Latest update - 24 June, 2026
Current members
NOTE: Team members are ordered alphabetically
Jessica Huson, Master student – I’m Jessica Marie Huson, a master’s student at UNC Greensboro studying aquatic ecology and conservation biology. My main interests are in how multiple environmental stressors affect aquatic systems, particularly at the community level. I’ve gained a lot of field experience through the Caribbean EcoFS program, where I conducted research on fire coral, and that really solidified my interest in field-based ecology. I’m also a certified rescue diver, so I enjoy combining research with hands-on work in aquatic environments. I’m also a mom to my daughter, Layla, which is a big motivation behind my interest in conservation and sustainability. Long term, I’m hoping to work in aquatic conservation or a field-based research position.
Ethan Isaac, Ph.D student – I was raised in Daytona Beach Florida where I grew a passion for wildlife and biology. After turning 18 I enlisted in the US Air Force and served for five years in Special Warfare as a Tactical Air Control Party operator. During this time, I had two kids, my daughter Elsa and my son Avi. After my service I decided to peruse higher education where I earned my BS in biology and a minor in chemistry here at UNCG! For fun I lift heavy, play outside with my kids, or play inside with my kids!
Luc Lowry, Undergraduate researcher – Currently, I am an undergraduate student majoring in biology, with minors in chemistry and statistics. I plan to continue my education and pursue a career in ecology research. I enjoy learning about different topics in biology and math. Additionally, I have always had a strong interest in animals and nature, so I decided to pursue a career in these fields. In this lab, I aim to establish a solid foundation in research techniques and statistical analysis, enabling me to navigate graduate school and future career endeavors with greater ease. I am a fan of cats, hiking, and watching TV.
Jonah Piscitelli, Master student – I grew up in the wooded outer fringe of Boston’s suburbs, next door to an Audubon wildlife sanctuary. I have always loved being in nature, but my academic interest only formed in my senior year as an undergraduate, when I took an ecology course and first glimpsed the order in the wilderness. Before coming to Greensboro, I held fieldwork and research jobs in Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Nevada. I am generally interested in big-picture ecological questions. Outside of school and work, I enjoy board games, cooking, and hiking.
Madison Powell, Undergraduate student – I’m an undergraduate disciplinary honors student at UNCG and majoring in biology with a studio art minor. I was born and raised in South Louisiana and was constantly outside as a kid. Through family vacations to Florida and outdoor adventures in my hometown, I found a love for all things living. My biggest interest has been in marine environments, specifically the deep ocean and large animals. I strive to learn as much as I can about how our earth functions and operates when nobody’s watching. Alongside possible plans of furthering my education, my goal is to perform hands-on marine research out on the open water. I love all things coffee, any nerdy topic, and the opportunity to learn something new.
Dr. Akira Terui, PI – I’m interested in spatial ecology in general. My research career started at the University of Tokyo where I studied metapopulation structure of the endangered freshwater mussel Margaritifera laevis. After obtaining Ph.D., my research interests expanded. Thus far, I studied freshwater mussels, fish, aquatic and terrestrial insects, plants, and seabirds in collaboration with excellent researchers across the globe. While my research spans across multiple taxa, all tied with a common thread - space. More recently, I started using mathematical approaches and try to integrate theoretical and field research. I’m a lover of streams, tennis, and programming in R. Small gardening became one of my hobbies during quarantine.
Alumni