People

Zach Czoer - I am a PhD student pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. My research interests include coastal sedimentary systems, blue carbon capture, and salt marsh ecosystem restoration. Before joining the CRABEY Lab, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science at The Ohio State University (2020), specializing in Ecosystem Restoration; as well as, a Master of Science degree in Coastal, Marine, and Wetland Studies from Coastal Carolina University (2023), where I conducted thesis research focused on the creation of a proxy reconstruction of late Holocene relative sea-level changes in the northern Gulf of Mexico through collection and analysis of salt marsh peat. My current research focuses on monitoring changes in shoreline morphology and blue carbon stocks in Georgia salt marshes following shell-bag oyster reef restoration through analysis of sediment characteristics, geospatial data, and gaseous fluxes within these systems. 

Natalie Boydstun - My path to the Carroll Lab has been quite the adventure. After earning a degree in behavioral psychology at the University of Florida, I embarked on a cross-continental journey, dedicating myself to hands-on sanctuary animal care and wildlife rehabilitation. From chimpanzees to cows, sheep to orangutans, turkeys to kittens, and even west coast pinnipeds and pelagic birds - I've had the privilege of caring for diverse species. Nothing quite like tube feeding an elephant seal pup! And may their need for it be ever-diminishing. As an avid birder, I often found myself amidst the lush wetlands of the Pacific Northwest. I took my passion for those systems to the next level by obtaining certification in Wetland Science and Management from the University of Washington. My path also led me to the front lines of addressing addiction, homelessness, and mental and physical health disparities as a social worker in Seattle. In those tough moments I recharged my psyche through environmental survey work, conducting wetland delineations, orca monitoring, and protected bird surveys in the Seattle drizzle really warms the soul. I'm thrilled to continue cultivating my expertise in aquatic ecosystems as I embark on my graduate thesis project, which is centered on the impacts of restored oyster reefs on shoreline accretion and sediment microbioal communities. When I'm not immersed in ecological contemplations, you'll find me on the pickleball court, experimenting with vegan casseroles, lifting weights, and doting on my feline companions. 

Autumn Sellars - I am a graduate student under Dr. John Carroll at Georgia Southern University and the newest victim of the Crabey Lab. I got into Marine Biology by not going to the beach but watching too many nature channels (especially by Sir David Attenborough). I spent my undergrad at the University of West Georgia asking questions and grabbing turtles. I am currently at Georgia Southern University to obtain my Masters Degree and am studying the buffering effects of growing Ulva (an Algae) and oysters together under high CO2 conditions. Even though organism culturing is calling my name at the moment, I also enjoy looking at invasive species and habitat restoration.  

Samin Yasar - I am a graduate student with a background in microbiology, having completed my undergraduate studies at North South University in Bangladesh. My research interests lie at the intersection of microbial ecology and pathogenesis, with a focus on Vibrio species. Currently in the Carroll Lab, I am investigating the dynamics of pathogenic Vibrio species in oysters from coastal Georgia. My research addresses three main questions: 1) How do Vibrio populations change over time and with different grow-out methods (using pre-collected samples)? 2) Are there any differences between intertidal and subtidal oysters? 3) How does post-harvest handling impact Vibrio concentrations in oysters? My work aims to improve understanding of microbial risks in seafood and contribute to better public health practices.