Current TAF Members
Department of BiologyÌý
Teaching Assistant Fellows (TAF) ProgramÌý
Meet Our Spring 2026 TAFs!Ìý
 |
 |
Annabelle BorkÌý(Fall 2025,ÌýSpringÌý2026)Ìý
I graduated from the University of Tampa with a B.S. in Marine Science-Biology.ÌýI researched a coastal isopod species from Tampa and another from Hawaii, contributing to a publication.ÌýI have worked at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, as a shellfishÌýaquaculturist, and at Busch Gardens. My thesis focuses on studyingÌýthe marineÌýinvertebrate communities that attach to juvenile sea turtles (epibionts).Ìý |
|
|
Ìý |
 |
 |
HoldenÌýCooperÌý(Fall 2025, Spring 2026)Ìý
While working towards my undergraduate degree from PennÌýStateÌýI worked on two research projects documenting biofluorescence in larval salamanders and snakes, both of which I published in peer-reviewed journals. After graduating, I worked as a field technician for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, conducting surveys for threatened turtles and snakes. For my MS thesis here at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, I will be conducting a fungal disease study on Eastern Copperhead snakes, with the goal ofÌýestablishingÌýtrends of fungal infection in this species.Ìý |
|
|
Ìý |
 |
 |
Zeena GravesÌý(Fall 2025, Spring 2026)Ìý
I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies focusing on ecology.ÌýWhileÌýan undergrad, I researched the impacts of pesticides on tadpoles by monitoring water quality, land use and mouthpart morphology.ÌýMy research interests are in anthropogenic climate change as well as herpetology. My current thesis at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ focuses on temperature within diamondback terrapin nests.Ìý |
|
|
Ìý |
 |
 |
Lindsay KirknessÌý(SpringÌý2026)Ìý
In 2025, I earned my B.S. in Biology with a minor in Sustainability from ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ. As an undergraduate student, I conducted research with Biology faculty, Dr. Dorothy Christopher, investigating the impacts of climate change on flowering phenology in Connecticut. I also served as a research intern in the ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ Tickborne Disease Prevention Lab (Dr. Connally’s Tick Lab), where I assisted with data collection for two tick ecology research projects. Through these experiences, I developed a strong interest in teaching about climate change and understanding its effects on natural systems. For my MS research at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, I plan to use GIS tools to expand upon my undergraduate research on flowering plants and examine climate effects in New England.Ìý |
|
|
Ìý |
 |
 |
Karena KulakowskiÌý(Spring 2026)Ìý
I graduated in 2025 from Central Connecticut State University with a degree in Biology andÌýa minor in Chemistry. During myÌýundergradÌýtimeÌýI spent time researching nectar and reproductive traits of a newly named plant species in both the greenhouse and analytical chemistry lab. I also worked at the CT Agricultural Experiment Station for two summers with monarch butterfly and bumblebee research. As a graduate student at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ, my thesis work will focus on pollination and reproduction traits of Mountain Laurel. My hobbies include catching insects, gaming, and crocheting.Ìý |
|
|
Ìý |
 |
 |
Bryan LehnerÌý(Spring 2026)Ìý
I have an MS in biology where IÌýfocusedÌýon molecular biology. I am studying at ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ to get a background in conservation and am working on an independent study at the Mianus River Gorge in Bedford, NY.ÌýThere I will complete my stewardship project. My long-term research interests are conservation andÌýornithologyÌýand I want to use my degree to continue my education.ÌýMy long-term career goal is to be a professor in biology.Ìý |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Christa Piccorelli (Spring 2026)
I recently graduated from ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ with a B.S. in Biology and am currently pursuing further education in the M.S. Integrative Biological Diversity program. During my undergraduate career, I worked closely with professors to assist research on tick borne diseases, sea turtle epibionts, pollen abundance, mouse physiology, and biodiversity in Greece and Costa Rica. Outside of school, I give back to my community by volunteering for local organizations to remove invasive species at public parks. |