People

About Giselle:

My first experience with urban ecology research was joining the Munshi-South lab back in the summer of 2015 working on the molecular ecology of NYC coyotes as a part of Fordham’s Research Experience for Undergraduates program (partnership with NSF). After graduating with a B.S. from Florida State University in 2016, I worked in informal education as a conservation instructor at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo for two years.

Within ecology, I am interested in population genomics, habitat connectivity, and genetics informing conservation and management issues. One of the goals with all of my research is collaborating with others to create tools for outreach and education to spread scientific findings as well as connect with the public. Outside of the lab, you can find me exploring museums, checking out new hiking spots, and IDing wildlife while pointing them out to whoever is closest to me (fun fact about said wildlife optional).

About Linelle:

I joined the lab as an undergraduate working on others’ projects before starting on my own project for my Master’s. For my thesis, I am looking at signatures of selection in urban Peromyscus leucopus (white-footed mice) based off SNPs generated from whole exome sequencing of mice along an urban-to-rural gradient surrounding NYC. I have also worked on exome captures of Channel Islands Peromyscus maniculatus (deer mice) that lived on different islands and experienced different predator regimes. I like to take pictures of things and pet animals (dead or alive).

About Liz:

I am a PhD student working on the ecology and evolution of feral pigeons in the Northeastern Megacity. In addition to my dissertation research, I am a cofounder and editor of the urban evolution blog Life in the City: Evolution in an Urbanizing World. Before moving to New York City, I studied mammals in rural, suburban, and urban ecosystems, which led me to ask questions about how humans have influenced the distribution, genetic diversity, and interactions of species. In my free time you can find me looking for road kill, prepping specimens, and searching for animals around NYC.

About Nicole:

I joined the lab in the Fall 2014 with an interest in urban & suburban ecology & evolution. I had previously worked 8 years teaching environmental education at nature centers and zoos in the tri-state area. I am currently a Ph.D. candidate studying genetic connectivity of stream salamanders in urban, suburban and rural watershed networks. I am also doing a project using eDNA to detect stream salamander presence on an urban-to-rural gradient from NYC up through Putnam county. Outside of the lab I enjoy hiking with my husband, 2-year-old & the dog and also love cooking for my family.

About Carol:

I joined the Munshi-South lab after working as a primate keeper at the Bronx Zoo. While I was at the zoo, I completed a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior and Conservation. I am interested in learning how medium and large mammals utilize urban landscapes. My Ph.D. research focuses on the genetics of coyotes living in NYC. I extract DNA from scat samples to analyze the genetic diversity, diet, and relatedness structure of the population. In my free time, I enjoy coin collecting, bike riding, and listening to podcasts.

Follow me on Twitter or check out my website here.