Lab Members

MS Student
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Fordham University
New York, NY 10458

BS Mercy College
BA Johns Hopkins University

Andrea Aplasca

I am interested in conservation biology and the implications of wildlife health on human and global health. I am also interested in how these factors influence population genetics and how this information applies to conservation management practices. My research interests stem from a diverse background including research experience on the neuroscience of metabolism at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, coastal ecology with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, nesting ecology of diamondback terrapins in Jamaica Bay, as well as the ecology of the Allen’s Cay iguana in the Bahamas. Most recently, I have worked as a licensed veterinary technician for the Wildlife Conservation Society which has been a formative influence on my interest in the intersection of conservation science and global health.

PhD Candidate
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Fordham University
New York, NY 10458

BS Tulane University

Seth W Cunningham

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PhD Candidate
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Fordham University
New York, NY 10458

MS Duquesne University
BS Grove City College

Stephanie Dowell

I am interested in using molecular techniques to understand more about the ecology, evolution, or behavior of a species. I received my Master of Science degree from Duquesne University studying the genetic and morphological differences between two species of minnows, the channel shiner (Notropis wickliffi) and the mimic shiner (Notropis volucellus) in Pennsylvania. This information was used to differentiate between these two taxonomically confused species.

PhD Candidate
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Fordham University
New York, NY 10458

MS Fordham University
BS Skidmore College

Christina Frare

I come from a diverse biology background. I earned my bachelor's in neuroscience from Skidmore College. After college, I taught Living Environment (biology) and health in a NYC public school. In 2009 I started my Master's in Cell and Molecular biology at Fordham University, which is finished in 2011. I am now working on my PhD with Dr. Hekkala. I am particularly interested in the impact of different land development strategies, as well as different land uses on biodiversity and the implications that has for conservation.

Phd Candidate
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Fordham University
New York, NY 10458

MS East Stroudsburg University
BA Felician College

Amanda M. Makkay

I am interested in conservation management, particularly of large carnivores persisting at human-wildlife interfaces. My research interests include investigating progressive ways of managing carnivore populations and mitigating the associated conflict with humans. My interest is fueled by a concern that in a world where human encroachment and habitat fragmentation are becoming the norm, management strategies must anticipate these effects on predator populations. I received my M.S. in 2010, where I evaluated the efficacy of nonlethal management techniques on the American black bear (Ursus americanus). My current research focuses on assessing genetic diversity, as predicted by management models, and comparing diversity values to empirically derived measurements, using snow leopard populations as a model. I am analyzing non-invasively collected samples from the N. American ex situ snow leopard (Uncia uncia) population, the in situ population throughout their native range, and archival museum specimens.