Sabrina McNew, pi
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
mcnew (at) arizona.edu
Scientific interests: Host-parasite interactions, community ecology, mechanisms of host defense, genomic evolution in response to disease, birds.
Unscientific interests: Food, baking, rock climbing, and exploring the Sonoran Desert.
Henrey Deese, phd student
Henrey’s research focuses on the interactions of host, vector, and disease in avian systems, particularly how these shape host evolution and ecology. During his MS, he assessed the population genetics and systematics of two isolated populations of the Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum). Outside of his research he enjoys birding, wildlife and macro photography, playing guitar, and table-top RPGs.
Isabella Weiler, PhD student
I am broadly interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying heterogeneity in host response to parasites, both at the individual and population level. I am also interested in applying this knowledge to conservation efforts and improving our understanding of how, when, and where disease spreads. I have worked in multiple study systems and am very excited to learn more about avian disease dynamics and physiology!
Scientific interests: host-parasite interactions, molecular ecology, disease modeling, conservation biology/genetics
Unscientific interests: horseback riding, hiking, spoiling my beautiful angel baby cat, reading highbrow literature.
Danny Jackson, Postdoc
Danny is an evolutionary biologist who investigates the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife. He is currently studying the effects of an introduced parasite on endemic island passerines, while developing several additional projects. His previous work focused on studying the effects of urbanization on native desert birds and on characterizing patterns of speciation in seabirds. He’s passionate about equity in STEM, about community participation in science, and the intersections of art, science, and identity.
Unscientific interests: Hiking, running, filmmaking, writing, gardening, and staying one step ahead of my 1 year old dog.
Diana carolina loyola, Collaborator
Diana Carolina Loyola es Galapagueña, a la edad de 18 años empezó a colaborar en varios proyectos de la parte marina y terrestre de Fundación Charles Darwin (FCD) como voluntaria. Fue becaria de la misma institución desde el año 2012 hasta 2016. Realizó su tesis de grado en el área de aves marinas de la FCD, sobre la concentración de metales pesados, del cual obtuvo su título de grado en Biología con Mención en Ecología y Gestión en la Universidad del Azuay. Desempeñó el cargo de asistente de campo durante cuatro años en el proyecto de tortugas marinas. Desde el 2019 viene apoyando como asistente de campo en el área de aves terrestres e integrándose como Investigador desde febrero de este año en el proyecto de enfermedades emergentes de aves de la Universidad de Arizona.
Allyson Placko, Lab Manager
Allyson is a UA grad with a particular interest in virus-host interaction and coevolution as well as host-parasite factors that lead to asymptomatic vs symptomatic infection. She previously worked with a number of different established and emerging plant viruses to understand viral diversity and spread.
Unscientific interests: reading, podcasts about horror movies, puzzles, & fancy coffee shops