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 !