Organizers

Desirae is in her first year of master’s research studying microbial communities of soils in remnant and restored prairies. She enjoys running, meditation, hiking, and exploring with her kiddos, ages 5 and 13. Des attended the 2020 MEEC and was thrilled to lead the organizing committee and facilitation of NIU’s bid to host the 2021 MEEC. Desirae is the lead organizer and is involved in virtual platform delivery, and treasury for MEEC 2021.

Preferred email: dklimek2@niu.edu

Tony is a second year Master's student in Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University. His thesis research involves studying the impacts of bison and prescribed fire on grassland birds in Illinois and Indiana. During his free time, Tony enjoys birding, hunting, cooking meals with his fiancé, and going on walks with his dog. Tony is involved in planning the virtual platform delivery, programming, and scheduling for MEEC 2021.

Preferred email: adelvalle@niu.edu

Elizabeth (Ellie) Taylor is a PhD student in the department of Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University in the lab of Dr. Bethia King. She received a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Illinois State University and a M.S. of Biological Sciences with an emphasis on Evolution and Ecology from Northern Illinois University. She is currently researching house flies (Musca domestica). In her free time, Ellie likes to explore the nature preserves in Northern Illinois and learn more about native fauna and flora. Ellie is involved in developing the plenary, and organizing Professional Development speakers.

Preferred email: ehart3@niu.edu

Laurie earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from De Paul University, and a master’s in Biological Anthropology at Northern Illinois University. Her master’s thesis involved investigating the prevalence of intestinal parasites in lemurs, humans, domestic animals and invasive rats in Madagascar. She has previous work experience as a zookeeper and animal behavior research intern in the primate house at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. She also worked in the private sector for several years at a medical device/pharmaceutical company. She is passionate about One Health research and is excited to currently be a PhD student in the biology department at NIU researching the gut microbiome and enteric pathogens in American bison (Bison bison). Laurie is involved in planning the virtual platform delivery for MEEC 2021.

Preferred email: lspencer1@niu.edu

Adeyemi (James) Adesanwo is a second year PhD Microbiology student in Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL. His research focuses on Microbial genetics, genetic engineering and pharmaceutical/industrial application of Riboflavin modifications. James loves challenging tasks, rendering help, and making new friends. James is involved in programming, and organizing abstract submissions for MEEC 2021.

Preferred email: aadesanwo@niu.edu

Erin is a second year PhD student in the department of Biological Sciences at NIU. Her dissertation focuses on the application of landscape ecology and drone imagery in tallgrass prairie restoration, particularly working with small mammals. She received a B.S. in biology from Concordia University, Nebraska in 2019. When she isn't in the field or making maps, Erin loves baking (especially pies), hiking and birding with her fiancé, and playing too many video games. Erin is involved with web design, and social media for MEEC 2021.

Preferred email: erowland1@niu.edu

Chloé received her bachelor's degree in Biology from McGill University, and is now a second year master's student at Northern Illinois University. Her thesis research focuses on examining the nutritional chemistry of sympatric lemurs' foods to understand their niche separation and predict their responses to anthropogenic change. In her free time, Chloé enjoys playing lacrosse, exercising, cooking, and visiting museums. Chloé is involved in web design, communication and social media for MEEC 2021.

Preferred email: cgherardi1@niu.edu