McMurry Lab
Past Students
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Patrick Cusaac Ph.D. (graduated: Dr. Cusaac)
Generally, my research investigates how environmental stressors influence the ecology and physiology of reptiles and amphibians.
My recent projects have investigated how natural environmental factors (e.g., behavior, habitat) influence pesticide exposure and subsequent effects in amphibians. In the future, my goal is to investigate how multiple stressors (including chemical exposure) may interact to affect the physiology of reptiles and amphibians. Further, my intends to investigate how sublethal exposure to chemicals influences amphibian physiology and ecology.
contact: cusaac@okstate.edu
Amelia Vazquez M.S. (graduated)
My research interests include understanding the effects of anthropogenic factors on wildlife populations and communities for the purposes of conservation. This can entail habitat fragmentation and loss, chemical pollution, and ecotoxicology. I am interested in a broad range of species, with a special interest in endangered species and those of rapid decline.
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My current research looks at how sub-lethal concentrations of copper in the environment affect the health of lateral line neuromasts in tadpoles. I am also investigating what environmental ramifications any lateral line damage may have on behavior and ability to employ rheotaxis in water flow. I use fluorescence microscopy to stain neuromasts and compare pre- and post-exposure functionality.
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contact: amelia.vazquez@okstate.edu
Stephanie Borel M.S. (graduated)
I am interested in the effects of environmental stressors on animal behavior. I am currently examining tadpole's susceptibility to toxicants by looking at the influences of a fungicide under enviornmentally relevant conditions (suspended sediment in the water column).
My research utilizes toxicity test experiments to explore the effect of a pesticide and protectiveness of sediment on the susceptibility of larval Great Plains toads. I also am completing a mass ballance test to determine the fate of pyraclorobin within a water/sediemnt system.
contact: stephanie.borel@okstate.edu
Kaylee Hollingsworth: Interdisciplinary Toxicology program (transferred)
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I am a graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, and am currently volunteering to get research experience before moving toward her ultimate goal of a graduate program in Zoology and then onward to teach. I have a background in Microbiology research, and I spent two years in Veterinary School before I realized she wanted to teach at the college level instead. So, I changed my career path, and here I am! I have an interest in anthropogenic effects on animal ecology and behavior, and I hopes to pursue this interest in the near future.
