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Dr. Joe Milanovich
Joe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Loyola University Chicago. He received his Bachelors from Adrian College, his Masters from Arkansas State University (working in Dr. Stan Trauth's lab) and Ph.D. from the University of Georgia (working in Dr. John Maerz's lab). From 2010 to 2013 Joe was a National Research Council Postdoctoral Associate at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Cincinnati working under Dr. Matt Hopton, and in August 2013 he joined the faculty at LUC. Joe teaches Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural History of Vertebrates, and Writing a Scientific Paper. His research examines the impact of global change on amphibian distributions, the impact of urbanization on the stoichiometry and stable isotope compositions of food webs, and the importance of herpetofauna to nutrient cycling and storage in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. See Joe's CV here.
Joe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Loyola University Chicago. He received his Bachelors from Adrian College, his Masters from Arkansas State University (working in Dr. Stan Trauth's lab) and Ph.D. from the University of Georgia (working in Dr. John Maerz's lab). From 2010 to 2013 Joe was a National Research Council Postdoctoral Associate at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Cincinnati working under Dr. Matt Hopton, and in August 2013 he joined the faculty at LUC. Joe teaches Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural History of Vertebrates, and Writing a Scientific Paper. His research examines the impact of global change on amphibian distributions, the impact of urbanization on the stoichiometry and stable isotope compositions of food webs, and the importance of herpetofauna to nutrient cycling and storage in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. See Joe's CV here.
Lab Members
Graduate Students
Nick Sekits
Nick graduated from from Whitman College with a Bachelor Degree in Biology with minor in Studio Art in 2020. After spending the next two summers working with Smooth Greensnakes, turtles, and amphibians, Nick joined our lab to lead a project surveying for E and T snake species in northern Indiana!
Nick graduated from from Whitman College with a Bachelor Degree in Biology with minor in Studio Art in 2020. After spending the next two summers working with Smooth Greensnakes, turtles, and amphibians, Nick joined our lab to lead a project surveying for E and T snake species in northern Indiana!
Lab alumni we kicked out
Jess Lindberg
Jess graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor Degree in Biology with an Ecology Emphasis in 2018. After spending the next two summers working with endangered freshwater turtles for the Kane County Forest Preserve District, she decided to return to Loyola as a graduate student. Jess studied the health and behavior of Spotted Turtles in the northwestern Indiana region for her Master's thesis (completed summer 2024!).
Jess graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor Degree in Biology with an Ecology Emphasis in 2018. After spending the next two summers working with endangered freshwater turtles for the Kane County Forest Preserve District, she decided to return to Loyola as a graduate student. Jess studied the health and behavior of Spotted Turtles in the northwestern Indiana region for her Master's thesis (completed summer 2024!).
Mike Vosburgh
Mike was a M.S. student in Biology who graduated from Oregon State University. Mike previously
worked for Michigan Tech Research Institute, USGS, and Semper Fi Land Services conducting a
number of ecological projects. Mike led our mesocosm and terrestrial pen work involving the influence of nutrient and fungicide additions on aquatic communities. He is currently working for the Metropolitan Water and Sewer District in Cook County.
Mike was a M.S. student in Biology who graduated from Oregon State University. Mike previously
worked for Michigan Tech Research Institute, USGS, and Semper Fi Land Services conducting a
number of ecological projects. Mike led our mesocosm and terrestrial pen work involving the influence of nutrient and fungicide additions on aquatic communities. He is currently working for the Metropolitan Water and Sewer District in Cook County.
Marlen Terrazas
Marlen was our lead technician working on our spotted turtle project in 2022-2023! She graduated from Saint Mary's College in 2020 and spent time at the Lincoln Park Zoo Urban Wildlife Institute
before joining the lab. Marlen is currently a Ph.D student at Washington State University.
Marlen was our lead technician working on our spotted turtle project in 2022-2023! She graduated from Saint Mary's College in 2020 and spent time at the Lincoln Park Zoo Urban Wildlife Institute
before joining the lab. Marlen is currently a Ph.D student at Washington State University.
Haydn Notario
Haydn is majoring in Biology. He began working in our lab during the spring 2021
and is funded via CAS, Mulcahy, and Provost fellowships working on spotted turtles.
Haydn is majoring in Biology. He began working in our lab during the spring 2021
and is funded via CAS, Mulcahy, and Provost fellowships working on spotted turtles.
Armand Cann
Armand was a M.S. graduate who graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. Armand came
to LUC with a wide array of field experiences working in Ohio, Kansas, the Chihuahuan Desert (New
Mexico) and California. Armand led our work investigating the legacy effects from captive-breeding on the endangered Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). Armand is now an endangered species biologist at USFWS.
Armand was a M.S. graduate who graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. Armand came
to LUC with a wide array of field experiences working in Ohio, Kansas, the Chihuahuan Desert (New
Mexico) and California. Armand led our work investigating the legacy effects from captive-breeding on the endangered Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). Armand is now an endangered species biologist at USFWS.
Matt Bonfitto
Matt was a M.S. student in Biology who graduated from Loyola and was advised by both
the Milanovich and Reddy labs! Matt is from the western Chicago suburbs and came to LUC with a
passion for museum sciences. Matt investigated 3D morphometrics and evolution of a unique
group of birds in Madagascar, the Malagasy Vangas, using a novel photogrammetry technique.
Matt was a M.S. student in Biology who graduated from Loyola and was advised by both
the Milanovich and Reddy labs! Matt is from the western Chicago suburbs and came to LUC with a
passion for museum sciences. Matt investigated 3D morphometrics and evolution of a unique
group of birds in Madagascar, the Malagasy Vangas, using a novel photogrammetry technique.
Brock Struecker
Brock was a M.S. graduate who came from Simpson College in Indianola, IA. Brock has
extensive herpetological experience which includes conducting herp surveys for Project Orianne in
the southeastern U.S. At LUC, Brock conducted work on Ambystoma spp. to examine their
influence on wetland ecosystems and their response to climate change. Brock is now with Iowa Department of Transportation
Brock was a M.S. graduate who came from Simpson College in Indianola, IA. Brock has
extensive herpetological experience which includes conducting herp surveys for Project Orianne in
the southeastern U.S. At LUC, Brock conducted work on Ambystoma spp. to examine their
influence on wetland ecosystems and their response to climate change. Brock is now with Iowa Department of Transportation
Trang Nguyen
Trang graduated with a BS in Biology in 2023. She began working in our lab during the summer of
of 2022 with the summer pre-RET program and works on the Golf Course Biodiversity Project!
Trang is currently a teacher in CPS!
Trang graduated with a BS in Biology in 2023. She began working in our lab during the summer of
of 2022 with the summer pre-RET program and works on the Golf Course Biodiversity Project!
Trang is currently a teacher in CPS!
Ella Janson
Ella graduated with a major in Biology in 2023 with a minor in French. She began working in our lab
during the fall of 2020 on our Golf Course Biodiversity Project!
Ella graduated with a major in Biology in 2023 with a minor in French. She began working in our lab
during the fall of 2020 on our Golf Course Biodiversity Project!
Ashriya Patel
Ashriya graduated with a major in Biology in 2022. She began working in our lab during the spring
of 2021 on our Golf Course Biodiversity Project! After graduation she spent time working with Peggy
Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago studying smooth greens snakes!
Ashriya graduated with a major in Biology in 2022. She began working in our lab during the spring
of 2021 on our Golf Course Biodiversity Project! After graduation she spent time working with Peggy
Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago studying smooth greens snakes!
Andrew Lam
Andrew graduated with a major in Biology with a minor in Exercise Science. He began working in
our lab during the fall of 2019 on our Golf Course Biodiversity Project!
Andrew graduated with a major in Biology with a minor in Exercise Science. He began working in
our lab during the fall of 2019 on our Golf Course Biodiversity Project!
Courtney Malinowski
Courtney graduated with a degree in Cognitive/Behavior Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology
in 2021. She began working in our lab during the fall of 2018 under the guidance of the
Achieving College Excellence (ACE) program. Courtney is working to quantify morphometrics of
anurans raised under different pesticide treatments using our new CT scanner. Her work was
funded by the Loyola Mulcahy Research Fellowship
Courtney graduated with a degree in Cognitive/Behavior Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology
in 2021. She began working in our lab during the fall of 2018 under the guidance of the
Achieving College Excellence (ACE) program. Courtney is working to quantify morphometrics of
anurans raised under different pesticide treatments using our new CT scanner. Her work was
funded by the Loyola Mulcahy Research Fellowship
Courtney Carmack
Courtney graduated with a Biology degree with an emphasis in Ecology and minor
in Anthropology. She began working in our lab during the fall of 2017. Courtney worked largely
on our Golf Course Biodiversity Project.
Courtney graduated with a Biology degree with an emphasis in Ecology and minor
in Anthropology. She began working in our lab during the fall of 2017. Courtney worked largely
on our Golf Course Biodiversity Project.
Suha Moten
Suha majored in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience with a minor in Computer Science.
She began working in our lab during the spring of 2018 under the guidance of the Achieving College
Excellence (ACE) program. Suha worked to quantify morphometrics of anurans raised under
different nutrient and pesticide treatments using our new CT scanner.
Suha majored in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience with a minor in Computer Science.
She began working in our lab during the spring of 2018 under the guidance of the Achieving College
Excellence (ACE) program. Suha worked to quantify morphometrics of anurans raised under
different nutrient and pesticide treatments using our new CT scanner.
Maria Magallon-Trejo
Maria majored in Psychology with an emphasis in pre-medicine. She began working
in our lab during the spring of 2018 under the guidance of the Achieving College Excellence (ACE)
program. Maria worked to quantify morphometrics of anurans raised under different nutrient and
pesticide treatments using our new CT scanner.
Maria majored in Psychology with an emphasis in pre-medicine. She began working
in our lab during the spring of 2018 under the guidance of the Achieving College Excellence (ACE)
program. Maria worked to quantify morphometrics of anurans raised under different nutrient and
pesticide treatments using our new CT scanner.
Sarah Crites
Sarah graduated from LUC with a B.S. in Biology with a psychology minor. She began work
in our lab during the fall of 2015. Sarah investigating the function of terrestrial salamanders in
forested ecosystems and assisted heavily in the Golf Course Biodiversity Project. Her work was
funded by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, the Golf Course
Biodiversity Project and the Loyola Mulcahy Research Fellowship. Sarah is now a veterinary
technician at several hospitals.
Sarah graduated from LUC with a B.S. in Biology with a psychology minor. She began work
in our lab during the fall of 2015. Sarah investigating the function of terrestrial salamanders in
forested ecosystems and assisted heavily in the Golf Course Biodiversity Project. Her work was
funded by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, the Golf Course
Biodiversity Project and the Loyola Mulcahy Research Fellowship. Sarah is now a veterinary
technician at several hospitals.
Isabella Lentini
Isabella graduated with a major in Biology. She began work in our lab during the summer of 2017.
Izzy and worked largely on our Golf Course Biodiversity Project. Her work wasfunded via the Golf
Course Biodiversity Project and the Loyola Biology Summers and Mulcahy Research Fellowships.
Izzy is now a nurse in the Chicago area.
Isabella graduated with a major in Biology. She began work in our lab during the summer of 2017.
Izzy and worked largely on our Golf Course Biodiversity Project. Her work wasfunded via the Golf
Course Biodiversity Project and the Loyola Biology Summers and Mulcahy Research Fellowships.
Izzy is now a nurse in the Chicago area.
Andrés Muñoz
Andrés graduated from LUC with a B.S. in Biology with an ecology emphasis in December 2017. He
began work in our lab during the spring of 2016. Andrés worked primarily with our
Blanding's Turtle augmentation project and the Golf Course Biodiversity Project. His work was
funded by the USGA and the Biology Summers and Mulcahy Loyola Research Fellowships. He is
now a scientist at Lockhead Martin.
Andrés graduated from LUC with a B.S. in Biology with an ecology emphasis in December 2017. He
began work in our lab during the spring of 2016. Andrés worked primarily with our
Blanding's Turtle augmentation project and the Golf Course Biodiversity Project. His work was
funded by the USGA and the Biology Summers and Mulcahy Loyola Research Fellowships. He is
now a scientist at Lockhead Martin.
Daniella DeRose
Daniella graduated in 2017 with a major Biology with an ecology emphasis. She began work in our
lab during the fall of 2015. Daniella worked on the impact of invasive species on amphibian fitness
and legacy effects. Her work was funded through the Mulcahy and Provost Loyola Research. Fellowships.
Daniella graduated in 2017 with a major Biology with an ecology emphasis. She began work in our
lab during the fall of 2015. Daniella worked on the impact of invasive species on amphibian fitness
and legacy effects. Her work was funded through the Mulcahy and Provost Loyola Research. Fellowships.
Milica Radanovic
Milica graduated in 2016 with a majors in Biology (Ecology emphasis) and Environmental Science
and a minor in Biostatistics. Milica led our project investigating the use of Bayesian stable isotope
mixing models to examine energy flow from invasive plants in wetlands (now published). Her work
was funded through the Biology Research Fellows Program. Milica is now a administrator at New Mexico State University
Milica graduated in 2016 with a majors in Biology (Ecology emphasis) and Environmental Science
and a minor in Biostatistics. Milica led our project investigating the use of Bayesian stable isotope
mixing models to examine energy flow from invasive plants in wetlands (now published). Her work
was funded through the Biology Research Fellows Program. Milica is now a administrator at New Mexico State University
Bonita Mckinley
Bonita graduated in 2016 with a major in Biology. Her work centered at The Field Museum where
she examined the variation (and potential causes of variation) of pigment in the peritoneum
membrane in snakes. Her work was funded through the Mulcahy and Provost Loyola Research
Fellowships.
Bonita graduated in 2016 with a major in Biology. Her work centered at The Field Museum where
she examined the variation (and potential causes of variation) of pigment in the peritoneum
membrane in snakes. Her work was funded through the Mulcahy and Provost Loyola Research
Fellowships.
Nojan Rastegar
Nojan graduated in 2016 with a major in Biology (ecology emphasis) and a minor in Psychology. He investigated whether the combined effects of wetland drying and invasive species altered the fitness and morphology of anurans. His work was funded through the Biology Summers Research Fellowship.
Nojan graduated in 2016 with a major in Biology (ecology emphasis) and a minor in Psychology. He investigated whether the combined effects of wetland drying and invasive species altered the fitness and morphology of anurans. His work was funded through the Biology Summers Research Fellowship.
Jennifer Fernandez
Jennifer graduated in 2016 with a major in Biology. Her interest included investigating the stress
and health of herpetofauna, so she was a natural fit for our Blanding's and Ornate box Turtle work.
She accumulated data on thousands of blood slides throughout her tenure. Her work was funded
through the Mulcahy and Provost Loyola Research Fellowships.
Jennifer graduated in 2016 with a major in Biology. Her interest included investigating the stress
and health of herpetofauna, so she was a natural fit for our Blanding's and Ornate box Turtle work.
She accumulated data on thousands of blood slides throughout her tenure. Her work was funded
through the Mulcahy and Provost Loyola Research Fellowships.
Emily Gerber
Emily graduated in 2016 with a major in Biology (Psychology/Neuroscience minors). Emily examined the synergistic effects of climate change and invasive species on larval anurans during summer of 2015, which was funded through the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center.
Emily graduated in 2016 with a major in Biology (Psychology/Neuroscience minors). Emily examined the synergistic effects of climate change and invasive species on larval anurans during summer of 2015, which was funded through the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center.
Dr. Stanislaw Warcholek
Stan graduated in spring 2015 with Biology and Biophysics degrees. For two years in our lab, Stan
investigating a technique to determine gender of Desmognathus spp. while in a field setting and
was heavily involved in our Ornate Box Turtle project. His work was funded by the Provost
Summer and Mulcahy Fellowships. Stan is now a veterinarian down south.
Stan graduated in spring 2015 with Biology and Biophysics degrees. For two years in our lab, Stan
investigating a technique to determine gender of Desmognathus spp. while in a field setting and
was heavily involved in our Ornate Box Turtle project. His work was funded by the Provost
Summer and Mulcahy Fellowships. Stan is now a veterinarian down south.
Dr. Leigh Anne Harden
Leigh Anne was a postdoctoral researcher and instructor of ecology in the Department of Biology
and Milanovich Lab from 2014-2015. She received her B.S. in Biology from Davidson College and
her Ph.D. in Marine Biology from University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Dr. H developed several
projects within the lab, including our assessment of Blanding's Turtle and Ornate Box Turtle blood
chemistry and health, and assisted in just about everything we did! Dr. H is now a Assistant
Professor at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL. See more about Dr. Harden here.
Leigh Anne was a postdoctoral researcher and instructor of ecology in the Department of Biology
and Milanovich Lab from 2014-2015. She received her B.S. in Biology from Davidson College and
her Ph.D. in Marine Biology from University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Dr. H developed several
projects within the lab, including our assessment of Blanding's Turtle and Ornate Box Turtle blood
chemistry and health, and assisted in just about everything we did! Dr. H is now a Assistant
Professor at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL. See more about Dr. Harden here.
