Alex Kingston
PI/Assistant Professor
Google Scholar
I received my B.S. from Arizona State University studying biology and investigating coloration in butterflies in the lab of Ron Rutowski. I earned my PhD at UMBC where I studied extraocular photoreception in crustaceans, cephalopods, and fish with Tom Cronin. I did my postdoctoral training with Dan Speiser at the University of South Carolina where I explored the evolution of visual systems in molluscs and the co-evolution of complex traits in crustaceans. While at UofSC, I discovered a love for and kinship with snapping shrimp.
PI/Assistant Professor
Google Scholar
I received my B.S. from Arizona State University studying biology and investigating coloration in butterflies in the lab of Ron Rutowski. I earned my PhD at UMBC where I studied extraocular photoreception in crustaceans, cephalopods, and fish with Tom Cronin. I did my postdoctoral training with Dan Speiser at the University of South Carolina where I explored the evolution of visual systems in molluscs and the co-evolution of complex traits in crustaceans. While at UofSC, I discovered a love for and kinship with snapping shrimp.
Tanner Mierow
PhD Student
I graduated in the spring of 2022 from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. As an undergraduate, I worked on the visual system of Giant Water Bugs (commonly known as toe biters!), a charismatic ambush predator that has a special place in my heart. Currently, I am primarily working on two projects: 1. How the visual system of aquatic insects functions both in air and water, and 2. The neuroethology of snapping shrimp-goby mutualisms. When I am not in ponds dip netting for toe biters, I can be found running with my partner or at home playing with my australian shepherd, Archie.
PhD Student
I graduated in the spring of 2022 from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. As an undergraduate, I worked on the visual system of Giant Water Bugs (commonly known as toe biters!), a charismatic ambush predator that has a special place in my heart. Currently, I am primarily working on two projects: 1. How the visual system of aquatic insects functions both in air and water, and 2. The neuroethology of snapping shrimp-goby mutualisms. When I am not in ponds dip netting for toe biters, I can be found running with my partner or at home playing with my australian shepherd, Archie.
Jacob Bolin
PhD Student
In 2023, I graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and a minor in neuroscience. I completed research during my undergraduate degree in the visual sensory systems of marine vertebrate species which earned me two publications, one in Nature Communications on dermal photoreception in the rooster hogfish, and in PROC B on the visual capabilities of Humpback Whales. Now I’m focusing my scientific efforts on exploring the neuroanatomy of snapping shrimp. With a specific focus on brain damage and the lasting effects of brain damage in these animals due to their powerful shockwaves. Moving halfway across the country and away from the coast to continue my research in marine biology may sound crazy, but science usually is.
PhD Student
In 2023, I graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and a minor in neuroscience. I completed research during my undergraduate degree in the visual sensory systems of marine vertebrate species which earned me two publications, one in Nature Communications on dermal photoreception in the rooster hogfish, and in PROC B on the visual capabilities of Humpback Whales. Now I’m focusing my scientific efforts on exploring the neuroanatomy of snapping shrimp. With a specific focus on brain damage and the lasting effects of brain damage in these animals due to their powerful shockwaves. Moving halfway across the country and away from the coast to continue my research in marine biology may sound crazy, but science usually is.
Madeline Marquardt
PhD Student
I graduated in Spring 2024 from Davidson College with a B.S. in Biology. Through my courses, I discovered a strong passion for animal behavior and field research, gaining experience observing animals in their natural environments. A semester abroad in the Caribbean further solidified my interest in sensory ecology, where I studied the behavior of nocturnal octopus species. I am currently investigating fast vision in snapping shrimp, hoping to uncover connections between physiology, behavior, and habitat across species. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hiking or below the surface SCUBA diving.
PhD Student
I graduated in Spring 2024 from Davidson College with a B.S. in Biology. Through my courses, I discovered a strong passion for animal behavior and field research, gaining experience observing animals in their natural environments. A semester abroad in the Caribbean further solidified my interest in sensory ecology, where I studied the behavior of nocturnal octopus species. I am currently investigating fast vision in snapping shrimp, hoping to uncover connections between physiology, behavior, and habitat across species. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hiking or below the surface SCUBA diving.
Elle Arens
Undergraduate Researcher
I plan to graduate from the University of Tulsa in spring 2026. I am majoring in biological sciences with minors in neuroscience, chemistry, and art. After graduating, I plan to pursue a Master of Science degree as a pathologist's assistant. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, painting, lifting weights, and cuddling with my cat Odie.
Undergraduate Researcher
I plan to graduate from the University of Tulsa in spring 2026. I am majoring in biological sciences with minors in neuroscience, chemistry, and art. After graduating, I plan to pursue a Master of Science degree as a pathologist's assistant. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, painting, lifting weights, and cuddling with my cat Odie.
Alex Kirby
Undergraduate Researcher
I will graduate from the University of Tulsa in 2026 with a B.S. in Biological Science and Psychology. After graduating, I plan on getting my M.D. and becoming a practicing neurologist. When out of the classroom, I tend to my freshwater aquariums and spend time with my boyfriend and many pets. I love all things neuroscience and look forward to studying brain damage in pistol shrimp.
Undergraduate Researcher
I will graduate from the University of Tulsa in 2026 with a B.S. in Biological Science and Psychology. After graduating, I plan on getting my M.D. and becoming a practicing neurologist. When out of the classroom, I tend to my freshwater aquariums and spend time with my boyfriend and many pets. I love all things neuroscience and look forward to studying brain damage in pistol shrimp.
Norah Hager
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Cole Eberle
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Wyatt Boomershine
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher