Danielle is a second-year master’s student pursuing a degree in the Great Lakes Environmental Science program. Her research focuses on arthropod spatial distribution on the northeastern forest floor and whether downed wood is a limiting factor for ant colonization. She has previously worked with several local organizations as an environmental educator, a role which has helped develop her knowledge of Western New York’s ecology. Personal interests include backpacking, crafting, and spending time with her animals! 

Allison recently graduated with a BS from Buffalo State University (BSU) in May 2025, dual majoring in Earth Sciences and Environmental Geography with a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She currently interns at BSU’s Environmental Health and Safety office, mainly assisting in the monitoring and mapping of the stormwater system on campus. Her commitment to expanding her scientific knowledge led to working towards a MA in Great Lakes Environmental Science! She is currently in the process of finding her ecological interests while developing her thesis project. In her free time, she enjoys taking walks, drinking coffee, listening to music, and spending time with family. Go Bills!

Sky is a graduate student in the Great Lakes Environmental Science (GLES) program. She graduated in 2023 with a degree in Earth Sciences. Her research, beginning in Spring 2026, focuses on spring ephemerals along Lake Erie and how their phenology is influenced by the lake’s unique microclimates.

Before starting graduate school, Sky worked at Letchworth State Park, managing invasive species, surveying old-growth forests, and establishing native meadow habitats. She currently works at Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, continuing restoration and monitoring efforts throughout the Lake Erie/Niagara River watershed. Sky loves traveling, and you can typically find her in a woodland, observing pollinators and taking photos of wildlife. 

Lydia is a first-year graduate student in the Biology program. Her research focuses on convergent evolution of seeds, galls, and phasmid eggs using ants as a dispersal method. She is also currently a graduate assistant in the Biology department. 

Lydia recently graduated from the University at Buffalo with a BS in Environmental Studies. She has also worked as an environmental education counselor at a summer camp which has made her more interested in perusing education. In her free time, Lydia plays rugby with Buffalo Women's RFC.

Intra and interspecific competition via allelopathy among native and non-native plants

The effect of Great Lake thermal gradients on pollinating Hymenoptera and Diptera

Impacts of German yellowjacket (Vespula germanica) removal on pollinator communities in Western New York

Pollination synchrony along a Great Lakes thermal gradient