People
Kathleen (Katie) E. Lotterhos (she/her)
B.A. Physics from Binghamton University in 2002
Ph.D. in Biology from Florida State University in 2011
I conduct cross-disciplinary research in ecological and evolutionary genomics, marine biology, and biostatistics. I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, open water swimming, ceramics, and getting my butt kicked by my 9-year old in various sports that involve balls.
[Google Scholar profile] [GitHub] [Mastodon @DrK_Lo@ecoevo.social] [LinkedIn]
Email: k.lotterhos (*at*) northeastern.edu
Postdoctoral Fellows
Information for prospective postdocs: There will be postdoc opportunities in the lab 2024-2025. Current postdoc ad in evolutionary modeling: https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/careers/job/Nahant-MA/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate--Marine-and-Environmental-Sciences_R125519
Consider writing a proposal with me! Opportunities include Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB) Program: Biological Research, Understanding and Solutions for a Resilient Planet , another focus area in PRFB, the Ocean Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, a Smith Conservation Research Fellowship, a STAR grant, or one of these funding schemes for postdocs
Jiseon Min (she/they)
B.S. Physics from Caltech, 2018, M.S. Applied Math & Ph.D. Biology from Harvard, 2022,
Prev. postdoc: Kern & Ralph co-lab @ University of Oregon
Email: j.min(at)northeastern.edu
I am building simulation models for invasive fruit fly populations adapting to seasonally fluctuating temperature and global climate change. My general research interests are in mathematical and computational models for emergent phenomena in population biology.
PhD Students
If you are interested in starting a PhD in the lab, please contact Dr. Lotterhos!
Madeline Eppley
B.A. Biology from Bard College at Simon's Rock, 2020
Email: eppley.m@northeastern.edu
I am studying the genomic evolution of wild eastern oyster populations over space and time with insights from environmental data, disease data, and historic DNA. My research interests include population genomics, museomics, ancient DNA, disease ecology, host-parasite interactions, and temporal evolution. I developed an interest in studying evolution as an undergrad at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, where I was an intern in the natural history collection. While there, I also studied the rate of shark and swordfish meat substitutions in New England markets for my honors senior thesis. Beyond research, I am passionate about science communication, mentorship, and outreach to K-12 students.
Camille Rumberger
B.S. Marine & Coastal Sciences from University of California Davis, 2021
Email: rumberger.c@northeastern.edu
I am interested in using genomics and ecological and evolutionary modeling to understand the phenomenon of local adaptation. In my graduate studies, I hope to use these tools to predict how marine invertebrates will adapt to their environments, particularly under climate change scenarios. These interests stem from my time at UC Davis, where I worked as a junior specialist for Dr. Rachael Bay studying various questions related to molecular ecology and population genomics in corals and purple urchins. I am also invested in conservation, and have spent several summers aiding in coral restoration efforts in the Caribbean. In my free time, I enjoy SCUBA diving, rollerblading, and making tiny hats for my lizard, Aggie.
Undergraduate Researchers
Kiran Bajaj
Candidate for a B.S. in Marine Biology with a minor in Data Science
I am a second year at Northeastern and interested in ecological and evolutionary genomics, invertebrate zoology, and the responses of organisms to climate change. I also love cooking, SCUBA, and soccer!
Spring 2023 co-op student.
Email: bajaj.ki@northeastern.edu
Zea Segnitz
Candidate for a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
I am a third-year at Northeastern University from Santa Cruz, California. I am interested in the genomic basis of local adaptation and how this can inform our understanding of organisms' health and fitness in rapidly changing environments, as well as its applications in conservation and restoration. Outside of my studies, I love reading books, backpacking, and swimming in the ocean!
Fall 2023 co-op student through December 2023.
Email: segnitz.z@northeastern.edu
Nicole Mongillo
Candidate for a B.S in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Spanish
I am a third-year at Northeastern from Connecticut. My study interests include the impacts of climate change on aquatic animal genomics and marine restoration. I am a passionate dancer and musical theater performer and love to read.
Co-op student from January through August 2023.
Email: mongillo.n@northeastern.edu
Leila Curtis
Candidate for a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with minors in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Mathematics
I'm a rising third year at Northeastern University from Long Island, New York. I'm interested in phylogenetics, systematics, and evolutionary relationships within vertebrates (particularly in fishes and in birds). Outside of school and research, I'm on the varsity Track & Field team as a thrower and I love reading, playing video games, and listening to music.
Summer 2024 Intern
Email: curtis.lei@northeastern.edu
Zoe Chapman
Candidate for a B.S. in Data Science and Environmental and Sustainability Sciences
I am a fourth year at Northeastern University from Honolulu, Hawaii. I am interested in applying data science techniques to study how organisms adapt to changes in their environment from a conservation standpoint. In my free time I love running, backpacking, and going to museums!
Fall 2024 Co-op through December 2024.
Email: chapman.zo@northeastern.edu
Nour Shoreibah
Candidate for a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics
I'm a second year at Northeastern University, originally from Alabama and Egypt. I'm interested in leveraging numerical AI and natural language processing to empower impactful genomics research. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, going on walks/hikes, and building fun software projects.
Spring 2025 Co-op
Email: shoreibah.n@northeastern.edu
Eshna Kulshreshtha
Candidate for a B.S. in Marine Biology with minors in Environmental Studies and Music
I am a third year at Northeastern University from San Ramon, California! Academically, I am interested in marine ecology, climate change effects on organisms and biodiversity, and ecological restoration. In my free time, you can usually catch me playing bassoon or tenor sax with various music and theater clubs on campus (shoutout NU Pep Band)!
Spring 2025 Volunteer/Intern
Email: kulshreshtha.e@northeastern.edu
High School Interns
We sometimes have opportunities for high school interns. Interested students should email Dr. Lotterhos.
Former Lab Members
Lee Fenuccio, former undergraduate
Candidate for a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Data Science
I’m a fourth year at Northeastern University. I love all things animals, especially my fish and my chickens, and I love discovering new things. My study interests include curitorial work, genetics and genomics, and applications of data science in both of those fields. Check out some of my work here!
Spring 2024 Co-op
Email: fenuccio.a@northeastern.edu
Lisa Gouralnik, former high school intern
I graduated from Natick High School this May and will start my first year at McMaster University in September of 2024. At McMaster University, I enter as a Life Science Gateway student and I plan to major in Molecular Biology and minor in Computer Science. I am interested in pursuing research and I love attending concerts and analyzing new movies!
Email: elgouralnik6@gmail.com
Nina Johnson, former high school intern
I am a rising senior at Marblehead High School, interning for the summer in the Lotterhos Lab and assisting with collecting data from oysters and parasitic polydora worms. Once I graduate high school, I am hoping to attend college and major in biology with a concentration in marine science. In my free time, I enjoy SCUBA diving, playing tennis, and practicing violin.
Email: ninaeninja2@gmail.com
Jalen Gibbs, former summer research technician
B.S. Duke University, Masters Three Seas Program
Jalen is an incoming PhD student in the Trussel Lab at Northeastern University, and accompanied us as a summer research technician on our Eelgrass Adaptations project in the Baltic Sea, in collaboration with Marlene Janke at the University of Gothenberg in Sweden.
Brandon M. Lind, former postdoc
B.S. Chemistry, B.S. Biology from the University of Northern Iowa 2010
Ph.D. Integrative Life Sciences from Virginia Commonwealth University 2018
Previous postdoc with Sally Aitken (University of British Columbia) and Sam Yeaman (University of Calgary)
working on the CoAdapTree Project.
Email: lind.brandon.m@gmail.com
[Personal Website] -- [Google Scholar] -- [GitHub]
Remy Gatins (she/her), former postdoc
B.S. Biology from Universidad de las Américas Puebla, México in 2011
M.Sc. Marine Science from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia in 2014
Ph.D. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from University of California Santa Cruz in 2021
Email: r.gatins@northeastern.edu
My research is broadly focused on the ecology and evolution of marine organisms. I am interested in understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive biodiversity patterns in a rapidly changing environment at the genomic, population, and species-level. Evolutionary processes such as adaptation and speciation—the process by which new species arise—depend on the population's genetic makeup. As climate change continues to accelerate, species' persistence will depend on their populations’ ability to adapt quickly to new demographic and environmental conditions. Recently, I obtained an NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship to test the evolutionary theory of the accumulation of deleterious mutations in a rapid climate-driven range expansion and harvested marine fish, Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata).
[Personal Website] -- [Google Scholar] -- [Github]
Remy moved on to a faculty position at Northeastern University after her postdoc in the lab.
Elisabeth Leung, former undergrad
Candidate for a B.S in Data Science and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
I am a rising third-year at Northeastern from Seattle, Washington! I am interested in studying how climate change is affecting population structure, biodiversity, and genomics. In my free time, I like to read, especially in my hammock.
Co-op student from May through December 2022.
Email: leung.el@northeastern.edu
Elisabeth completed an Honor's Thesis and moved onto a PhD program after graduation.
Fin Li, former undergrad
Candidate for a B.S. in Marine Biology with a minor in Data Science
I’m a rising second-year at Northeastern. Currently, I have a variety of interests, including impacts of climate change, ichthyology, and applications of data science in the marine sciences. I’m also fond of science writing and scientific illustration.
Summer 2023 Intern
Email: li.sop@northeastern.edu
Clara Winguth, former undergrad
B.S. in Environmental Science NU Class of 2023
I am interested in evolutionary genomics and plastic responses to climate change. For my capstone project, I will be working on educational tools while enhancing my knowledge of quantitative genetics. I enjoy baking and working out in my free time!
Capstone student from January through April 2023.
Clara moved onto a Masters program in Germany after graduation.
Sarah Wagner, former high school intern
I am a class of 2022 graduate of Innovation Academy in Tyngsboro, and plan to pursue studies in life sciences at UMass Amherst in the Fall. I collect data on seascape conditions and their correlations with diseases impacting the eastern oyster to assist in the compilation of a larger database. In my free time I enjoy playing soccer, hiking, and extremely competitive rounds of Wii DDR.
Sarah was a high school intern and moved onto a bachelor's program at UMass.
Annie Christie, former undergrad
Candidate for a B.S. in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences with a concentration in Conservation, Restoration, and Management
I am interested in the study of invasive and endangered species, ecological and evolutionary genomics, native pollinator species, and biological diversity. In my free time I am a passionate beekeeper and gardener!
Co-op student from August through December 2022.
Email: christie.a@northeastern.edu
Thais Bittar (former Lab Manager)
B.S. Biology from Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, Brazil in 2002
Ph.D. Phytoplankton Ecology and Biogeochemistry from Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, Brazil in 2010
Alan Downey-Wall, Former PhD Student
PhD Northeastern University, Lotterhos Lab
B.S. Marine Science and Environmental Studies from Eckerd College
M.S. Marine Biology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
I am broadly interested in using and developing molecular and statistical tools to study population dynamics and adaption in marine organisms, particularly on contemporary timescales. Previously, my research focused on understanding dispersal patterns in the invasive red lionfish, Pterois volitans, and incorporating dispersal into predictive removal models to improve the overall management of the species. Currently, I am interested in examining local adaptation using both theoretical and empirical data, with a focus on adaptive responses to ocean acidification and other global change stressors in marine systems. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, hiking, scuba diving, and competitive games of Cards Against Humanity.
Alan moved on to work for Embark after completing his his PhD in the lab.
Sara Schaal, Former PhD Student
B.S. Biological Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
PhD Northeastern University, Lotterhos Lab
I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I received my undergraduate degree and pursued research in two fields: the ecosystem impacts of an invasive mussel on optics in a freshwater lake and the population genetic structure of a freshwater algae species. My current research interests include fisheries management, evolutionary adaptation to climate change, how local adaptation leads to population divergence and understanding ecology and evolution through the use of mathematical models. Other than loving any science related activities, I enjoy playing soccer, going for bike rides, hiking and playing with my big pup Stella!
Sara moved on to work for NOAA and earn an NSF Postdoctoral Fellow after completing his his PhD in the lab.
Dylan Titmuss, Former undergrad co-op
I am a recently graduated Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and English student, and I’m originally from the Gower Peninsula in Wales. I’ve been fascinated by nature, especially marine and coastal ecosystems, for as long as I can remember, and I’m particularly interested in the intersection of ecology and evolution with genetics. In addition to being a student, I teach science classes to Boston-area K-12 students through various organizations, including Science Club for Girls, Boston EcoScholars, and NEPTUN, and I am also a Zumba instructor! In my free time, I love bird-watching, baking, reading, writing poetry, and watching far too many BBC nature programmes... :)
Eric Prileson, former volunteer
BA History, Northeastern University, 2011
Incoming MS Student in Ecology & Evolutionary Bio - Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
After working as a K-12 science educator for 8 years, I am headed back to school in an MS research program at CWRU. I am broadly interested in adaptation to environmental stressors such as climate change; more specifically, I am interested in how phenotypic plasticity and transgenerational plasticity can play a role in evolutionary rescue for vulnerable organisms and cascading ecological effects. In my free time, I enjoy paddling, camping, and exploring the outdoors!
Lauren Zane, RCN Mentee Program
Undergraduate from UC Berkeley, Evolving Seas Virtual Lab Meeting Mentoring Program
Ian Birchler, RCN Mentee Program
Undergraduate from the University of Maine, Evolving Seas Virtual Lab Meeting Mentoring Program
Molly Albecker (former postdoc)
B.S. Biology and American Studies from the University of Mary Washington
M.S. Biology from East Carolina University in 2011
Ph.D. Biology from East Carolina University in 2018
I am working on the Research Coordinated Network for Evolution in Changing Seas to synthesize, integrate, and advance our understanding of evolution in changing seas. I am also generally interested in how various mechanisms like phenotypic plasticity, life history traits, and physiology evolve in response to environmental change.
[Google Scholar profile] [Twitter @molly_albecker] [Website]
Molly moved ont oa faculty position at UT Houston after completing a postdoc on the lab.
Helen (Ellie) Clark (former high school intern)
I am from Swampscott, and I am a junior at Essex Technical High School studying biotechnology. I've been interested in biology and environmental studies since elementary school, and I am planning on continuing my studies in biotechnology after high school. I am on my school's cross country and track teams, and in my free time I enjoy playing the violin and viola and spending time outdoors.
Jason VuNguyen (former high school intern)
I am currently a senior at Revere High School who is planning to pursue studies in environmental engineering. Since I was a toddler, I have always had an interest in math and the sciences. So, this led to me to join my school’s Environmental Club and even start the Math Team. Aside from my academic interests, I enjoy playing basketball, running, and non-competitive table tennis.
Áki Jarl Láruson (former postdoc)
B.S. General Biology (Chemistry minor) from Humboldt State University in 2010
Ph.D. Zoology (specialization in Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation Biology) from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in 2018
Population genetics, phylogenetics, marine invertebrate zoology, bioinformatics
[Google Scholar profile] [Twitter @AkiJarl] [GitHub] [Website]
K. Bodie Weedop (former technician)
B.S. Biology from Utah State University in 2017
Bodie left us in 2019 to start his PhD at the University of Georgia. Google Scholar GitHub website.
Jo-Anne Purdy
(Westborough High School, high school teacher)
Banafsheh Salamat
(Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, high school teacher)
Kevin Freeman (former Masters in Bioinformatics co-op)
B.S. Biology from Northeastern University in 2017
M.S. Bioinformatics from Northeastern University in 2019
Camila Cortina
(former undergraduate co-op and Honors thesis student, NU Class of 2019) Currently pursuing a PhD at UT Austin
Isabel Gutowski
(former undergraduate co-op)
Peter Garneau
(former undergraduate volunteer)
Kevin Wasko
(former undergraduate co-op)
Samantha Schloeman
(former undergraduate volunteer)
Sanket Revadkar
(former research volunteer)
Elizabeth Allen
(former high school intern, graduate of Watertown High School in Watertown)
Kira Becker
(former high school intern, graduate of Gann Academy in Waltham)
Brett Ford
(former research technician)
Currently Bioinformatician at Embark [Google Scholar Profile] [Twitter @bmichael4d]
Jonathan B. Puritz (former postdoc)
Currently Assistant Professor at the University of Rhode Island)
[Google Scholar Profile] [ResearhGate Profile] [Twitter @JonPuritz] [Website]
Amber Eule-Nashoba (former postdoc)
Jaxine Wolfe
(former undergraduate, NU class of 2019)
Sandi Scripa
(former undergraduate, NU class of 2018)
Laura Long
(former high school intern, Undergraduate Class of 2022 UC San Diego)
Jeanne Bloomberg
(Capstone project in 2016, NU class of 2016)
Julia Lane
(former high school intern in 2016, Marblehead High School)
Left to study Marine Science at California State University, Monterey Bay
Vanessa Guerra (former technician 2014-2015)
Left to pursue a PhD at Simon Fraser University
Pam Denish
(former undergraduate, Undergraduate Class of 2015 Wake Forest University)
Currently pursuing a PhD at UC Davis
Sarah Poulin
(former undergraduate, Undergraduate Class of 2015 Wake Forest University)
Currently a graduate student at Duke University's Nicholas School for the Environment
Ryan Haldieri
(former high school intern)