Dr. Genny Kozak

Genevieve (Genny) Kozak received her B.S. from Cornell University (2004) and her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. She was postdoc at Tufts University and University of Illinois before she started her lab at UMass Dartmouth. Her research on the basis of reproductive traits integrates evolution, conservation, speciation, genomic and epigenomic studies. She is an Associate Editor at Evolutionary Ecology. See About tab for CV and links to research profiles.

 

 

 

Graduate Students

Brittany Velikaneye (Ph.D., Integrative Biology, UMD Distinguished Doctoral Fellow)

project: Heat-induced reproductive plasticity and its underlying molecular mechanisms in the European corn borer moth

My interests in biology include mate choice, genetics, and the effect of environmental factors on these. I have a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Psychological Science from Eastern Connecticut State University.  My current research project includes looking at how different temperatures affect reproduction in European corn borer moths. My personal hobbies include birding, building my collection of flamingos, and watching Hallmark movies.

 

 

Hunter Trowbridge (M.S., Biology)

project: Genetic differences associated with host plant in the Frosted Elfin Butterfly

I am interested in conservation, genetics, and ecology. I have a degree in wildlife and conservation biology from the University of Rhode Island, and my current research focus is on the frosted elfin butterfly. When I’m not working on research, you can find me skiing, climbing, biking, or otherwise playing outside.

 

 

Uma Knaven (Ph.D., Integrative Biology)

project: Genome structure, hybridization, and genetic differentiation through seasonal time in elfin butterflies (genus Callophrys)

I am a Ph.D. student interested in evolution, ecology, and the conservation of a species diverse world. I received my B.S. in Biology from the University of Denver in 2021 studying hybridization in cottontails. In my free time I love reading, writing, collecting cool rocks, forgetting to water my plants, and taking my dog, Tessa, to the beach!

 

 

 

Undergraduates (past and present)

 

Arielle Enos

 

B.S., Biology, Class of 2021

Commonwealth Honors research student

Read her papers: Enos et al. 2023,  Enos and Kozak 2021

 

 

Holly Silvestre (B.S., Biology, Class of 2025) Bio 440/441 independent research project

Elsie Perry (B.S., Biology, Class of 2023) Commonwealth Honors research student

Aubrey Pickard (Biology, Class of 2022) Commonwealth Honors research student

Ivy Doroch (B.S., Biology, Class of 2021) Bio 440/441 independent research project

Mallory Kiernan (B.S., Biology, Class of 2020) Commonwealth Honors research student

Former Lab Members

Rebecca Bachtel (M.S., Biology, 2020), Co-advised with Dr. Jennifer Koop, project: Temporal and spatial variation in invasive snail parasites