021-22); Stephanie Cano (2021-22); Liangge Lydia Yu (2021-22), Selin Aygen (2021-22); Olivia Glacken (2021-22); Rebecca Alvarez (2019-22);
Tatiana Cannizzaro (2020-23); Alexander Sessock (2020-23); Emily Sweat (2022-23); Suze Ferguson (2022-23); Maddison Nguyen (2021-23); Dominique Kline (2022-23)