Lab Members

Beckah Campbel, Environmental Life Sciences Ph.D. Program, 2025

I am interested in studying the life history characteristics of elasmobranch species to better inform conservation and management efforts. Elasmobranchs are important to the health of our oceans. Understanding how life processes, such as reproduction, dietary habits, growth, and movement, intertwine is critical to conservation. I am interested in utilizing reproduction, trophic ecology, and movement to better understand how these different life processes affect individuals and populations of specifically the Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezi). Discernment of movement patterns and how they contribute to biological processes can provide insight into the ecology and population dynamics of this important species and aid in conservation by providing more knowledge on how this species interacts with its environment.

Brooke Anderson, Environmental Life I am a Ph.D. student studying various aspects of porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) ecology. The porbeagle shark is overfished in the Northwest Atlantic and information on the species movement, reproduction, and interactions with fisheries will be critical to creating effective management of this vulnerable population. To help with research and management needs, I study the survival of porbeagle sharks that are captured and released as bycatch in rod-and-reel fisheries. I also use a combination of satellite tagging technologies, ultrasonography, and reproductive hormone analysis to understand how porbeagle shark habitat use and physiology varies with life stage and pregnancy. This information has important ramifications for establishing protected areas and/or capture avoidance strategies for important life stages such as pregnant females and juveniles. Overall, my research aims to improve the management and conservation of the porbeagle shark.

Stephanie Noel Cassel, Biological Data Science M.S. Program, 2021

I am a Master’s student interested in analyzing big data sets utilizing data science through statistical modeling. I am working on fish abundance data from the Gulf of Mexico in partnership with NOAA to assess populations pre and post-oil spills. I will also be looking at fish abundance data from local freshwater sites around Phoenix, AZ as a measure of population and ecosystem health. Overall, I hope to provide data and analysis that can lead to changes in conservation practices and policies to promote marine and freshwater conservation globally.

Sarika Sawant: Medical Studies, 2023

I am currently majoring Medical Studies and minoring in Dance. I am working on my honors thesis that establishes a correlation between dance and different ocean issues such as microplastics and animal extinction. I am interested in marine research and hope to pursue a career in the medical field.

Juliana Kaloczi: Conservation Biology and Ecology, 2023

I am a conservation biology and ecology major and I am very passionate about conservation efforts in the ocean. I plan to earn a Masters degree in conservation biology and work in the field of marine biology, specifically pertaining to sharks.

Bridget Krause:Conservation Biology and Ecology, 2023

I am a conservation biology and ecology major minoring in political science. I plan to dental school after graduation, but is working in our lab studying her other passion, conservation in wildlife.

Morgan Cleary: Conservation Biology and Photography, 2022

I am Junior double majoring in Conservation Biology and Photography and minoring in Sustainability. I plan on continuing my education to my PhD and focus on marine research, primarily with the shark species. I plan on using my knowledge in both photography and biology to help with conservation research.

Deion Sebion: Biology, 2023

I am currently a sophomore studying biology. I am expanding my knowledge in biology and looking forward to studying marine life. I love the outdoors along with all the wildlife and I am very excited to be working in the Sulikowski lab. After graduating, I plan on starting a career in marine biology.

Courtney Holden: Volunteer

I am a volunteer in the Sulikowski Lab. I have a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a Minor in Chemistry. Recently, I worked at OdySea Aquarium in the Animal Health Department in charge of running water quality and diagnostics as well as assisting with veterinary procedures. I plan to get my Masters in Biology with an emphasis on shark biology and conservation.

Linda Donaldson: Medical Studies

I am a non traditional (and mom) senior working towards my medical studies degree then I plan on continuing my education to obtain a PhD in research. This is my second semester volunteering in the Sulikowski lab aiding in extracting hormones from porbeagle shark muscles; using non-lethal techniques to better understand their reproductive biology.

Remie Loudy: Conservation Biology and Ecology

I am a nontraditional senior (and a mom) studying conservation biology and ecology with a specific interest in elasmobranch movement/population ecology and marine science. I am hoping to continue my education after graduation studying endangered species and learning how to increase participation in conservation as well protecting marine biodiversity.

Former Undergraduate Students

Mateo

Amanda

Nisi

Taeler