Research Team
PhD Students
Kajaya Pollard
(she/they)
Animal Behavior PhD Student
KJ received her Bachelor's in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Texas at El Paso. Her research centers around how urban stressors affect arachnids and how these disturbance variables cause differences in behavior within arachnid populations. She hopes her research can be helpful in creating less detrimental human and animal interactions for the foreseeable future and exploring the adaptations developed by arthropods to navigate the evolving urban landscape.
Beth Ponn
(she/her)
Animal Behavior PhD Student
Beth's research history is in termite behavior and communication, ant reproductive regulation, and black widow behavior in natural and urban populations. Her interests are communication and behavior of insects, as well as environmental influences on adaptation.
MS Students
Hannah Ivester
(they/she)
Plant Biology and Conservation MS Student
Hannah holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences (Conservation and Ecology) from ASU's Barrett Honors College. Their thesis investigated which Arizona milkweed species are optimal to use in planting campaigns in order to conserve monarch butterflies. Hannah will continue to work with the Desert Botanical Garden's Great Milkweed Grow Out project, researching monarchs and milkweed.
Hannah enjoys hiking and exploring Tempe with their senior rescue dog, Sunny.
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Students
Jason Fleming
(he/him)
Biomedical Sciences (BS) Minor in Medical Studies
Barrett Honors College Student
Jason is a sophomore undergraduate student pursuing a major in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Medical Studies. After his undergraduate studies, he intends to apply to medical school and pursue a career as a physician. He loves all things science and enjoy learning about the living world around him!
Undergraduate Research Students
Kirsten Carlson
(she/they)
Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology) (BS)
Kirsten is an undergraduate student studying online from Florida’s Atlantic coast. She plans to pursue graduate research focused on coral reef ecology and genetics. She’s happiest when learning something new—whether it’s in class, on a hike, or out paddleboarding on the lagoon looking for manatees.
Katie Clark
(she/her)
Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology) (BS)
Barrett Honors College Student
Katie has always been fascinated by the concept of life, how each thing came to be, and how everything works together; this is part of the reason why she is interested in biology and ecology. Conservation works its way into the equation because protecting our world and everything in it is a major aspiration of hers. This is why she's so excited to research: to become a viable scientist who can contribute to making the world a better place! She looks forward to a healthy, biodiverse, and sustainable future.
Those are some of her career goals, but on a more personal note, her pastimes include reading, crocheting, sewing, and going on adventures, such as hiking and camping!
Meghna Nair
(she/her)
Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) (BS)
Barrett Honors College Student
Meghna is an undergraduate student interested in many of the natural sciences. Her passions lie in medicinal biology, which she is pursuing in her major, to synthetic biology, ecological conservation, and of course, animal behavior!
Hailey Weinzweig
(she/her)
Biological Sciences (BS)
Barrett Honors College Student
Hailey is an undergraduate student studying biological sciences at Arizona State. She is interested in entering the medical field in the future. She has a strong passion for learning and is excited for the journey ahead of her.