Miller Lab, February 2023! Bottom row (L-R): Nia Worth (SLU Biology PhD Student), Biva Chapagain (SLU MS student), Sam Mazumder (Lab Manager), Allison Miller (Principal Investigator), Shannon Meehan (Technician), Alice Werynski (SLU Undergraduate Researcher).
Top row (L-R): Tyler Thrash (SLU Biology PhD Student), Danielle Hopkins (SLU Biology PhD Student), Jack Braley (Technician), Kenneth Okonkwo (SLU Biology PhD Student), Khair Bonsasa (SLU Geospatial Sciences MS Student), Osa Osayawe (SLU Undergraduate Researcher), Matthew Rubin (Senior Research Scientist), Deva Raj Khanal (SLU Biology PhD Student, Missouri Botanical Garden William L. Brown Center Fellow), Zach Harris (Taylor Geospatial Institute Postdoc), Molly Hanlon (Senior Research Scientist), Catherine Le (SLU Undergraduate Researcher).
Missing from this photo: Liam Keaggy (Research Assistant), Missy Lahiri (SLU Undergraduate Researcher), Soyeong Lee (SLU Undergraduate Researcher), Maxwell Look (SLU Undergraduate Researcher), Matt McNeese (SLU Undergraduate Researcher), Shikara Patel (SLU Undergraduate Researcher), Vivian Tran (SLU Undergraduate Researcher), Alex Windsor (SLU Undergraduate Researcher), Kavi Stevick (High School Intern).
The Miller Lab group is supported through a joint faculty partnership between the Department of Biology at Saint Louis University and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, where the lab is based. Members of the lab team have a range of interests and expertise related to plant diversity and evolutionary biology, including bioinformatics, ethnobotany, evolutionary ecology, field botany, genetics, genomics, morphology, root biology, and statistics, among many others. Our goal is to learn more about how perennial plants thrive and survive.
We are very fortunate to work with a diversity of scientists on ongoing projects. Our current collaborators are based at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Cornell University, Danforth Plant Science Center, E. & J. Gallo Winery, The Land Institute, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Michigan State University, Missouri State University, Penn State University, South Dakota State University, University of Kansas, University of Missouri, University of Vermont and the US Department of Agriculture.
We are very fortunate to work with a diversity of scientists on ongoing projects. Our current collaborators are based at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Cornell University, Danforth Plant Science Center, E. & J. Gallo Winery, The Land Institute, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Michigan State University, Missouri State University, Penn State University, South Dakota State University, University of Kansas, University of Missouri, University of Vermont and the US Department of Agriculture.
Allison Miller, PhD. (she/her) Lab Principal Investigator (2006 - present)
Allison Miller, PI
Allison is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Saint Louis University (faculty website) and a Member and Principal Investigator at the Danforth Plant Science Center (investigator website). She is a Research Associate at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Allison is currently serving as the Director of the NSF Funded New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute.
Allison is obsessed with plants and has been chasing down crops and their wild relatives for the better part of 15 years. Her research program focuses on biology, variation, diversity, and evolution in contemporary and emerging perennial crops and their wild relatives. Ongoing work in her group includes grapevines, perennial, herbaceous crop candidate species, and various fruit and nut trees. By understanding evolutionary processes in crop species and their ancestors, she hopes to contribute to the conservation of crop genetic resources, crop improvement, and sustainable agriculture. Originally from the Chicago area, Allison became interested in plants through trips to nearby prairie patches and summer vacations in northern Wisconsin. She holds a BS degree in Botany from Miami University and an MS degree in Botany from Colorado State University. She earned a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Population Biology from Washington University in St. Louis in a joint program with the Missouri Botanical Garden. When she's not working on plants, Allison can be found riding her bike in Forest Park or attending a wide range of kids' sporting events in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Google Scholar Page
For more information on course that Allison teaches at SLU, please click here.
Contact Information:
allison.j.miller [at] slu.edu; amiller [at] danforthcenter.org
Allison is obsessed with plants and has been chasing down crops and their wild relatives for the better part of 15 years. Her research program focuses on biology, variation, diversity, and evolution in contemporary and emerging perennial crops and their wild relatives. Ongoing work in her group includes grapevines, perennial, herbaceous crop candidate species, and various fruit and nut trees. By understanding evolutionary processes in crop species and their ancestors, she hopes to contribute to the conservation of crop genetic resources, crop improvement, and sustainable agriculture. Originally from the Chicago area, Allison became interested in plants through trips to nearby prairie patches and summer vacations in northern Wisconsin. She holds a BS degree in Botany from Miami University and an MS degree in Botany from Colorado State University. She earned a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Population Biology from Washington University in St. Louis in a joint program with the Missouri Botanical Garden. When she's not working on plants, Allison can be found riding her bike in Forest Park or attending a wide range of kids' sporting events in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Google Scholar Page
For more information on course that Allison teaches at SLU, please click here.
Contact Information:
allison.j.miller [at] slu.edu; amiller [at] danforthcenter.org
Admins
Missy Rung-Blue, Senior Grant Specialist
Missy Rung-Blue (she/her), Senior Grant Specialist (2020 - present)
As the lab’s Grant Specialist, Missy is responsible for ensuring successful grant submissions as well as post-award support to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. She has 25 years of experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. She got her MBA from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Truman State University. She is also a board member of the Skeptical Society of St. Louis, a grassroots organization which promotes science and critical thinking. She enjoys reading, gardening, going to concerts, and travel and is the owner/creator of b17navigator.com, a website about her father’s experience during World War II.
during World War II.
As the lab’s Grant Specialist, Missy is responsible for ensuring successful grant submissions as well as post-award support to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. She has 25 years of experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. She got her MBA from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Truman State University. She is also a board member of the Skeptical Society of St. Louis, a grassroots organization which promotes science and critical thinking. She enjoys reading, gardening, going to concerts, and travel and is the owner/creator of b17navigator.com, a website about her father’s experience during World War II.
during World War II.
Technicians
Jack Braley, Lab Technician
Jack Braley (he/they), Lab Technician (2022 - present)
Jack hails from San Antonio, TX, where he was not only born, but where he completed his
BS in Physics and Astronomy. Through his undergraduate career, he researched dark matter distributions in galaxies lensing quasars, or supermassive black holes. He also grew fond of general sustainability and agriculture outside of the classroom, leading him to turn his head from the sky to the soil. His introduction into perennial agriculture began with an internship at The Land Institute in Salina, KS during the fall of 2021. With a desire to continue down a path in regenerative, sustainable, perennial agriculture, he connected with the Miller Lab to become the technician for the FFAR Seeding Solutions grant. He hopes to return to school for higher training, and is hoping his time at the Danforth Center will guide him to a narrower path for graduate school. Jack holds his connection with the natural world at the center of his value system, allowing him to channel his passions while at work, on a rock climb, while backpacking, or while he does any outdoor activity he can engage with.
Jack hails from San Antonio, TX, where he was not only born, but where he completed his
BS in Physics and Astronomy. Through his undergraduate career, he researched dark matter distributions in galaxies lensing quasars, or supermassive black holes. He also grew fond of general sustainability and agriculture outside of the classroom, leading him to turn his head from the sky to the soil. His introduction into perennial agriculture began with an internship at The Land Institute in Salina, KS during the fall of 2021. With a desire to continue down a path in regenerative, sustainable, perennial agriculture, he connected with the Miller Lab to become the technician for the FFAR Seeding Solutions grant. He hopes to return to school for higher training, and is hoping his time at the Danforth Center will guide him to a narrower path for graduate school. Jack holds his connection with the natural world at the center of his value system, allowing him to channel his passions while at work, on a rock climb, while backpacking, or while he does any outdoor activity he can engage with.
Isabella Vergara (she/her), Lab Technician (2023 - present)
Isabella spent most of her life in Austin, Texas but graduated from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa where she studied Biology and Music. She has been interested in studying plants since she began growing a small jungle in her room in high school. She continued to work with plants as a greenhouse assistant, researched annual California wildflower ecology at Grinnell College and tree root and soil respiration at the Morton Arboretum. After taking a fungal biology class and learning more about Iowa's origins as a diverse prairie, she began to wonder at the seas of soy and corn that cover most of Iowa, and she became interested in studying how prairie communities could help restore our soils. In her free time, Isabella enjoys playing the cello, listening to classical music, baking, and taking care of her plants.
Isabella spent most of her life in Austin, Texas but graduated from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa where she studied Biology and Music. She has been interested in studying plants since she began growing a small jungle in her room in high school. She continued to work with plants as a greenhouse assistant, researched annual California wildflower ecology at Grinnell College and tree root and soil respiration at the Morton Arboretum. After taking a fungal biology class and learning more about Iowa's origins as a diverse prairie, she began to wonder at the seas of soy and corn that cover most of Iowa, and she became interested in studying how prairie communities could help restore our soils. In her free time, Isabella enjoys playing the cello, listening to classical music, baking, and taking care of her plants.
Research Scientists
Molly Hanlon, Senior Research Scientist & Penny, Senior Pup
Molly Hanlon, PhD. Senior Research Scientist (2022 - present)
Molly joined the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute
as part of both the Miller and Topp labs in August 2022. She is working to understand the root biology and physiology of perennial plants using a mix of low-and-high tech platforms, including her favorites – the shovel and sledgehammer. Molly has been studying root biology since 2006 when she stumbled into a plant physiology lab looking for a summer job to compliment her pre-med coursework. At some point, she decided that plants were cool, and she kept working in the lab researching the role of auxin in mycorrhizal interactions and earned her BS in Biochemistry at Allegheny College. She completed her PhD in Plant Biology at Penn State with Kathy Brown, studying roots and plant nutrition in Arabidopsis and rice. She was going to leave Penn State for a postdoc, but an interesting opportunity to manage an ARPA-E funded ROOTS project, DEEPER, led by Jonathan Lynch, came her way. In addition to managing the project, she developed a technology used to estimate maize root depth in the field. When she’s not doing science, she likes to ride/fix/break bicycles, swim, pet dogs, and tell people things
about Pennsylvania.
Molly joined the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute
as part of both the Miller and Topp labs in August 2022. She is working to understand the root biology and physiology of perennial plants using a mix of low-and-high tech platforms, including her favorites – the shovel and sledgehammer. Molly has been studying root biology since 2006 when she stumbled into a plant physiology lab looking for a summer job to compliment her pre-med coursework. At some point, she decided that plants were cool, and she kept working in the lab researching the role of auxin in mycorrhizal interactions and earned her BS in Biochemistry at Allegheny College. She completed her PhD in Plant Biology at Penn State with Kathy Brown, studying roots and plant nutrition in Arabidopsis and rice. She was going to leave Penn State for a postdoc, but an interesting opportunity to manage an ARPA-E funded ROOTS project, DEEPER, led by Jonathan Lynch, came her way. In addition to managing the project, she developed a technology used to estimate maize root depth in the field. When she’s not doing science, she likes to ride/fix/break bicycles, swim, pet dogs, and tell people things
about Pennsylvania.
Matthew Rubin, PhD. Senior Research Scientist (2019 - present); FFAR/PCovar
Dr. Matthew Rubin, Senior Research Scientist
Matthew joined the Miller Lab group in 2019 as a Postdoctoral Associate. He is broadly interested in genetic mechanisms of adaptation to heterogeneous environments, and plasticity in trait expression across environmental regimes. His research takes a holistic approach to understand the abiotic environmental factors that influence trait expression, the developmental mechanisms that perceive and integrate these environmental signals at the whole organism level, and the amount of phenotypic variation and plasticity present for a given trait. He competed his B.S. and M.S. degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where his research focused on the role of season cues on germination timing in the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. Matthew completed his Ph.D. at the University of Wyoming focusing on examining quantitative variation in the circadian clock in plants grown under natural field conditions and the role of the circadian clock in regulating plant architecture. Most recently, Matthew was a Postdoctoral Associate at Syracuse University. He is excited to join the Miller Lab and work on projects relating to perennial agriculture!
Contact Information:
mrubin [at] danforthcenter.org
Contact Information:
mrubin [at] danforthcenter.org
Postdoctoral Researchers
Zach Harris, PhD. Postdoctoral Research Associate
Zach Harris (he/him), PhD. Postdoctoral Research Associate (2022 - present)
Zach completed his undergraduate career as a double major in environmental chemistry and general biology at Missouri State University. As an undergrad, he worked for a short time in a computational chemistry lab under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Siebert. His developed interest in computation coupled with an interest in biology led him to complete an MS in Biology at Missouri State under the guidance of Dr. Laszlo Kovacs. In the Kovacs lab, he worked on genome annotation, transcriptome profiling, and long non-coding RNA identification in grapevine. Toward the end of his tenure, he began working on the functional implications of RNA structure and function on resolving phylogentic relationships. He hopes to continue this work as a doctoral student while simultaneously determining the transcriptomic implications of rootstock selection. In his free time, he enjoys lab-unrelated big data explorations, Netflix, podcasts, and other inside activities.
Contact Information:
zachary.n.harris [at] slu.edu
Zach completed his undergraduate career as a double major in environmental chemistry and general biology at Missouri State University. As an undergrad, he worked for a short time in a computational chemistry lab under the guidance of Dr. Matthew Siebert. His developed interest in computation coupled with an interest in biology led him to complete an MS in Biology at Missouri State under the guidance of Dr. Laszlo Kovacs. In the Kovacs lab, he worked on genome annotation, transcriptome profiling, and long non-coding RNA identification in grapevine. Toward the end of his tenure, he began working on the functional implications of RNA structure and function on resolving phylogentic relationships. He hopes to continue this work as a doctoral student while simultaneously determining the transcriptomic implications of rootstock selection. In his free time, he enjoys lab-unrelated big data explorations, Netflix, podcasts, and other inside activities.
Contact Information:
zachary.n.harris [at] slu.edu
Stella Woeltjen, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Stella Woeltjen (she/her), Postdoctoral Research Associate (2023 - present)
Stella joined the Miller Lab in July 2023 as a part of the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute. She is interested in researching the capacity of perennial crops to build soil quality in agricultural systems, with a special interest in investigating perennial plant physiological controls over soil quality recovery. These research interests were first developed during the completion of her B.S. in Crop and Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, where she researched the timeframe required to recover near-native soil quality once long-term row cropland was retired into restored perennial grass and forb mixtures. She built on this research while completing her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, where she used isotope tracers to study the flux of carbon and fertilizer-derived nitrogen through perennial grain (Kernza ®, intermediate wheatgrass) tissues, soil, and soil microbial communities. In her current role, Stella is excited to work in the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute to continue studying the role perennial plant traits play in driving soil processes and contributing to the advancement of perennial crop development and adoption. Outside of her research, Stella enjoys hiking, rock climbing, genealogy, baking bread, and has recently dabbled in the craft of model ship building.
Stella joined the Miller Lab in July 2023 as a part of the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute. She is interested in researching the capacity of perennial crops to build soil quality in agricultural systems, with a special interest in investigating perennial plant physiological controls over soil quality recovery. These research interests were first developed during the completion of her B.S. in Crop and Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, where she researched the timeframe required to recover near-native soil quality once long-term row cropland was retired into restored perennial grass and forb mixtures. She built on this research while completing her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, where she used isotope tracers to study the flux of carbon and fertilizer-derived nitrogen through perennial grain (Kernza ®, intermediate wheatgrass) tissues, soil, and soil microbial communities. In her current role, Stella is excited to work in the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute to continue studying the role perennial plant traits play in driving soil processes and contributing to the advancement of perennial crop development and adoption. Outside of her research, Stella enjoys hiking, rock climbing, genealogy, baking bread, and has recently dabbled in the craft of model ship building.
Saint Louis University Graduate Students
Khair Bonsasa, SLU MS Student
Khair Bonsasa, MS Student (2022-present)
Khair completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and started his master's Program in Geographic Information Sciences (GIS). Since Khair was in High School, he has been passionate about studying human impact on the environment. Through Ground Penetrating Radar technology, Khair researches perennial crop root architecture to study its implications on crop yield. He is co-advised by SLU professors Dr. Vasit Sagan and Dr. Allison Miller.
Khair completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and started his master's Program in Geographic Information Sciences (GIS). Since Khair was in High School, he has been passionate about studying human impact on the environment. Through Ground Penetrating Radar technology, Khair researches perennial crop root architecture to study its implications on crop yield. He is co-advised by SLU professors Dr. Vasit Sagan and Dr. Allison Miller.
Biva Chapagain, SLU MS Student
Biva Chapagain (she/her), MS Student (2022-present)
A sole attachment with farm in my everyday life ultimately helped me for knowing soil and plants through my early childhood. Furthermore, I made a strong decision for studying plant sciences joining Tribhuvan University’s Bachelor of Science in Horticulture program in 2014. I did my research internship in the Abloom Flora Farm, Chitwan Nepal in 2018 focusing with the production, management and harvesting of vegetable crops and ornamental plants, which strengthened my interest towards plant sciences and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, I am joining the Miller Lab with a research interest on perennial crops. My other interests include watching cricket, cooking, dancing, and exploring new places.
A sole attachment with farm in my everyday life ultimately helped me for knowing soil and plants through my early childhood. Furthermore, I made a strong decision for studying plant sciences joining Tribhuvan University’s Bachelor of Science in Horticulture program in 2014. I did my research internship in the Abloom Flora Farm, Chitwan Nepal in 2018 focusing with the production, management and harvesting of vegetable crops and ornamental plants, which strengthened my interest towards plant sciences and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, I am joining the Miller Lab with a research interest on perennial crops. My other interests include watching cricket, cooking, dancing, and exploring new places.
Kenneth Chukweubuka Okonkwo, SLU PhD Student
Kenneth Chukweubuka Okonkwo (he/him), PhD Student (2022 - present)
Kenneth developed interest in Soil Science and Perennial crops during his childhood. He grew up with his parents being farmers in a rural community where perennial crops were used to restore degraded soils and improve the fertility of the soil. Kenneth completed his undergraduate degree in Soil Science at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, where he focused on understanding Soil-Plant interactions and Soil Fertility Management. After his graduation, he worked as a research assistant under Prof. Ibiam Ekpe at the Center for Agricultural Research and Development in Nigeria, where he worked on the effects of organic soil amendments on degraded sandy soils and the yield of crops. Kenneth hopes to contribute significantly to the development of novel perennial herbaceous species for regenerative agricultural systems which offers environmental sustainability and agronomic products. He is excited to join the Miller Lab for his PhD studies and he hopes to continue working on improving his skills as an independent researcher. In his free time, Kenneth enjoys watching/playing football, Sci-fi movies and surfing the net.
Kenneth developed interest in Soil Science and Perennial crops during his childhood. He grew up with his parents being farmers in a rural community where perennial crops were used to restore degraded soils and improve the fertility of the soil. Kenneth completed his undergraduate degree in Soil Science at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, where he focused on understanding Soil-Plant interactions and Soil Fertility Management. After his graduation, he worked as a research assistant under Prof. Ibiam Ekpe at the Center for Agricultural Research and Development in Nigeria, where he worked on the effects of organic soil amendments on degraded sandy soils and the yield of crops. Kenneth hopes to contribute significantly to the development of novel perennial herbaceous species for regenerative agricultural systems which offers environmental sustainability and agronomic products. He is excited to join the Miller Lab for his PhD studies and he hopes to continue working on improving his skills as an independent researcher. In his free time, Kenneth enjoys watching/playing football, Sci-fi movies and surfing the net.
Danielle Hopkins, SLU PhD Student
Danielle Hopkins (she/her), PhD Student (2022 - present)
Danielle is a former Miller Lab alumni, having worked as an undergraduate research assistant from 2015-2018. Following her graduation from Saint Louis University in 2018, she accepted an grape breeding internship position with E. & J. Gallo Winery in California. Her internship lead to her eventual role with Gallo as the Grower Outreach Educator where she conducted practical research trials and disseminated findings to winegrape growers, primarily focused in the central valley of California. She has now returned to the Miller Lab to pursue her PhD where she hopes to focus on the use of functional genomics in grapevine. Outside of the lab, Danielle loves to spend time with her pets Pepper (Australian Cattledog) and Vernon (Corn snake), check out new local restaurants and community events, and listen to any kind of live music!
Danielle is a former Miller Lab alumni, having worked as an undergraduate research assistant from 2015-2018. Following her graduation from Saint Louis University in 2018, she accepted an grape breeding internship position with E. & J. Gallo Winery in California. Her internship lead to her eventual role with Gallo as the Grower Outreach Educator where she conducted practical research trials and disseminated findings to winegrape growers, primarily focused in the central valley of California. She has now returned to the Miller Lab to pursue her PhD where she hopes to focus on the use of functional genomics in grapevine. Outside of the lab, Danielle loves to spend time with her pets Pepper (Australian Cattledog) and Vernon (Corn snake), check out new local restaurants and community events, and listen to any kind of live music!
Deva Raj Khanal, SLU PhD Student
Deva Raj Khanal (he/him), PhD Student (2022 - present)
I grew up in a family attached to subsistence farming, which motivated me to pursue BS in Horticulture from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Upon completion of research internship at Agricultural Research Station Ilam, Nepal in 2017, and leading various activities on crop production and livelihood improvement for the flood affected community in Eastern Nepal (2017-2018), I got a chance to understand the problem of food insecurity and low productivity/return from the farms. This led me to study plant genetics to support solutions in countries like Nepal, both for agriculture and conservation. During my MS studies at South Dakota State University (2019-2022), I learned genomics and bioinformatics to develop a phylogenetic framework for the tribe Salsoleae and taxonomically complexed genus Salsola (family Amaranthaceae), and investigated the role of hybridization in closely related species. I have a keen interest in studying functional genetics of plants and understanding evolutionary history for the crop improvement with conservation of genetics resources; hence I am excited to join the
Miller Lab and Warschefsky Lab (Missouri Botanical Garden) for my PhD program.
Besides, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, hiking, and travelling new places.
Tyler Thrash, SLU Biology PhD Student
Tyler Thrash, PhD Student (2021 - present)
Tyler Thrash joined the Miller Lab in August 2021 as a PhD student in Biology at SLU. His main interests in plant science are the manner in which plants allocate resources to different plant parts under abiotic stress, the genetic architecture underlying resource allocation, and changes in resource allocation responses over development. Before pursuing his interests in plant science, Tyler completed a PhD in psychology and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich in cognitive science and geography, respectively. More recently, he finished a Masters degree in Botany with Rob Baker at Miami University of Ohio. Tyler’s previous work in botany focused on the epistatic interactions underlying resource allocation in Brassica rapa as a result of salt stress and the development of a low-cost high-throughput phenotyping system. Some of Tyler’s other interests include reading/watching science fiction and attending all sorts of concerts (when possible).
Tyler Thrash joined the Miller Lab in August 2021 as a PhD student in Biology at SLU. His main interests in plant science are the manner in which plants allocate resources to different plant parts under abiotic stress, the genetic architecture underlying resource allocation, and changes in resource allocation responses over development. Before pursuing his interests in plant science, Tyler completed a PhD in psychology and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich in cognitive science and geography, respectively. More recently, he finished a Masters degree in Botany with Rob Baker at Miami University of Ohio. Tyler’s previous work in botany focused on the epistatic interactions underlying resource allocation in Brassica rapa as a result of salt stress and the development of a low-cost high-throughput phenotyping system. Some of Tyler’s other interests include reading/watching science fiction and attending all sorts of concerts (when possible).
Nia Worth, SLU PhD student
Nia Worth, PhD Student (2022 - present)
A native Saint Louisian both literally and at heart. Nia Worth has always been mesmerized by nature and the study of living things. Even as a young child at around the age of four. She recalls spending hours with her mother in the garden studying both plants and insects, and then drawing detailed illustrations of them. She completed her undergraduate career as a biology major at Harris Stowe State University in Saint Louis Missouri. During her undergraduate studies she attended and presented at several research conferences. She also participated in several undergraduate research internships. Through these experiences she was exposed to research in the areas of plant biology, plant systematics, plant genetics, and ethnobotany. Although science and plant life has always fascinated her. These experiences are what lead her to the conclusion that the field of plant science was one she could see her future self being immersed in. She is currently set to join the Miller Lab in January of 2022 and begin her PhD studies there. She is excited to begin working on her own research project, and improving her skills as an independent researcher. Some of her favorite hobbies and activities include: painting, cooking, going for long outdoor runs, and exploring new information/learning new things.
A native Saint Louisian both literally and at heart. Nia Worth has always been mesmerized by nature and the study of living things. Even as a young child at around the age of four. She recalls spending hours with her mother in the garden studying both plants and insects, and then drawing detailed illustrations of them. She completed her undergraduate career as a biology major at Harris Stowe State University in Saint Louis Missouri. During her undergraduate studies she attended and presented at several research conferences. She also participated in several undergraduate research internships. Through these experiences she was exposed to research in the areas of plant biology, plant systematics, plant genetics, and ethnobotany. Although science and plant life has always fascinated her. These experiences are what lead her to the conclusion that the field of plant science was one she could see her future self being immersed in. She is currently set to join the Miller Lab in January of 2022 and begin her PhD studies there. She is excited to begin working on her own research project, and improving her skills as an independent researcher. Some of her favorite hobbies and activities include: painting, cooking, going for long outdoor runs, and exploring new information/learning new things.
Undergraduate Researchers
Paige Bostic, SLU Biology Major
Paige Bostic (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2024-present)
Paige Bostic is an undergraduate at Saint Louis University, in her junior year majoring in Biology and minoring in German studies. A lifelong gardener and lover of National Parks, she has long been passionate about sustainability and conservation. Her past role as a facilitator for SLU’s iScore STEM program for children in the St. Louis area has given her a passion for science communication and civic engagement, especially in the context of the life sciences. You can find her outside adding plants to her digital log, sketching particularly interesting leaves, or gushing over the nearest epiphyte. Inside, she’s likely to be found reading Agatha Christie novels, cooking her favorite recipes, or playing with Sunny, her cockatiel.
Paige Bostic is an undergraduate at Saint Louis University, in her junior year majoring in Biology and minoring in German studies. A lifelong gardener and lover of National Parks, she has long been passionate about sustainability and conservation. Her past role as a facilitator for SLU’s iScore STEM program for children in the St. Louis area has given her a passion for science communication and civic engagement, especially in the context of the life sciences. You can find her outside adding plants to her digital log, sketching particularly interesting leaves, or gushing over the nearest epiphyte. Inside, she’s likely to be found reading Agatha Christie novels, cooking her favorite recipes, or playing with Sunny, her cockatiel.
Liam Keaggy, Research Assistant
Liam Keaggy (he/him), REU Intern (2023), Lab Assistant (2023 - present)
Liam is an undergraduate student at Washington University in St. Louis majoring in Biology with a focus on evolution. Liam first joined the Miller Lab as a high school intern while he was a student at the Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience. He presented a poster describing his research at the 2021 virtual Botany meeting and it was awesome. Liam returned to the lab as a research assistant in December 2021. He is processing spectral data for the perennial trait covariation project. His interest in biology came from the honors and AP classes he took in high school, as well as books he’s read. He hopes to eventually become a researcher. In his free time Liam likes to run, play board games and listen to new music.
Liam is an undergraduate student at Washington University in St. Louis majoring in Biology with a focus on evolution. Liam first joined the Miller Lab as a high school intern while he was a student at the Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience. He presented a poster describing his research at the 2021 virtual Botany meeting and it was awesome. Liam returned to the lab as a research assistant in December 2021. He is processing spectral data for the perennial trait covariation project. His interest in biology came from the honors and AP classes he took in high school, as well as books he’s read. He hopes to eventually become a researcher. In his free time Liam likes to run, play board games and listen to new music.
Karen Schmiedeler, SLU Biology Major
Karen Schmiedeler (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2023 - present)
Karen Schmiedeler is a junior at SLU studying biology and environmental science. She is especially interested in plant ecology and restoration. She first became interested in research through working as an undergraduate fellow at the Tyson Research Center, where she helped study tick and wildlife ecology. She developed a particular interest in plants through working at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, where she helped with restoration and prairie reconstruction. She is always excited to learn more about plants and the natural world. In her free time, Karen enjoys hiking, board games, cooking, and playing the guitar.
Karen Schmiedeler is a junior at SLU studying biology and environmental science. She is especially interested in plant ecology and restoration. She first became interested in research through working as an undergraduate fellow at the Tyson Research Center, where she helped study tick and wildlife ecology. She developed a particular interest in plants through working at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, where she helped with restoration and prairie reconstruction. She is always excited to learn more about plants and the natural world. In her free time, Karen enjoys hiking, board games, cooking, and playing the guitar.
Allie Schenewerk, SLU Biology Major
Allie Schenewerk (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2023 - present)
Allie is a undergraduate at Saint Louis University studying biology. She has always loved plants, but knew she wanted to study them for a career after working for a plant nursery throughout high school, and becoming a Missouri Master Naturalist and getting involved in conservation. She is interested in the genetic modification of plants, plants’ interactions with pollinators or fungi, and how those could be applied to sustainable agriculture. When she isn’t covered in dirt or waist-deep in a prairie trying to catch bugs, Allie enjoys reading, doing puzzles, ice skating, acting, and cuddling with her cat, Beau.
Allie is a undergraduate at Saint Louis University studying biology. She has always loved plants, but knew she wanted to study them for a career after working for a plant nursery throughout high school, and becoming a Missouri Master Naturalist and getting involved in conservation. She is interested in the genetic modification of plants, plants’ interactions with pollinators or fungi, and how those could be applied to sustainable agriculture. When she isn’t covered in dirt or waist-deep in a prairie trying to catch bugs, Allie enjoys reading, doing puzzles, ice skating, acting, and cuddling with her cat, Beau.
Alyssa Smith, SLU Biomedical Engineering Major
Alyssa Smith (she/they), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2023 - present)
Alyssa is a Junior at Saint Louis University, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with concurrent studies in Sustainability. With previous experience in information technology and user experience, her interests in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and biomimicry are intended to develop an interdisciplinary approach. Alyssa enjoys traveling and outdoor activities such as bike riding, hiking, gardening, rock collecting, as well as enthusiasm for indoor activities like video games and 3D printing.
Alyssa is a Junior at Saint Louis University, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with concurrent studies in Sustainability. With previous experience in information technology and user experience, her interests in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and biomimicry are intended to develop an interdisciplinary approach. Alyssa enjoys traveling and outdoor activities such as bike riding, hiking, gardening, rock collecting, as well as enthusiasm for indoor activities like video games and 3D printing.
High School Interns
Honorary Lab Members
Henry and Lily, Junior Research Assistants
Henry and Lily, Junior Research Assistants.
Henry and Lily are a brother-and-sister research team focused primarily on insects and cute animals living in the Central West End in St. Louis. They are very strong in the planting department. In their spare time they enjoy riding bikes, organizing pickup games of every sport imaginable, and looking after their four-legged research assistant Cookie.
Henry and Lily are a brother-and-sister research team focused primarily on insects and cute animals living in the Central West End in St. Louis. They are very strong in the planting department. In their spare time they enjoy riding bikes, organizing pickup games of every sport imaginable, and looking after their four-legged research assistant Cookie.
Miller Lab Hall of Fame
Lab alums: Do you have updates to share? Please email amiller@ danforthcenter.org and [email protected]
Samantha Mazumder, Lab Manager
Samantha Mazumder, Lab Manager (2021 - 2023)
Samantha Selby first joined the Miller Lab as an undergraduate researcher while majoring in Biology at SLU (see Sam's flashback photo below in the former Undergraduate Researchers section). She went on to volunteer in the Peace Corps in Nepal where she worked on projects to promote nutritionally dense fruit and vegetable cultivation as well as income generating activities with local farmers. She then worked at Bayer as a Lab Technician before returning to the Miller Lab . Professionally Samantha is interested in sustainable agriculture, conservation, and restoration ecology. Outside of work she enjoys musicals, cooking, and time with friends and family.
Samantha Selby first joined the Miller Lab as an undergraduate researcher while majoring in Biology at SLU (see Sam's flashback photo below in the former Undergraduate Researchers section). She went on to volunteer in the Peace Corps in Nepal where she worked on projects to promote nutritionally dense fruit and vegetable cultivation as well as income generating activities with local farmers. She then worked at Bayer as a Lab Technician before returning to the Miller Lab . Professionally Samantha is interested in sustainable agriculture, conservation, and restoration ecology. Outside of work she enjoys musicals, cooking, and time with friends and family.
Former Post-docs
Dr. Johanna Cantillo, Post-doc
Johanna Cantillo (she/her), PhD. Postdoctoral Research Associate (2020 - 2022); IN2 project
Johanna joined the Miller Lab group in October 2020 as a Postdoctoral Associate. She considers herself as a research scientist interested in plant physiology, particularly on how plants respond to abiotic stress at an ecophysiological and cellular level. She completed her B.S degree at National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia -UNAL) in Bogotá, Colombia where her research focused on the post-harvest physiology of tropical fruits (Psidium guajava and Passiflora edulis), specifically volatile compounds and quality traits related to the maturation process. Johanna completed her PhD. at the University of Washington, Seattle (USA), where she focused on the functionality of canopy roots and the physiological advantages provided to trees under drought stress conditions. She combined techniques from multiple subfields of plant biology, merging greenhouse observations including physiological and ecological parameters, field observations and anatomical and biogeochemical analysis to test the activity
of canopy roots and their role between canopy soils and host trees. She is
very excited to join the Miller lab where she will be working on the Grape-Gas
project, understanding the relationship and effects between rootstocks and
aboveground tissue under drought conditions.
Johanna joined the Miller Lab group in October 2020 as a Postdoctoral Associate. She considers herself as a research scientist interested in plant physiology, particularly on how plants respond to abiotic stress at an ecophysiological and cellular level. She completed her B.S degree at National University of Colombia (Universidad Nacional de Colombia -UNAL) in Bogotá, Colombia where her research focused on the post-harvest physiology of tropical fruits (Psidium guajava and Passiflora edulis), specifically volatile compounds and quality traits related to the maturation process. Johanna completed her PhD. at the University of Washington, Seattle (USA), where she focused on the functionality of canopy roots and the physiological advantages provided to trees under drought stress conditions. She combined techniques from multiple subfields of plant biology, merging greenhouse observations including physiological and ecological parameters, field observations and anatomical and biogeochemical analysis to test the activity
of canopy roots and their role between canopy soils and host trees. She is
very excited to join the Miller lab where she will be working on the Grape-Gas
project, understanding the relationship and effects between rootstocks and
aboveground tissue under drought conditions.
Claudia Ciotir, PhD
Claudia Ciotir, PhD. Postdoc, Perennial Agriculture Project Global Inventory
Claudia Ciotir finished her PhD degree at Trent University, Canada where she worked in the lab of Dr. Joanna Freeland. Her work unraveled historical and contemporary processes that shaped genetic structure of disjunct and invasive plant species populations around the Great Lakes regions. Her research has shown that comparisons of regional and global phylogeographic patterns can provide useful insights for management decisions in conservation biology and invasive species.
Previously, Claudia completed her MSc in Plant Diversity Taxonomy and Evolution at The University of Reading, UK under the supervision of Dr. Alastair Culham, and completed her thesis on phylogeny and DNA barcoding of wild Cyclamen species. She also worked as research botanist for the Romanian Genebank where she was in charge of cataloguing crop wild relatives and documenting their regional in-situ and ex-situ conservation.
Claudia joined the Miller Lab in December 2015 and is working in the Perennial Agriculture Project, a collaborative partnership between The Land Institute, Saint Louis University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden. She is using a combination of literature, field experiments and genomic screening to develop a global large scale inventory of crop perennial legumes and to evaluate valuable traits that will allow the inclusion of potential candidate species in pre-breeding and domestication programs.
Update: Claudia is the Canadian Clonal Genebank Manager, within the Agriculture Agri-Food Canada Research and Development Station based in Harrow, Ontario.
Claudia Ciotir finished her PhD degree at Trent University, Canada where she worked in the lab of Dr. Joanna Freeland. Her work unraveled historical and contemporary processes that shaped genetic structure of disjunct and invasive plant species populations around the Great Lakes regions. Her research has shown that comparisons of regional and global phylogeographic patterns can provide useful insights for management decisions in conservation biology and invasive species.
Previously, Claudia completed her MSc in Plant Diversity Taxonomy and Evolution at The University of Reading, UK under the supervision of Dr. Alastair Culham, and completed her thesis on phylogeny and DNA barcoding of wild Cyclamen species. She also worked as research botanist for the Romanian Genebank where she was in charge of cataloguing crop wild relatives and documenting their regional in-situ and ex-situ conservation.
Claudia joined the Miller Lab in December 2015 and is working in the Perennial Agriculture Project, a collaborative partnership between The Land Institute, Saint Louis University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden. She is using a combination of literature, field experiments and genomic screening to develop a global large scale inventory of crop perennial legumes and to evaluate valuable traits that will allow the inclusion of potential candidate species in pre-breeding and domestication programs.
Update: Claudia is the Canadian Clonal Genebank Manager, within the Agriculture Agri-Food Canada Research and Development Station based in Harrow, Ontario.
Dr. Jenna Hershberger, Post-doc
Jenna Hershberger, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Associate (2021 - 2022); FFAR project
Jenna joined the Miller lab in September 2021 as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Jenna is working on a collaborative project with scientists at The Land Institute in Salina, KS, where she is mentored by Dr. Brandon Schlautman, as well as Kansas State University. Her research focuses on the development and evaluation of new selection and evaluation methods for practical application in plant breeding programs. In the Miller Lab, she will be exploring the use of spectral datasets to improve efficiency in the domestication of perennial grain and legume crops through the FFAR-funded project “High dimensional phenomics and automation to transform cost and timeframe of early stage domestication of wild plants.” Jenna received her B.S. in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and recently completed her Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics with Professor Mike Gore at Cornell University. Her dissertation research focused on the genetics, genomics, and transcriptomics of sweet corn nutritional quality traits and the development of near-infrared spectroscopy-based approaches and analysis tools for the phenotyping of quality traits in cassava. Jenna looks forward to building on this work as part of the Miller Lab!
Update: Jenna is an Assistant Professor of Vegetable Breeding at Clemson University (website).
Jenna joined the Miller lab in September 2021 as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Jenna is working on a collaborative project with scientists at The Land Institute in Salina, KS, where she is mentored by Dr. Brandon Schlautman, as well as Kansas State University. Her research focuses on the development and evaluation of new selection and evaluation methods for practical application in plant breeding programs. In the Miller Lab, she will be exploring the use of spectral datasets to improve efficiency in the domestication of perennial grain and legume crops through the FFAR-funded project “High dimensional phenomics and automation to transform cost and timeframe of early stage domestication of wild plants.” Jenna received her B.S. in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and recently completed her Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics with Professor Mike Gore at Cornell University. Her dissertation research focused on the genetics, genomics, and transcriptomics of sweet corn nutritional quality traits and the development of near-infrared spectroscopy-based approaches and analysis tools for the phenotyping of quality traits in cassava. Jenna looks forward to building on this work as part of the Miller Lab!
Update: Jenna is an Assistant Professor of Vegetable Breeding at Clemson University (website).
Laura Klein, PhD. Postdoc, NSF Grape Grafting Project
Dr. Laura Klein, Post-doc
Laura started her botanical career in undergrad at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, where she spent two months at the Missouri Botanical garden measuring and and describing herbarium specimens for the Campanulaceae treatment in the Flora of China. After finishing her B.S. in 2010, she moved to southwest Ohio to get her M.S. at Miami University. There, Laura spent two glorious years in Miami's historic herbarium, surrounded by pickled fern specimens, studying morphology and introgressive hybridization between three species of North American Diphasiastrum (Lycopodiaceae). In 2012, she joined the Miller lab to study hybridization, evolutionary genomics, and morphology in North American Vitis (even though she still loves ferns). Other than plants, Laura enjoys biking, sampling various restaurants in St Louis, playing board games, and sitting on her balcony with a book.
Update: Laura is the Head Curator & Director of Herbal Research at Leafworks - congratulations, Laura!
Contact Information:
laura.klein [at] slu.edu
Update: Laura is the Head Curator & Director of Herbal Research at Leafworks - congratulations, Laura!
Contact Information:
laura.klein [at] slu.edu
Colin Khoury, Post-doc
Colin Khoury, PhD. Postdoc, USDA NIFA Crop Diversity Baseline Project (2019 - 2021)
Colin joined the Miller lab in September, 2019, with two years of research funding to better understand the changing diversity of corn, beans, and other crops in their centers of origins in Latin America. Colin received his PhD in production ecology and resource conservation from Wageningen University. He comes to us from the USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation in Colorado (the US national genebank), and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Colombia. He formerly worked for the Global Crop Diversity Trust, at the time of the opening of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Colin’s research generally entails bringing together diverse expertise to contribute to conservation strategies for crop wild relatives and crop landraces; to develop Aichi Biodiversity Target, Sustainable Development Goal, and International Plant Treaty indicators; and to support evidence based decision making toward more sustainable food systems. He is also an avid salsa dance instructor and performer.
Update: Colin Khoury is the Senior Director of Science and Conservation at the San Diego Botanic Garden!
Colin joined the Miller lab in September, 2019, with two years of research funding to better understand the changing diversity of corn, beans, and other crops in their centers of origins in Latin America. Colin received his PhD in production ecology and resource conservation from Wageningen University. He comes to us from the USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation in Colorado (the US national genebank), and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Colombia. He formerly worked for the Global Crop Diversity Trust, at the time of the opening of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Colin’s research generally entails bringing together diverse expertise to contribute to conservation strategies for crop wild relatives and crop landraces; to develop Aichi Biodiversity Target, Sustainable Development Goal, and International Plant Treaty indicators; and to support evidence based decision making toward more sustainable food systems. He is also an avid salsa dance instructor and performer.
Update: Colin Khoury is the Senior Director of Science and Conservation at the San Diego Botanic Garden!
Matthew Maimaitiyiming, Post-doc
Matthew Maimaitiyiming, PhD. Post-doc at University of Missouri
Matthew Maimaitiyiming is a postdoctoral researcher at the university of Missouri-Columbia and joined the Miller lab in early September, 2019. He uses ground-, airborne-, and satellite-based observations and advanced machine learning approaches for characterizing vine physiology, which is critical for berry quality and yield. He earned his Bachelor of Science in geographic information system at Xinjiang University in China, 2009 and his master of science in geospatial technology from University of Lisboa in Portugal, 2013. In the same year, he was accepted as a PhD student by integrated appliance sciences program here at Saint Louis University. During the PhD years, his research focused on multiscale remote sensing and machine learning for improving grapevine productivity. His research is truly indispensable for the Missouri grape and wine industry. Prior to becoming a proud and obsessed dad, Matt enjoyed playing and watching soccer, travelling and enjoying good food. Now he barely manages to workout once a week.
Update: Matt is working for Bayer - congratulations, Matt!
Matthew Maimaitiyiming is a postdoctoral researcher at the university of Missouri-Columbia and joined the Miller lab in early September, 2019. He uses ground-, airborne-, and satellite-based observations and advanced machine learning approaches for characterizing vine physiology, which is critical for berry quality and yield. He earned his Bachelor of Science in geographic information system at Xinjiang University in China, 2009 and his master of science in geospatial technology from University of Lisboa in Portugal, 2013. In the same year, he was accepted as a PhD student by integrated appliance sciences program here at Saint Louis University. During the PhD years, his research focused on multiscale remote sensing and machine learning for improving grapevine productivity. His research is truly indispensable for the Missouri grape and wine industry. Prior to becoming a proud and obsessed dad, Matt enjoyed playing and watching soccer, travelling and enjoying good food. Now he barely manages to workout once a week.
Update: Matt is working for Bayer - congratulations, Matt!
Sagar Patel, Post-Doc
Sagar Patel, PhD. Postdoctoral Associate (2020 - 2021)
He will be working on phenotypic and transciptomic data of an important grapevine cultivar 'Chambourcin'. He will work on developing the de novo assembly of a 'Chambourcin' genome, and to the analysis of whole genome sequence data generated for several major commercial rootstocks and their wild ancestors. He will also work on the other projects assigned to him. Sagar has experience with genome assembly of several Vitis and plant species. He is an experienced person with RNA-seq data analysis. Sagar has also trained under graduate students for NGS data analysis during his Ph.D and Post-Doc. He completed his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. Degrees at Sardar Patel University, INDIA. He got two travel fellowships to present his Ph.D work in the US (One from Government of INDIA worth US $2,500) and in CANADA (Second from OICR, CAN $1000) during his Ph.D. Sagar did his first post-doc at the South Dakota University where he was involved in de novo genome assembly of several Vitis species. He also collaborated with USDA, faculty members and trained under graduate students. Sagar did his second post-doc at The University of North Carolina, Charlotte where he did de novo gene prediction and annotation of bivalve species. Sagar is excited to work again with grape species at the Miller lab!
Update: Sagar Patel has started a Bioinformatics company!
He will be working on phenotypic and transciptomic data of an important grapevine cultivar 'Chambourcin'. He will work on developing the de novo assembly of a 'Chambourcin' genome, and to the analysis of whole genome sequence data generated for several major commercial rootstocks and their wild ancestors. He will also work on the other projects assigned to him. Sagar has experience with genome assembly of several Vitis and plant species. He is an experienced person with RNA-seq data analysis. Sagar has also trained under graduate students for NGS data analysis during his Ph.D and Post-Doc. He completed his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. Degrees at Sardar Patel University, INDIA. He got two travel fellowships to present his Ph.D work in the US (One from Government of INDIA worth US $2,500) and in CANADA (Second from OICR, CAN $1000) during his Ph.D. Sagar did his first post-doc at the South Dakota University where he was involved in de novo genome assembly of several Vitis species. He also collaborated with USDA, faculty members and trained under graduate students. Sagar did his second post-doc at The University of North Carolina, Charlotte where he did de novo gene prediction and annotation of bivalve species. Sagar is excited to work again with grape species at the Miller lab!
Update: Sagar Patel has started a Bioinformatics company!
Former Graduate Students
Steven Callen, PhD Biology (SLU 2016).
Steven Callen, PhD
Dissertation: “Evolution of mating systems in clonally reproducing perennial plants: a case study of the invasive species kudzu (Pueraria montana).”
Current position: Postdoctoral research associate at the Danforth Plant Science Center working in Malia Gehan's group.
For more information about Steven and his work check out his website: kudzucallen.weebly.com
CV
Update: Steven is working for Bayer - congratulations, Steven!
Current position: Postdoctoral research associate at the Danforth Plant Science Center working in Malia Gehan's group.
For more information about Steven and his work check out his website: kudzucallen.weebly.com
CV
Update: Steven is working for Bayer - congratulations, Steven!
Sterling Herron, PhD Biology (SLU 2021)
Sterling Herron, PhD Student
Sterling was first drawn to plants through Native American ethnobotany of the southeastern Appalachians, starting a small business crafting jewelweed (anti-poison ivy) soap and lotion. He engaged in two REU programs during the summers of 2013 and 2014, studying human blood zymogens and the hybrid origin of the Concord grape cultivar (work with Jun Wen). After receiving a B.S. in biology and chemistry from Milligan College in 2015, he joined the Miller lab and began work on the perennial agriculture project, a collaboration among SLU, The Land Institute (Salina, KS), and the Missouri Botanical Garden (St Louis, MO), focusing on the legume family, Fabaceae. The central focus of his dissertation is to determine fundamental differences among congeneric herbaceous annuals and perennials in terms of germination, growth rate, reproductive allocation, and root allocation / architecture. When not staring at legumes, you can find him enjoying hiking, spelunking, photography, biomimicry, dogs, H.P. Lovecraft, and watching sunsets.
Update: Sterling finished his PhD in May 2021 and accepted a job as Research Assistant IV at the Archbold Biology Station Plant Ecology Program. Sterling will be doing primarily conservation-oriented work mainly in demography and population biology of the many unusual, endemic perennial plants that grow there in the Florida scrub ecosystem of Lake Wales Ridge. Good luck, Sterling!
Update: Sterling finished his PhD in May 2021 and accepted a job as Research Assistant IV at the Archbold Biology Station Plant Ecology Program. Sterling will be doing primarily conservation-oriented work mainly in demography and population biology of the many unusual, endemic perennial plants that grow there in the Florida scrub ecosystem of Lake Wales Ridge. Good luck, Sterling!
Zach Harris, PhD (SLU 2022)
See above - Zach is current a postdoctoral researcher with the lab.
See above - Zach is current a postdoctoral researcher with the lab.
Laura Klein, PhD Biology (SLU 2017).
See above - Laura completed a post-doc in the lab 2017 - 2019 after finishing her PhD in 2017.
See above - Laura completed a post-doc in the lab 2017 - 2019 after finishing her PhD in 2017.
Alex Linan, PhD Biology (SLU 2019)
Alex Linan, PhD Candidate
Alex finished his undergraduate degree at Missouri State University, where he worked in the lab of Dr. Laszlo Kovacs. During his Doctoral degree program at SLU, Alex will be co-advised by Christy Edwards (Conservation Geneticist, Missouri Botanical Garden) and Allison. Alex's project will focus on conservation genetics of the ebony/persimmon genus (Diospyros) in the Mascarenes.
UPDATE: Alex successfully defended his PhD dissertation, completed a postdoc at the Missouri Botanical Garden, and now serves on the Research Staff of the Missouri Botanical Garden as the Assistant Scientist for Africa and Madagascar.
UPDATE: Alex successfully defended his PhD dissertation, completed a postdoc at the Missouri Botanical Garden, and now serves on the Research Staff of the Missouri Botanical Garden as the Assistant Scientist for Africa and Madagascar.
Chrissy McAllister, PhD
Chrissy McAllister, PhD Biology (SLU 2014).
Dissertation: “The Origin, Evolution, and Ecology of Cytotype Diversity in Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii).”
Current position: Associate Professor and Science Unit Head, Principia College, Elsah, IL.
Since 1999, Chrissy has worked for the Department of Biology &
Natural Resources at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, teaching a wide range of botany-related courses. Her Master’s research at Kansas State University focused on plant ecophysiology—understanding how plants respond to the abiotic environment. Her doctoral research focused on plant population genetics, with a particular focus on exploring how past and current climate impacts population genetic structure in tallgrass prairie plants. She really enjoys working in undergraduate education, and she is excited about helping to increase undergraduate research opportunities both at St. Louis University and at Principia College.
Dissertation: “The Origin, Evolution, and Ecology of Cytotype Diversity in Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii).”
Current position: Associate Professor and Science Unit Head, Principia College, Elsah, IL.
Since 1999, Chrissy has worked for the Department of Biology &
Natural Resources at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, teaching a wide range of botany-related courses. Her Master’s research at Kansas State University focused on plant ecophysiology—understanding how plants respond to the abiotic environment. Her doctoral research focused on plant population genetics, with a particular focus on exploring how past and current climate impacts population genetic structure in tallgrass prairie plants. She really enjoys working in undergraduate education, and she is excited about helping to increase undergraduate research opportunities both at St. Louis University and at Principia College.
Emelyn Piotter, SLU Biology MS student
Emelyn Piotter, SLU MS Student (2020 - 2021)
Emelyn received her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Missouri in Columbia. During her time at Mizzou, she worked with Dr. Candace Galen on several projects related to pollination ecology. Thanks to her time in the Galen Lab, Emelyn's interest shifted from animals to plants. She is now pursuing a master's degree in the Miller Lab with a research focus on sustainable agriculture and specifically, perennial crop development. In her free time, Emelyn enjoys gardening, visiting zoos, and swimming in every body of fresh water she can find.
Emelyn received her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Missouri in Columbia. During her time at Mizzou, she worked with Dr. Candace Galen on several projects related to pollination ecology. Thanks to her time in the Galen Lab, Emelyn's interest shifted from animals to plants. She is now pursuing a master's degree in the Miller Lab with a research focus on sustainable agriculture and specifically, perennial crop development. In her free time, Emelyn enjoys gardening, visiting zoos, and swimming in every body of fresh water she can find.
Carolina Romero-Hernandez, MS Biology (SLU 2011). Carolina is one of the world's experts on the species rich genus of legumes, Inga. She is currently working at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Current position: Research Specialist, Missouri Botanical Garden Research Division.
Current position: Research Specialist, Missouri Botanical Garden Research Division.
Danielle Sampliner, MS Biology (SLU 2009). Danielle conducted ethnobotanical, phylogenetic, and phylogeographic studies in the horseradish genus (Armoracia) for her Master's degree. Danielle is currently working at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Thesis title: “Ethnobotany and evolutionary history of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, Brassicaceae).”
Current position: Biology teacher, Highland High School, Cleveland, OH.
Thesis title: “Ethnobotany and evolutionary history of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, Brassicaceae).”
Current position: Biology teacher, Highland High School, Cleveland, OH.
Heather Schier, SLU MS student in Nutrition and Dietetics
Heather Schier, MS Nutrition and Dietetics (SLU 2018)
As a master's student in Saint Louis University's Nutrition and Dietetics program, Heather is on a quest to build a career that addresses rising health crises through a food system that heals injustices, both social and environmental. With advisor, Dr. Katie Eliot (Nutrition and Dietetics) and guidance from Dr. Allison Miller, Heather is focusing her thesis research on nutritive values and sensory qualities of perennial crops, namely legumes. She is excited to join the lab where she can develop interprofessional skills and collaborate with some groovy folk. Prior to joining the graduate program Heather completed her undergraduate degrees at Baldwin Wallace University, followed by one year of volunteer service with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. During her corps year she worked on projects addressing environmental restoration and injustices and wild fire mitigation in the pacific region of the US. Outside of her academics, Heather can be found riding her bike, backpacking, vegetable gardening, fantasizing of bougie wines and compromising with her insatiable dog, Conway.
Update: Heather is attending graduate school in the PhD degree program at Ohio State University's Interdisciplinary PhD program in Nutrition.
As a master's student in Saint Louis University's Nutrition and Dietetics program, Heather is on a quest to build a career that addresses rising health crises through a food system that heals injustices, both social and environmental. With advisor, Dr. Katie Eliot (Nutrition and Dietetics) and guidance from Dr. Allison Miller, Heather is focusing her thesis research on nutritive values and sensory qualities of perennial crops, namely legumes. She is excited to join the lab where she can develop interprofessional skills and collaborate with some groovy folk. Prior to joining the graduate program Heather completed her undergraduate degrees at Baldwin Wallace University, followed by one year of volunteer service with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. During her corps year she worked on projects addressing environmental restoration and injustices and wild fire mitigation in the pacific region of the US. Outside of her academics, Heather can be found riding her bike, backpacking, vegetable gardening, fantasizing of bougie wines and compromising with her insatiable dog, Conway.
Update: Heather is attending graduate school in the PhD degree program at Ohio State University's Interdisciplinary PhD program in Nutrition.
Joel Swift, SLU Biology PhD Student
Joel Swift (he/him), SLU PhD Candidate (2017 - 2022), NSF Graduate Research Fellow
Coming from a small rural town in central Missouri, as the middle child of six, I never imagined science could be a career, let alone research. It wasn't until I found myself in a chemistry course at State Fair Community College that this changed. I conducted an independent research project testing the effect of different root hormone concentrations on the success of tissue culturing using my very own Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula). This project allowed me to turn a passion for growing plants into a love of plant science. Continuing on with my academic career I attended the University of Central Missouri (UCM) pursuing a BS in Biology, taking many chemistry and genetics courses along the way. In the summer of 2014 I was an intern in the REU program at the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT) working with Dr. Christine Edwards. I investigated the mating system of Polygala lewtonii (Polygalaceae), a federally endangered species endemic to the yellow sand scrub of central Florida, using population genetics at both range-wide and fine scales (~0.25km2). After graduating from UCM, I joined the Edwards lab at MOBOT as a lab technician working on all manner of things from Brassicaceae to bats in topics including DNA metabarcoding, population and conservation genetics, and biogeography. I will be joining the Miller lab, funded by a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, to work on understanding the ability of rootstock’s to modulate the phenotype of the scion across differing climates. Other hobbies and interest include building/breaking/exploring single-board and regular computers, reading for fun, listening to audio books/podcasts/etc, growing carnivorous plants, cooking, and disc golf.
Update: Joel has accepted a postdoctoral position with Dr. Maggie Wagner at the University of Kansas. He was recently awarded and NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology. Congratulations, Joel!
Coming from a small rural town in central Missouri, as the middle child of six, I never imagined science could be a career, let alone research. It wasn't until I found myself in a chemistry course at State Fair Community College that this changed. I conducted an independent research project testing the effect of different root hormone concentrations on the success of tissue culturing using my very own Venus flytraps (Dionaea muscipula). This project allowed me to turn a passion for growing plants into a love of plant science. Continuing on with my academic career I attended the University of Central Missouri (UCM) pursuing a BS in Biology, taking many chemistry and genetics courses along the way. In the summer of 2014 I was an intern in the REU program at the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT) working with Dr. Christine Edwards. I investigated the mating system of Polygala lewtonii (Polygalaceae), a federally endangered species endemic to the yellow sand scrub of central Florida, using population genetics at both range-wide and fine scales (~0.25km2). After graduating from UCM, I joined the Edwards lab at MOBOT as a lab technician working on all manner of things from Brassicaceae to bats in topics including DNA metabarcoding, population and conservation genetics, and biogeography. I will be joining the Miller lab, funded by a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, to work on understanding the ability of rootstock’s to modulate the phenotype of the scion across differing climates. Other hobbies and interest include building/breaking/exploring single-board and regular computers, reading for fun, listening to audio books/podcasts/etc, growing carnivorous plants, cooking, and disc golf.
Update: Joel has accepted a postdoctoral position with Dr. Maggie Wagner at the University of Kansas. He was recently awarded and NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology. Congratulations, Joel!
Brigette Williams, PhD Student
Brigette Williams, PhD Biology (SLU 2021), Needleman Fellow in Conservation Genetics
Brigette completed her B.S. in General Biology at Drury University and her M.S. in Plant Science at Missouri State University. During undergrad, she identified equal interest in plants and genetics, and then combined the two in her M.S. thesis research exploring the genetics of leaf shape morphology in grapes. She also has a life long interest in conservation and is a member of the Missouri Master Naturalists. She comes to SLU and the Missouri Botanical Garden to pursue a PhD in Plant Conservation Genetics as the 2016 Needleman Fellow. She will be co-advised by Dr. Allison Miller at SLU and Dr. Christine Edwards at Missouri Botanical Garden. Brigette is very excited to join both labs and hopes to use a novel approach to research the genetics of plasticity in a species of conservation concern. In her free time she enjoys being active outdoors, especially hiking, floating, and camping with her dogs.
Update: Brigette successfully defended her PhD in July 2021, worked as a postdoc within the NSF Funded Genes by Environment (GEM3) project in the Department of Biological Sciences at Idaho State University, and then joined the staff of the Missouri Botanical Garden where she is a Postdoctoral Researcher.
Brigette completed her B.S. in General Biology at Drury University and her M.S. in Plant Science at Missouri State University. During undergrad, she identified equal interest in plants and genetics, and then combined the two in her M.S. thesis research exploring the genetics of leaf shape morphology in grapes. She also has a life long interest in conservation and is a member of the Missouri Master Naturalists. She comes to SLU and the Missouri Botanical Garden to pursue a PhD in Plant Conservation Genetics as the 2016 Needleman Fellow. She will be co-advised by Dr. Allison Miller at SLU and Dr. Christine Edwards at Missouri Botanical Garden. Brigette is very excited to join both labs and hopes to use a novel approach to research the genetics of plasticity in a species of conservation concern. In her free time she enjoys being active outdoors, especially hiking, floating, and camping with her dogs.
Update: Brigette successfully defended her PhD in July 2021, worked as a postdoc within the NSF Funded Genes by Environment (GEM3) project in the Department of Biological Sciences at Idaho State University, and then joined the staff of the Missouri Botanical Garden where she is a Postdoctoral Researcher.
Former Research Assistants and Lab Technicians
Nicole Baumgarten, SLU Environmental Science Major
Nicole Baumgarten (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Research Assistant (2022)
Nicole grew up in South Carolina, and moved to St. Louis to look for more opportunities for personal growth. She loves hiking, camping, her dogs, and anything outdoors. She is a senior at Saint Louis University majoring in Environmental Science. In her house, the inside looks like the outside! She is passionate about conservation, reconciliation, and building the future.
Nicole grew up in South Carolina, and moved to St. Louis to look for more opportunities for personal growth. She loves hiking, camping, her dogs, and anything outdoors. She is a senior at Saint Louis University majoring in Environmental Science. In her house, the inside looks like the outside! She is passionate about conservation, reconciliation, and building the future.
Niyati Bhakta, SLU Bio/Math
Niyati Bhakta, Research Assistant (2019 - 2020)
As an undergraduate student at SLU Niyati spent more than two years working on various projects with our lab group. She earned two degrees in Biology and Math in May 2019. She chose to study these subjects because she enjoys learning about science and problem solving. In her free time she volunteers with Campus Kitchen and Almost Home. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, and spending time with her friends. Niyati returned to the lab as a research assistant in August, 2019, and did a great job working on several lab projects including setting up a new field site.
Update: Niyati started dental school in August, 2020. We will miss you, Niyati!
As an undergraduate student at SLU Niyati spent more than two years working on various projects with our lab group. She earned two degrees in Biology and Math in May 2019. She chose to study these subjects because she enjoys learning about science and problem solving. In her free time she volunteers with Campus Kitchen and Almost Home. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, and spending time with her friends. Niyati returned to the lab as a research assistant in August, 2019, and did a great job working on several lab projects including setting up a new field site.
Update: Niyati started dental school in August, 2020. We will miss you, Niyati!
Azaria Covington (she/her), Summer Lab Assistant (2023)
Azaria is an undergraduate student at WashU, majoring in Environmental Biology and minoring in Art. Originally on the pre-med track, she found an interest in plants during AP Bio in high school. During the summer of 2022, she conducted research in a molecular/microbiology lab, analyzing microorganisms. Although she enjoyed her time there, she wanted to become more involved with plants to understand how they grow and experience working with them hands-on. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, reading, and creating art.
Azaria is an undergraduate student at WashU, majoring in Environmental Biology and minoring in Art. Originally on the pre-med track, she found an interest in plants during AP Bio in high school. During the summer of 2022, she conducted research in a molecular/microbiology lab, analyzing microorganisms. Although she enjoyed her time there, she wanted to become more involved with plants to understand how they grow and experience working with them hands-on. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, reading, and creating art.
Emma Frawley, Research Assistant
Emma Frawley, Research Assistant (2017-2019)
Emma is a graduate from Bucknell University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Spanish. At Bucknell she worked with Dr. Chris Martine in phylogenetics and systematics of Australian Solanums. She was involved with the identification of two new species of Solanum, in addition to an ecological niche-modeling project for four Solanum species complexes. Through her major, she became fascinated by the relationship between climate change and food systems, and the ways in which environmental issues can be solved through food systems, rather than worsened by them. Her honors thesis was about veganism and food culture. She is excited to be combining her interests in sustainable agriculture with botanical research in the Miller Lab. She is a cat lover and crossword enthusiast.
Update: Emma completed a Master's degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Population Biology at Washington University in Fall, 2021. She was awarded a Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Fellowship for Women in Graduate Study and the William Danforth Fellowship. She is now working for EROL - congratulations, Emma!
Emma is a graduate from Bucknell University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Spanish. At Bucknell she worked with Dr. Chris Martine in phylogenetics and systematics of Australian Solanums. She was involved with the identification of two new species of Solanum, in addition to an ecological niche-modeling project for four Solanum species complexes. Through her major, she became fascinated by the relationship between climate change and food systems, and the ways in which environmental issues can be solved through food systems, rather than worsened by them. Her honors thesis was about veganism and food culture. She is excited to be combining her interests in sustainable agriculture with botanical research in the Miller Lab. She is a cat lover and crossword enthusiast.
Update: Emma completed a Master's degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Population Biology at Washington University in Fall, 2021. She was awarded a Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Fellowship for Women in Graduate Study and the William Danforth Fellowship. She is now working for EROL - congratulations, Emma!
Toni Johnson, Lab Technician
Toni Johnson (she/her), Lab Technician (2021 - 2022)
Toni completed her undergraduate degree at Howard University in Washington DC. In her time at Howard she conducted research focusing on allelopathy and biodiversity, she also studied abroad in Sharjah, UAE in which she studied population ecology, plant-animal and plant-human interactions present in the desert and coastline of the United Arab Emirates. In the future Toni will be pursuing a PhD in Ethnobotany to research ways it can be applied to conservation and restoration efforts. Her love of plants and ethnobotany was cultivated from many childhood summers spent exploring the woods behind her house, helping her mother grow flowers each spring, and a National Geographic-fed interest in other cultures and how they utilize the plants around them for medicine, art, and religious practices. Some of her other interests and hobbies include singing, creating playlists, reading in hammocks, watching horror movies, and going on picnics.
Update: Toni started a PhD program at the City University of New York in conjunction with the New York Botanical Garden. She is the recipient of the prestigious James Bruce Llewellyn Fellowship. Great job, Toni!
Toni completed her undergraduate degree at Howard University in Washington DC. In her time at Howard she conducted research focusing on allelopathy and biodiversity, she also studied abroad in Sharjah, UAE in which she studied population ecology, plant-animal and plant-human interactions present in the desert and coastline of the United Arab Emirates. In the future Toni will be pursuing a PhD in Ethnobotany to research ways it can be applied to conservation and restoration efforts. Her love of plants and ethnobotany was cultivated from many childhood summers spent exploring the woods behind her house, helping her mother grow flowers each spring, and a National Geographic-fed interest in other cultures and how they utilize the plants around them for medicine, art, and religious practices. Some of her other interests and hobbies include singing, creating playlists, reading in hammocks, watching horror movies, and going on picnics.
Update: Toni started a PhD program at the City University of New York in conjunction with the New York Botanical Garden. She is the recipient of the prestigious James Bruce Llewellyn Fellowship. Great job, Toni!
Shannon Meehan, Lab Technician
Shannon Meehan (she/her), Lab Technician (2022 - 2023)
Shannon is the lab technician for the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute in the Miller lab. Shannon received her B.A. at Luther College in Decorah, IA with degrees in Biology and Environmental Policy, which fueled her passion for ecological restoration and research. Prior to joining the Miller lab, Shannon spent three years as an AmeriCorps member with Conservation Corps MN & IA in Saint Paul, MN where she led high school youth and other AmeriCorps members through various habitat restoration projects in and around the Twin Cities. Shannon has also spent time in Washington’s Northern Cascade Mountains on a fire ecology research crew and in southeast Idaho as a member of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Conservation and Land Management Internship. If she’s not out in the field, you will likely find Shannon trail running, baking bread, or dabbling in poetry.
Shannon is the lab technician for the New Roots for Restoration Biology Integration Institute in the Miller lab. Shannon received her B.A. at Luther College in Decorah, IA with degrees in Biology and Environmental Policy, which fueled her passion for ecological restoration and research. Prior to joining the Miller lab, Shannon spent three years as an AmeriCorps member with Conservation Corps MN & IA in Saint Paul, MN where she led high school youth and other AmeriCorps members through various habitat restoration projects in and around the Twin Cities. Shannon has also spent time in Washington’s Northern Cascade Mountains on a fire ecology research crew and in southeast Idaho as a member of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Conservation and Land Management Internship. If she’s not out in the field, you will likely find Shannon trail running, baking bread, or dabbling in poetry.
Zoraya Piedra, Research Assistant
Zoraya Piedra (she/her), Research Assistant (Aug 2022 - Dec 2022)
Zoraya Piedra is a recent high school graduate from McKinley CLA High School and St. Louis Community College through the Early College Academy program (ECA). She was first introduced to the Danforth Center community as a high school intern in the Baxter Laboratory in 2022 but then had the opportunity to join the Miller Lab as a lab assistant once her internship was done. For her postsecondary education, she plans to major in environmental science and minor in aerospace engineering. During her free time, she enjoys volunteering at her local food pantry, reading anything related to Jane Austen, and working on projects whose main focus is removing the negative stigma around taboo topics and helping minority populations in St.Louis, MO.
Update: Zoraya is a first year student at Webster University - congratulations, Zoraya! In spring 2023 she was awarded a summer internship in an NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in Colorado. Congratulations, Zoraya!
Zoraya Piedra is a recent high school graduate from McKinley CLA High School and St. Louis Community College through the Early College Academy program (ECA). She was first introduced to the Danforth Center community as a high school intern in the Baxter Laboratory in 2022 but then had the opportunity to join the Miller Lab as a lab assistant once her internship was done. For her postsecondary education, she plans to major in environmental science and minor in aerospace engineering. During her free time, she enjoys volunteering at her local food pantry, reading anything related to Jane Austen, and working on projects whose main focus is removing the negative stigma around taboo topics and helping minority populations in St.Louis, MO.
Update: Zoraya is a first year student at Webster University - congratulations, Zoraya! In spring 2023 she was awarded a summer internship in an NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in Colorado. Congratulations, Zoraya!
Leah Pinkner, Lab Technician
Leah Pinkner, Laboratory Technician (2019 - 2021)
Leah was awarded her B.S. in Biology and undergraduate certification in Environmental Education from Missouri State University. She has an interest in the evolution of beneficial host plant and animal, fungal, and microbial relationships. She is very excited to learn more about perennial wild relatives of conventional crop plants through her position as a Laboratory Technician in the lab. In her free time, Leah enjoys crocheting, cooking and baking, hiking and rock climbing, and participating in various artistic endeavors.
Update: Leah will be learning regenerative agriculture practices as a 2021 New Agrarian apprentice in Montana through the Quivira Coalition. She hopes to use this apprenticeship to learn how to manage agricultural lands to become resilient by building soil health, sequestering carbon, increasing biodiversity and water quality, producing healthy food, and increasing the quality of life for the people and animals of our foodways.
Leah was awarded her B.S. in Biology and undergraduate certification in Environmental Education from Missouri State University. She has an interest in the evolution of beneficial host plant and animal, fungal, and microbial relationships. She is very excited to learn more about perennial wild relatives of conventional crop plants through her position as a Laboratory Technician in the lab. In her free time, Leah enjoys crocheting, cooking and baking, hiking and rock climbing, and participating in various artistic endeavors.
Update: Leah will be learning regenerative agriculture practices as a 2021 New Agrarian apprentice in Montana through the Quivira Coalition. She hopes to use this apprenticeship to learn how to manage agricultural lands to become resilient by building soil health, sequestering carbon, increasing biodiversity and water quality, producing healthy food, and increasing the quality of life for the people and animals of our foodways.
Former Undergraduates and Interns
Shikara Patel, SLU Biology Major
Shikara Patel (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2022 - 2024)
Shikara is a freshman undergraduate student at Saint Louis University majoring in Biology on the pre-med track. Her interest in plants began when she first visited her grandparents farm at the age of 5. Since then, her appreciation for nature has only grown, and aspires to learn more about building amore sustainable environment. Aside from her passion for science , Shikara enjoys reading, creating art, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.
Shikara is a freshman undergraduate student at Saint Louis University majoring in Biology on the pre-med track. Her interest in plants began when she first visited her grandparents farm at the age of 5. Since then, her appreciation for nature has only grown, and aspires to learn more about building amore sustainable environment. Aside from her passion for science , Shikara enjoys reading, creating art, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.
Isabella Ngo, SLU Biology Major and Computer Science Minor
Isabella Ngo (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2024)
Isabella is a senior undergraduate student at Saint Louis University majoring in Biology and minoring in Computer Science. Her love of the sciences and nature was sparked at an early age by road trips to national parks with her family. Because of this, she is interested in conservation from a biotechnological approach. Outside of school some of her hobbies include playing video games, doing puzzles, hiking, and hammocking.
Isabella is a senior undergraduate student at Saint Louis University majoring in Biology and minoring in Computer Science. Her love of the sciences and nature was sparked at an early age by road trips to national parks with her family. Because of this, she is interested in conservation from a biotechnological approach. Outside of school some of her hobbies include playing video games, doing puzzles, hiking, and hammocking.
Alex Windsor, SLU Biology Major
Alex Windsor (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2022 - 2024)
Alex is a third-year undergraduate student at Saint Louis University majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish. Her interest in plant biology began as a child spending time in the garden with her grandma. She is ready to try new opportunities in plant science to create a better understanding of the natural world. In her free time, she enjoys playing games or watching movies with her friends and tending to her house plants.
Alex is a third-year undergraduate student at Saint Louis University majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish. Her interest in plant biology began as a child spending time in the garden with her grandma. She is ready to try new opportunities in plant science to create a better understanding of the natural world. In her free time, she enjoys playing games or watching movies with her friends and tending to her house plants.
Soyeong Lee, SLU Biology Major
Soyeong Lee (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2022 - 2024)
Back when she was still enrolled in Waynesville high school, Soyeong got the opportunity to work with plants for the first time, focusing on the transpiration rate of plants in different temperatures. When she came to Saint Louis University she got to do more with plants through biology
lab classes, observing pH effect on plant growth and making journals of plants that she found in the botanical gardens. Soyeong particularly enjoyed getting the chance to work hands-on and observe life because it allowed her to express her artistic abilities. After completing lab classes sophomore year, Soyeong wanted to continue research by joining the Miller lab. Outside of the lab and classes, on June 5th, 2021, Soyeong's family began their own farm. They like to grow perilla leaves, peppers, green onions, and other greens. Besides studying and taking care of plants, her other interests include drawing, dancing, gaming, and photography.
Back when she was still enrolled in Waynesville high school, Soyeong got the opportunity to work with plants for the first time, focusing on the transpiration rate of plants in different temperatures. When she came to Saint Louis University she got to do more with plants through biology
lab classes, observing pH effect on plant growth and making journals of plants that she found in the botanical gardens. Soyeong particularly enjoyed getting the chance to work hands-on and observe life because it allowed her to express her artistic abilities. After completing lab classes sophomore year, Soyeong wanted to continue research by joining the Miller lab. Outside of the lab and classes, on June 5th, 2021, Soyeong's family began their own farm. They like to grow perilla leaves, peppers, green onions, and other greens. Besides studying and taking care of plants, her other interests include drawing, dancing, gaming, and photography.
Matt McNeese, SLU Biology Major
Matt McNeese (he/him), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2022 - 2024)
Matthew is a native of St. Louis and is currently a junior at SLU studying biology. Before he came to SLU he graduated from Saint Charles Community College with a nursing degree and worked as a Registered Nurse in the Oncology Department at Mercy South Hospital. He has always had an interest in working with plants as he had helped his father plant various different plants growing up. When he's not in SLU's library you can normally find him playing video games or spending time with children with disabilities. Other things he is passionate about include technology, the automotive industry, taking care of house plants, and maintaining his aquarium.
Max Look, SLU Biology Major
Max Look, Summer Lab Assistant (2023), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2022 - 2024)
Maxwell is a St. Louis native studying at SLU. He a sophomore working towards completing his bachelor's in biology. He loves gardening and singing in an acapella group at SLU. He is especially interested in soil health and hopes to do agricultural research in the future.
Maxwell is a St. Louis native studying at SLU. He a sophomore working towards completing his bachelor's in biology. He loves gardening and singing in an acapella group at SLU. He is especially interested in soil health and hopes to do agricultural research in the future.
Wes Agee, Harris-Stowe biology major
Wes Agee, Undergraduate Researcher.
Wesley is a Junior at Harris-Stowe State University, majoring in Biology. After becoming a McNair Scholar through Saint Louis University he was given Allison Miller as a mentor and placed within our lab. He was first introduced to plant science during an internship last summer (2017) through the Missouri & New York Botanical Gardens working under Gregory Plunkett & Pete Lowry. He then conducted phylogenetic research under David Bogler on the plant genus Thalia. Next he plans on attending graduate school to study Genomics. Wesley also considers himself a die-hard Los Angeles Lakers & Rams fan."
Update (August 2021): After completing a post-bac at WashU within the lab of Rob Mitra in the Genetics and Genomics, Wes is now a Ph.D. student at WashU in the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) Program. He was accepted and awarded the Chancellor's Fellowship! Congratulations, Wes!
Wesley is a Junior at Harris-Stowe State University, majoring in Biology. After becoming a McNair Scholar through Saint Louis University he was given Allison Miller as a mentor and placed within our lab. He was first introduced to plant science during an internship last summer (2017) through the Missouri & New York Botanical Gardens working under Gregory Plunkett & Pete Lowry. He then conducted phylogenetic research under David Bogler on the plant genus Thalia. Next he plans on attending graduate school to study Genomics. Wesley also considers himself a die-hard Los Angeles Lakers & Rams fan."
Update (August 2021): After completing a post-bac at WashU within the lab of Rob Mitra in the Genetics and Genomics, Wes is now a Ph.D. student at WashU in the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) Program. He was accepted and awarded the Chancellor's Fellowship! Congratulations, Wes!
Emily Boeckenstedt, Health Sciences/Biology
Emily Boeckenstedt, Undergraduate Researcher (SLU Health Sciences/Biology 2018).
Emily is a rising senior at Saint Louis University working towards a major in Health Sciences and a minor in Biology. She has been passionate about plant science and evolution for as long as she can remember, despite her intent to enter a medical profession. When she's not in the lab, you can find her working as a waitress at Flannery's Pub in downtown STL, or as a medical scribe at Barnes Jewish hospital. Despite what they tell you, working in a plant science lab does not give you a green thumb, so it is also likely you can find her at Home Depot replacing even the lowest-of-maintenance plants.
Emily is a rising senior at Saint Louis University working towards a major in Health Sciences and a minor in Biology. She has been passionate about plant science and evolution for as long as she can remember, despite her intent to enter a medical profession. When she's not in the lab, you can find her working as a waitress at Flannery's Pub in downtown STL, or as a medical scribe at Barnes Jewish hospital. Despite what they tell you, working in a plant science lab does not give you a green thumb, so it is also likely you can find her at Home Depot replacing even the lowest-of-maintenance plants.
Emma Bergh, NSF REU 2017
Emma Bergh, Missouri Botanical Garden NSF REU student (Summer 2017)
Emma is an upcoming 4th year student at Oberlin College, set to graduate with a major in Biology and a minor in Geology. She is especially interested in plant evolution. Originally from the Boston area, Emma loves backpacking, spending time with her dog, and baking (especially things with chocolate). As a summer 2017 REU intern she will be working on the Perennial Agriculture Project Global Inventory.
Emma is an upcoming 4th year student at Oberlin College, set to graduate with a major in Biology and a minor in Geology. She is especially interested in plant evolution. Originally from the Boston area, Emma loves backpacking, spending time with her dog, and baking (especially things with chocolate). As a summer 2017 REU intern she will be working on the Perennial Agriculture Project Global Inventory.
Madeleine Caito, Undergraduate Researcher (SLU Biology and Psychology 2015). Madeleine, a native of St. Louis. After graduation, Madeleine plans to attend medical school and to continue working in a research setting. Madeleine is very excited to join the Miller research team and will be working on the Mount Vernon project, aiming to identify the role of the rootstock on a grapevine’s phenotypic plasticity. Her love for plants stems from her childhood memories gardening with her grandmother, and her interest in grapevines in particular derives from her years spent living in the South of France. In Madeleine’s free time she adores traveling, cooking, playing the piano, and carrying on her grandmother’s passion by working in her personal garden.
Miranda Cason, SLU Biology Major
Miranda Cason, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (SLU Biology 2021)
Miranda is a Senior Biology major at Saint Louis University with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and conservation. The love for plants started in highschool and continued after a summer class at Reis, SLU’s Biological Field Station. Outside of normal classes Miranda is a member of Green Billikens, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and a TA for comparative anatomy. In her free time Miranda enjoys camping, hiking, and kayaking.
Miranda is a Senior Biology major at Saint Louis University with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and conservation. The love for plants started in highschool and continued after a summer class at Reis, SLU’s Biological Field Station. Outside of normal classes Miranda is a member of Green Billikens, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and a TA for comparative anatomy. In her free time Miranda enjoys camping, hiking, and kayaking.
Steve Chacko, Undergraduate researcher (SLU Biology and Music 2014). Steve worked in the lab during the last semester of his senior year at SLU. He is originally from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. He will most likely be attending Creighton University School of Medicine in the fall. His hobbies include playing guitar and piano. Steve was a member of Team Landmark within the Miller Lab, placing landmarks on a variety of leaves from the Vitis genus to understand morphological relationships between a variety of species. This was a collaborative project with Dan Chitwood at the Danforth Plant Science Center.
Chad Chapnick, Undergraduate researcher (SLU 2018) Chad is pursuing a major in Biomedical Engineering at Saint Louis University. He strives to help others working on projects that positively impact society. Above all, he believes in the power of learning and understanding in order to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Some of his interests include cosmology, sustainable agriculture and energy production, and ecological science. Chad spends his free time meeting new people and experiencing the vibrant culture his city has to offer.
Ellie Corya, SLU Biology major
Ellie Corya, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2020 - 2021)
Ellie is a fourth-year undergraduate at Saint Louis University. She is a biology major with minors in Chinese and Asian studies. She hopes to one day become a veterinarian. Her interest in plant biology began freshman year after taking general biology and increasingly grew while taking economic botany. In her free time, Ellie enjoys volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, sailing, hiking, and baking.
Update: Ellie graduated from SLU in Spring 2021. She has taken a job as a veterinary assistant. Congratulations, Ellie!
Ellie is a fourth-year undergraduate at Saint Louis University. She is a biology major with minors in Chinese and Asian studies. She hopes to one day become a veterinarian. Her interest in plant biology began freshman year after taking general biology and increasingly grew while taking economic botany. In her free time, Ellie enjoys volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, sailing, hiking, and baking.
Update: Ellie graduated from SLU in Spring 2021. She has taken a job as a veterinary assistant. Congratulations, Ellie!
Maxwell Cyr, SLU Biology major
Maxwell Cyr, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2019 - 2020)
Maxwell Cyr is a fourth year undergraduate at Saint Louis University set to graduate in May 2020 with a BS in Biology. He has a strong interest in plant biology and hopes to further his education in bioformatics and genetics. When Maxwell is off campus you can find him on a soccer pitch or tending to his indoor home garden
Maxwell Cyr is a fourth year undergraduate at Saint Louis University set to graduate in May 2020 with a BS in Biology. He has a strong interest in plant biology and hopes to further his education in bioformatics and genetics. When Maxwell is off campus you can find him on a soccer pitch or tending to his indoor home garden
Mohamed Elgallad, NSF REU Student (Summer 2023).
Mohamed Elgallad is a McNair scholar and a Biological Sciences senior minoring in chemistry at CUNY-Hunter College in New York City. Mohamed joined the Miller Lab as a New Roots for Restoration REU intern. His research goals revolve around exploring the genetic resilience, soil microbiome and evolutionary linages of desert plants as well as aid their conservation. He intends to pursue a PhD in Plant Biology and Molecular and Evolutionary genetics. His career goal is to investigate the under-studied plants found in dry and desert habitats. Plants evolved to live and defy extreme conditions and the dangers of climate change on their survival. Mohamed spends his time hiking, foraging and herping as well as writing poetry and painting.
Mohamed Elgallad is a McNair scholar and a Biological Sciences senior minoring in chemistry at CUNY-Hunter College in New York City. Mohamed joined the Miller Lab as a New Roots for Restoration REU intern. His research goals revolve around exploring the genetic resilience, soil microbiome and evolutionary linages of desert plants as well as aid their conservation. He intends to pursue a PhD in Plant Biology and Molecular and Evolutionary genetics. His career goal is to investigate the under-studied plants found in dry and desert habitats. Plants evolved to live and defy extreme conditions and the dangers of climate change on their survival. Mohamed spends his time hiking, foraging and herping as well as writing poetry and painting.
Matthew Greg, Undergraduate Researcher (SLU Biology, History, Theology 2015). Matthew is from the southwest suburbs of Chicago, IL. He grew to love plants by being an Eagle Scout and a landscaper around his community. Matthew's interests in terms of botany include invasive species, particularly kudzu, and grapevines (Vitis species). He enjoys learning about the ecological impacts and economic importance of staple agricultural crops, as well as ethnobotany. Matthew is willing to learn anything and everything that comes his way, a true characteristic of a life-long learner and teacher, which he aspires to become one day.
UPDATE: Matthew started an M. Div. program at Duke University in Fall 2015 - congratulations, Matthew!
UPDATE: Matthew started an M. Div. program at Duke University in Fall 2015 - congratulations, Matthew!
Kayla Hannon, Technician (Summer 2019).
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Jordan Hathaway, SLU Biology major
Jordan Hathaway, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (Spring 2020)
Jordan is a senior in his final semester at SLU. In May he will graduate with a B.S. in Biology with a focus on evolution, ecology, and conservation. Jordan has spent the last three years as a member of SLU's Billiken Bee Lab investigating urban pollinator ecology. He is interested in finding ways to lessen the negative ecological impact of large-scale agricultural systems without jeopardizing yields. In his spare time Jordan enjoys playing rugby, hiking, gardening, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.
Jordan is a senior in his final semester at SLU. In May he will graduate with a B.S. in Biology with a focus on evolution, ecology, and conservation. Jordan has spent the last three years as a member of SLU's Billiken Bee Lab investigating urban pollinator ecology. He is interested in finding ways to lessen the negative ecological impact of large-scale agricultural systems without jeopardizing yields. In his spare time Jordan enjoys playing rugby, hiking, gardening, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.
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Nathan Held (Spring 2019)
Nathan worked in the lab in Spring 2019 helping to analyze ion concentrations in grapevine leaves. Update: Nathan is now the Director of Strategy at Stone Hill Winery. Congratulations, Nathan. He is pursuing an MS degree at Cornell University. |
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Matt Hilz, SLU Biology Major
Matt Hilz, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2021 - 2022)
Matt is currently a Sophomore at Saint Louis University, and is studying Biology with a focus in Plant Science. He has a growing interest in not only botany and horticulture broadly, but more so in sustainable and regenerative agriculture in urban settings. In particular, what improvements and understandings can be found around current agricultural methods and the crops that are used, are of great interest to Matt. Presently, he is building up a keen understanding and utmost appreciation of all things plant related.
Through his younger years he was centered in a community intent on being conservation minded, and this has further evolved into an interest in caring for and being involved in the environment in the work that he does. Some of his hobbies include going rock climbing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and skydiving. He is very excited to meet many fantastic people at the lab as well as work on many fascinating projects with them.
Contact: matthew.hilz [at] slu.edu
Matt is currently a Sophomore at Saint Louis University, and is studying Biology with a focus in Plant Science. He has a growing interest in not only botany and horticulture broadly, but more so in sustainable and regenerative agriculture in urban settings. In particular, what improvements and understandings can be found around current agricultural methods and the crops that are used, are of great interest to Matt. Presently, he is building up a keen understanding and utmost appreciation of all things plant related.
Through his younger years he was centered in a community intent on being conservation minded, and this has further evolved into an interest in caring for and being involved in the environment in the work that he does. Some of his hobbies include going rock climbing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and skydiving. He is very excited to meet many fantastic people at the lab as well as work on many fascinating projects with them.
Contact: matthew.hilz [at] slu.edu
Nick Jeschke, REU Intern
Nick Jeschke (he/him), REU Intern (2022)
Nick is an undergraduate student from Seattle, WA at Washington University in St. Louis currently pursuing a degree in Biology. He is interested in biological research, particularly how it can be used to solve pressing issues facing our planet today. Outside the lab, Nick loves spending time outdoors hiking, backpacking, swimming, and running, as well as playing sports like ultimate frisbee, soccer, and basketball.
Nick is an undergraduate student from Seattle, WA at Washington University in St. Louis currently pursuing a degree in Biology. He is interested in biological research, particularly how it can be used to solve pressing issues facing our planet today. Outside the lab, Nick loves spending time outdoors hiking, backpacking, swimming, and running, as well as playing sports like ultimate frisbee, soccer, and basketball.
Alex Juan, SLU Biology and Computer Science
Alex Juan, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2021 - 2022)
Alex is a senior undergraduate student at Saint Louis University. He is currently completing a double major in Computer Science and Biology and is interested in bioinformatics and biological research. He is especially curious about how computer science can be used to aid our understanding of the natural world. Outside of school, Alex has a passion for fishing, hiking, and all things outdoors. He attributes his love of the outdoors to his mother’s influence and his love of fishing to his childhood hero Jeremy Wade.
Alex is a senior undergraduate student at Saint Louis University. He is currently completing a double major in Computer Science and Biology and is interested in bioinformatics and biological research. He is especially curious about how computer science can be used to aid our understanding of the natural world. Outside of school, Alex has a passion for fishing, hiking, and all things outdoors. He attributes his love of the outdoors to his mother’s influence and his love of fishing to his childhood hero Jeremy Wade.
Tanvi Kadiyala, SLU Biology major
Tanvi Kadiyala, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2019 - 2021)
I am currently a junior at Saint Louis University majoring in Biology and minoring in Health Care Ethics. My interest in plant biology began my freshman year after taking general biology. I am interested in learning more about how introducing perennial plants can affect agriculture and how it correlates with the health of humans. Outside of school I am an active singer and dancer.
I am currently a junior at Saint Louis University majoring in Biology and minoring in Health Care Ethics. My interest in plant biology began my freshman year after taking general biology. I am interested in learning more about how introducing perennial plants can affect agriculture and how it correlates with the health of humans. Outside of school I am an active singer and dancer.
Lizzie Kelley, SLU Biology Major
Lizzie Kelley, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2022)
Elizabeth is a senior at Saint Louis University, currently studying biology and creative writing. She is passionate about environmental justice and sustainability, and intends to remain in the plant science field after graduation. When not in school or in the lab, Elizabeth can be found tending to her many house plants, making coffee for her friends, enjoying as much time as she can outside, and pursuing her interest in photography and photojournalism.
Elizabeth is a senior at Saint Louis University, currently studying biology and creative writing. She is passionate about environmental justice and sustainability, and intends to remain in the plant science field after graduation. When not in school or in the lab, Elizabeth can be found tending to her many house plants, making coffee for her friends, enjoying as much time as she can outside, and pursuing her interest in photography and photojournalism.
Christian, Erin, and Danielle, SLU Biology majors
Christian Kingeter, Erin Knight, and Danielle Hopkins, SLU Undergraduate Researchers (2018).
Team Grape Leaf has been busy scanning in grapevine leaves collected by Ph.D Candidate Laura Klein and have signed up for another exciting semester of placing landmarks on the leaves. Laura's dissertation research focuses on using digital leaf morphometrics and population genetics to understand interspecific gene flow in natural populations of native grapevines. Portions of this work has been funded by the National Geographic Society, National Science Foundation, and the Saint Louis University Presidential Research Fund.
Update: After completing an internship at E. & J. Gallo Winery in California, Danielle was hired at as a Grower Outreach Viticulture Technician - congratulations Danielle! And in 2023 she re-joined the Miller Lab as a PhD Student at SLU!
Update: Christian Kingeter graduated in Spring 2017. Congratulations, Christian! Danielle and Erin graduated in 2018 - great job!
Team Grape Leaf has been busy scanning in grapevine leaves collected by Ph.D Candidate Laura Klein and have signed up for another exciting semester of placing landmarks on the leaves. Laura's dissertation research focuses on using digital leaf morphometrics and population genetics to understand interspecific gene flow in natural populations of native grapevines. Portions of this work has been funded by the National Geographic Society, National Science Foundation, and the Saint Louis University Presidential Research Fund.
Update: After completing an internship at E. & J. Gallo Winery in California, Danielle was hired at as a Grower Outreach Viticulture Technician - congratulations Danielle! And in 2023 she re-joined the Miller Lab as a PhD Student at SLU!
Update: Christian Kingeter graduated in Spring 2017. Congratulations, Christian! Danielle and Erin graduated in 2018 - great job!
Cassandra Kitchen, Undergraduate researcher (SLU 2015). Cassandra is a senior at SLU majoring in Biology and minoring in Conservation and Biodiversity; she participated in the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program (REU) program at the Missouri Botanical Garden in Summer 2014. She is interested in economically important plants, especially those which are dietary staples, and how they relate to their environments. She quantified Vitis morphological diversity in Dr. Miller’s lab. After graduation, she would like to continue working with plants, possibly in a greenhouse setting. Cassandra grew up in the St. Louis area. While she has a great love for any time she spends interacting with plants in nature or in her small garden, Cassandra also enjoys spending her time relaxing with a book or exploring the urban landscape with friends.
Katherine Korein, SLU Environmental Science Major
Katherine Korein, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2020 - 2021)
I am a senior at Saint Louis University majoring in Environmental Science with a concentration in Geoscience and Sustainability. From a young age I spent many hours in the woods exploring the beauty of the natural world. At Saint Louis University I explored my interest in resource and food security and eventually became fascinated with sustainable agriculture. I hope to continue learning about the conservational agriculture field and hopefully apply it to the next step in my academic career. In my free time I enjoy writing short stories, going for walks with my dog, and lying out in the sun with a good book.
Update: Katie moved to Denver to start a program working towards a Master’s of Science in Environmental policy and Management at the University of Denver. Best of luck, Katie!
I am a senior at Saint Louis University majoring in Environmental Science with a concentration in Geoscience and Sustainability. From a young age I spent many hours in the woods exploring the beauty of the natural world. At Saint Louis University I explored my interest in resource and food security and eventually became fascinated with sustainable agriculture. I hope to continue learning about the conservational agriculture field and hopefully apply it to the next step in my academic career. In my free time I enjoy writing short stories, going for walks with my dog, and lying out in the sun with a good book.
Update: Katie moved to Denver to start a program working towards a Master’s of Science in Environmental policy and Management at the University of Denver. Best of luck, Katie!
Missy Lahiri, SLU Neuroscience Major
Missy Lahiri (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2022 - 2023)
Missy is a sophomore undergraduate student at SLU majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. She has grown up around plants, spending countless hours in her dad's garden. She is originally from North Carolina, but she now lives in Missouri. In her free time, she enjoys sculpting, reading, and playing in the mud.
Missy is a sophomore undergraduate student at SLU majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. She has grown up around plants, spending countless hours in her dad's garden. She is originally from North Carolina, but she now lives in Missouri. In her free time, she enjoys sculpting, reading, and playing in the mud.
Catherine Le, SLU Biostatistics Major
Catherine Le (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2022 - 2023)
Catherine is a senior undergraduate at Saint Louis University majoring in Biostatistics and Public Health. Catherine's passion about conservation and the environment started from learning about the effects of climate change at a young age. A native of Saint Louis, she
hopes to be able to combine her interest in public health and the environment to help address environmental health problems in her community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, taking walks, and taking care of her household plants.
Catherine is a senior undergraduate at Saint Louis University majoring in Biostatistics and Public Health. Catherine's passion about conservation and the environment started from learning about the effects of climate change at a young age. A native of Saint Louis, she
hopes to be able to combine her interest in public health and the environment to help address environmental health problems in her community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, taking walks, and taking care of her household plants.
Aidan Leckie-Harre, Undergraduate Researcher (2018).
Kazi Maharunnessa, Research Intern
Kazi Maharunnessa, Post graduate Research Intern (Fall 2019)
Kazi joined the Miller lab in October, 2019. Kazi recently moved to the United States after completing her bachelors and masters in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her master's thesis was on the molecular characterization of tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) tolerant germplasm in Bangladesh.
Kazi joined the Miller lab in October, 2019. Kazi recently moved to the United States after completing her bachelors and masters in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her master's thesis was on the molecular characterization of tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) tolerant germplasm in Bangladesh.
Andrea Morroquin, NSF-REU Intern 2019
Andrea Marroquin, Missouri Botanical Garden NSF-REU Intern 2019
Andrea is currently finishing her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Honors and a focus in Anthropology at Northern Kentucky University. Andrea has done some research with plant domestication and with the invasive species, Honey suckle. Her interests are in plant conservation, ecology and ethnobotany. She hopes to pursue more schooling in one of those areas in the Fall of 2020. In her free time, she loves eating, exploring, and hanging out with friends.
Andrea is currently finishing her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Honors and a focus in Anthropology at Northern Kentucky University. Andrea has done some research with plant domestication and with the invasive species, Honey suckle. Her interests are in plant conservation, ecology and ethnobotany. She hopes to pursue more schooling in one of those areas in the Fall of 2020. In her free time, she loves eating, exploring, and hanging out with friends.
Dahlia Martinez, 2016 MBG REU participant
Dahlia Martinez, Undergraduate researcher, Missouri Botanical Garden NSF REU program. Dahlia is a senior at Holy Names University in Oakland, California where she is studying Biology. She came to St. Louis to participate in the 2016 Missouri Botanical Garden's NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. For her REU project, Dahlia worked with our group on the Global Inventory of Perennial Grains, Legumes, and Oilseed species in collaboration with The Land Institute. Early in the summer Dahlia and Allison traveled to Salina where Dahlia learned about the incredible Asteraceae genus Silphium during a special meeting/workshop of Silphium researchers. Dahlia worked with the Missouri Botanical Garden's herbarium collection of Silphium, as well as wild populations near St. Louis, to understand the relationship between seed production and vegetative characteristics in wild Silphium species.
UPDATE: Dahlia graduated from Holy Names University in ay 2017. She joined E. & J. Gallo Winery as an intern in summer 2017. She recently accepted a job as an Assistant Plant Breeder with PanAmerican Seed.
UPDATE: Dahlia graduated from Holy Names University in ay 2017. She joined E. & J. Gallo Winery as an intern in summer 2017. She recently accepted a job as an Assistant Plant Breeder with PanAmerican Seed.
Brendan McGuire, SLU Biological Science Major
Brendan McGuire, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2021)
Brendan is a senior at Saint Louis University majoring in Biological Science. He is very excited to be joining the Miller lab in the hopes of expanding upon his practical knowledge of the world around him. Next year, he will be continuing his education at law school in the hopes of combining his formative education in the STEM field and apply that in the courtroom. In his free time, Brendan enjoys working out, teaching and taking yoga, and relaxing with a good movie!
Update: Brendan will be attending Saint Louis University law school! Congratulations, Brendan!
Brendan is a senior at Saint Louis University majoring in Biological Science. He is very excited to be joining the Miller lab in the hopes of expanding upon his practical knowledge of the world around him. Next year, he will be continuing his education at law school in the hopes of combining his formative education in the STEM field and apply that in the courtroom. In his free time, Brendan enjoys working out, teaching and taking yoga, and relaxing with a good movie!
Update: Brendan will be attending Saint Louis University law school! Congratulations, Brendan!
Brooke Micke, SLU Biology major
Brooke Micke, Undergraduate researcher (SLU 2017)
Brooke is a senior at SLU studying Biology with a concentration in Plant Sciences and Anthropology. She is originally from Jefferson City but spent some time living in Lima, Peru. She has always loved plants but her interest in ethnobotany stems from her exposure to traditional medicine while in Peru. After graduating, Brooke hopes to continue her education by studying ethnobotany and medicinal uses of plants. Brooke helped the lab launch a new project conducting a global inventory of wild perennial grain and legume species that might be suitable for domestication. Then, she went to London for a semester where she worked with Sandy Knapp studying the ethnobotany of wild African Solanums at the Natural History Museum of London. Brooke recently returned to SLU as a junior where is going to continue both her Solanum work and her contributions to the global inventory project.
UPDATE: Brooke graduated from SLU in 2017 and completed Master's program in Ethnobotany at the University of Edinburgh. She began a PhD program in Sweden in 2019. Congratulations, Brooke!
Brooke is a senior at SLU studying Biology with a concentration in Plant Sciences and Anthropology. She is originally from Jefferson City but spent some time living in Lima, Peru. She has always loved plants but her interest in ethnobotany stems from her exposure to traditional medicine while in Peru. After graduating, Brooke hopes to continue her education by studying ethnobotany and medicinal uses of plants. Brooke helped the lab launch a new project conducting a global inventory of wild perennial grain and legume species that might be suitable for domestication. Then, she went to London for a semester where she worked with Sandy Knapp studying the ethnobotany of wild African Solanums at the Natural History Museum of London. Brooke recently returned to SLU as a junior where is going to continue both her Solanum work and her contributions to the global inventory project.
UPDATE: Brooke graduated from SLU in 2017 and completed Master's program in Ethnobotany at the University of Edinburgh. She began a PhD program in Sweden in 2019. Congratulations, Brooke!
Lisa Millar, SLU biology major
Lisa Millar, Undergraduate Researcher (SLU 2019)
Lisa is a fourth year student at Saint Louis University pursuing a BA in Biology. She has always wanted to help people, and studying Biology has given her the opportunity to do that in so many ways! During the school year, she works as both a Medical Scribe and a teaching assistant for the Physics department. When she isn't spending her time studying, working, or researching, you can catch Lisa singing with her acappella group, walking her two dogs, or enjoying the great outdoors.
Lisa is a fourth year student at Saint Louis University pursuing a BA in Biology. She has always wanted to help people, and studying Biology has given her the opportunity to do that in so many ways! During the school year, she works as both a Medical Scribe and a teaching assistant for the Physics department. When she isn't spending her time studying, working, or researching, you can catch Lisa singing with her acappella group, walking her two dogs, or enjoying the great outdoors.
Emily Mitchell, SLU Biology major
Emily Mitchell, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (Spring 2020)
I am a senior undergraduate student at St. Louis University. I am a Biology major with an Anthropology minor. I am currently on the Pre-Med track. I am from a suburb of Chicago. I am interested in how plant biology and sustainability impacts human health, and I am looking forward to learning more about plant biology and lab techniques. Outside of my studies, I enjoy volunteering at Nurses’ for Newborns, participating in sorority activities, working out, reading, and traveling.
UPDATE: Emily is graduating in May 2020 and will pursue a Master's degree in Medical Physiology at Case Western Reserve University. Congratulations, Emily!
I am a senior undergraduate student at St. Louis University. I am a Biology major with an Anthropology minor. I am currently on the Pre-Med track. I am from a suburb of Chicago. I am interested in how plant biology and sustainability impacts human health, and I am looking forward to learning more about plant biology and lab techniques. Outside of my studies, I enjoy volunteering at Nurses’ for Newborns, participating in sorority activities, working out, reading, and traveling.
UPDATE: Emily is graduating in May 2020 and will pursue a Master's degree in Medical Physiology at Case Western Reserve University. Congratulations, Emily!
Ilona Natsch, SLU biology major
Ilona Natsch, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2019 - 2020)
Ilona is a second – year undergraduate pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Theology. After spending the fall semester completing field courses at Reis Biological Station, she knew that biology was her rightful home. At Reis, Ilona spent an entire month hiking around Missouri and learning about botany. It was on a sweltering afternoon atop Hughes’ Mountain when she finally decided that studying plants would be her vocation. In her free time, Ilona loves baking, reading, spending time at her farm, and everything related to the outdoors.
Ilona is a second – year undergraduate pursuing a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Theology. After spending the fall semester completing field courses at Reis Biological Station, she knew that biology was her rightful home. At Reis, Ilona spent an entire month hiking around Missouri and learning about botany. It was on a sweltering afternoon atop Hughes’ Mountain when she finally decided that studying plants would be her vocation. In her free time, Ilona loves baking, reading, spending time at her farm, and everything related to the outdoors.
Colton Nettleton, SLU Biology major
Colton Nettleton, Undergraduate Researcher.
Colton is a second year student at SLU working towards a B.S. in Biology as well as minors in Public Health and Spanish (he enjoys being one of the few students at SLU majoring in biology without being pre-med or pre-anything for that matter). Colton is a member of the University Honors Program as well as the SLU Cross Country and Track Team and when he is not studying, running, eating, or sleeping, he likes to spend time volunteering with StudentsCare and Restore St. Louis. He has always held a fond place in his heart for nature, the outdoors, and plants which led him to take the Spring Flora field course at the SLU Reis Biological Station in the Summer of 2016. This passion also led him to this lab which he is very excited to be apart of. Colton is working on the Perennial Agriculture Project Global Inventory.
UPDATE: Colton graduated in May 2019. He is attending graduate school at Emory University in Global Environmental Health starting in fall 2019.
Colton is a second year student at SLU working towards a B.S. in Biology as well as minors in Public Health and Spanish (he enjoys being one of the few students at SLU majoring in biology without being pre-med or pre-anything for that matter). Colton is a member of the University Honors Program as well as the SLU Cross Country and Track Team and when he is not studying, running, eating, or sleeping, he likes to spend time volunteering with StudentsCare and Restore St. Louis. He has always held a fond place in his heart for nature, the outdoors, and plants which led him to take the Spring Flora field course at the SLU Reis Biological Station in the Summer of 2016. This passion also led him to this lab which he is very excited to be apart of. Colton is working on the Perennial Agriculture Project Global Inventory.
UPDATE: Colton graduated in May 2019. He is attending graduate school at Emory University in Global Environmental Health starting in fall 2019.
Regan O'Hanlon, Research Assistant (SLU 2015). Regan graduated from SLU with a BS degree in Biology in May 2015, and has generously agreed to stay on for the summer to continue her outstanding work with native grapevine leaf morphometrics and population genetics. Originally from the Quad Cities, Regan has been landmarking grapevine leaves in the since last summer. She has processed thousands of images and has contributed significantly to ongoing projects characterizing variation in leaf shape within Vitis.
UPDATE: Regan joined Food Corps in Iowa. Congratulations, Regan!
UPDATE: Regan joined Food Corps in Iowa. Congratulations, Regan!
Osa Osayawe, SLU Biology Major
Osa Osayawe, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2022-2023)
Osazenomen is a sophomore undergraduate at SLU majoring in Biology, with a minor in Anthropology and Psychology. He has always been very interested in the relationship between different organisms, their environment, conservation, and biodiversity. Originally From Nigeria, he now resides in Brooklyn, New york. In his free time, he enjoys learning about art and music.
Osazenomen is a sophomore undergraduate at SLU majoring in Biology, with a minor in Anthropology and Psychology. He has always been very interested in the relationship between different organisms, their environment, conservation, and biodiversity. Originally From Nigeria, he now resides in Brooklyn, New york. In his free time, he enjoys learning about art and music.
Brittany Pace, SLU Biology + Forensic Science major
Brittany Pace, Undergraduate Researcher (2018).
My name is Brittany Pace, and I am a Junior majoring in Biology and Forensic Science. Growing up, gardening with my family was a summer tradition, which inspired my love of plants. I enjoy working in the Miller lab because it allows me to do both lab and field work. I am excited to be able to work with plants in new and interesting ways and learn more about plant biology! In my spare time I enjoy reading, hiking, collecting mugs, and cheering on my own houseplants.
My name is Brittany Pace, and I am a Junior majoring in Biology and Forensic Science. Growing up, gardening with my family was a summer tradition, which inspired my love of plants. I enjoy working in the Miller lab because it allows me to do both lab and field work. I am excited to be able to work with plants in new and interesting ways and learn more about plant biology! In my spare time I enjoy reading, hiking, collecting mugs, and cheering on my own houseplants.
Daniel Pap, Visiting Researcher (Missouri State University). Daniel is finishing up his Master's degree at Missouri State University under the direction of Laszlo Kovacs. He is visiting St. Louis (June 2013) to work on population genetics analyses of microsatellite and GBS data for Vitis rupestris and related species. Daniel is currently enrolled in a PhD program with Andy Walker at UC Davis.
Akash Patel, SLU Electrical Engineering major
Akash Patel, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2019-2020)
I am a junior at SLU majoring in electrical engineering with a concentration in bio-electronics and minoring in biomedical engineering. I am a part of green billikens, IEEE, campus kitchen at SLU. In my free time, I like to read, tutor, and volunteer. I hope to pursue a career in the medical field.
I am a junior at SLU majoring in electrical engineering with a concentration in bio-electronics and minoring in biomedical engineering. I am a part of green billikens, IEEE, campus kitchen at SLU. In my free time, I like to read, tutor, and volunteer. I hope to pursue a career in the medical field.
Puja Patel, SLU Biology major
Puja Patel, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2021)
Puja is a senior undergraduate at Saint Louis University. Currently, she is studying Biology with a concentration in cell and physiology on a pre-pharmacy track. She is fascinated with how humans interact with plants for food, fuel, and medicine! She is interested in learning about how plants have impacted the pharmaceutical industry. During her free time, she is found reading a book, taking a walk in Forest Park, or seeking the best vegetarian restaurants in St. Louis.
Update: Puja is graduating in December 2021 and has been accepted to Pharmacy School! Congratulations, Puja!
Puja is a senior undergraduate at Saint Louis University. Currently, she is studying Biology with a concentration in cell and physiology on a pre-pharmacy track. She is fascinated with how humans interact with plants for food, fuel, and medicine! She is interested in learning about how plants have impacted the pharmaceutical industry. During her free time, she is found reading a book, taking a walk in Forest Park, or seeking the best vegetarian restaurants in St. Louis.
Update: Puja is graduating in December 2021 and has been accepted to Pharmacy School! Congratulations, Puja!
Paige Pearson, SLU Biology major
Paige Pearson, Undergraduate Researcher.
Paige graduated from SLU in 2018 with a B.A. in Biology along with a Theology Major. She is from St. Louis and she loves biology; from plants to animals. She is involved in XA (Christian Group) and Women’s Club Lacrosse. She works at the Saint Louis Zoo as a behavioral research intern studying the behaviors of different animals such as the polar bear, gorillas, and giraffes. Outside of her life at SLU and the zoo, she enjoys activities like working out, hiking, and spending quality time with friends. Her passion for Biology allowed her to pursue this great lab opportunity. Paige will be working on the Perennial Agriculture Project. Paige is also the best lab selfie taker ever.
UPDATE: Paige is working as a Biologist at Bayer. Congratulations, Paige!
Paige graduated from SLU in 2018 with a B.A. in Biology along with a Theology Major. She is from St. Louis and she loves biology; from plants to animals. She is involved in XA (Christian Group) and Women’s Club Lacrosse. She works at the Saint Louis Zoo as a behavioral research intern studying the behaviors of different animals such as the polar bear, gorillas, and giraffes. Outside of her life at SLU and the zoo, she enjoys activities like working out, hiking, and spending quality time with friends. Her passion for Biology allowed her to pursue this great lab opportunity. Paige will be working on the Perennial Agriculture Project. Paige is also the best lab selfie taker ever.
UPDATE: Paige is working as a Biologist at Bayer. Congratulations, Paige!
Julia Pratt, SLU Bio/Comp Sci
Julia Pratt (she/her), SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2019 - 2022)
Julia Pratt is a second year undergraduate at Saint Louis University, currently studying computer science and biology. She is interested in exploring a career in bioinformatics. She has a passion for nature, and can often be found out on a run or in her room tending to her plants. In summer 2021 Julia had an internship with the Climate Corporation as an intern in Data Pipelines Engineering. You can read more about it here!
Julia Pratt is a second year undergraduate at Saint Louis University, currently studying computer science and biology. She is interested in exploring a career in bioinformatics. She has a passion for nature, and can often be found out on a run or in her room tending to her plants. In summer 2021 Julia had an internship with the Climate Corporation as an intern in Data Pipelines Engineering. You can read more about it here!
Chelsea Pretz, Undergraduate researcher (Harris Stowe State University, 2015). Chelsea has a deep interest in plant biology and simply just enjoys being outside. She participated in the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at the Missouri Botanical Garden, summer 2014. During that time she was able to explore the ecology of prairies. Chelsea is an undergraduate at Harris-Stowe State University. She grew up in St. Louis and is excited to do research in the community she loves. In the Miller Lab, Chelsea is working on a project involving the use of genetic data to understand interspecific hybridization in native grapevines. For the summer of 2015, Chelsea is participating in the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at the Danforth Plant Science Center. In her free time you can find Chelsea biking, cooking, traveling, volunteering or tending to her garden.
UPDATE: Chelsea was awarded an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship! She is currently a PhD student at the University of Colorado.
UPDATE: Chelsea was awarded an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship! She is currently a PhD student at the University of Colorado.
Alexandra Rader, SLU Biology/Music major
Alexandra Rader, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2018).
Alexandra is a senior at Saint Louis University pursuing a BA in biology and music. She fell in love with biology, but she didn’t want to stop studying the flute, which she has played for eleven years. So, she decided to major in both! Alex has assisted in research in nearly every facet of biology, from the genetics of miscanthus grass, to the ecology of bee populations, to molecular biology using fruit flies, but found that she most enjoyed working with and researching plants. She currently volunteers with an organization called Pop Up Prairie, tending to micro-prairies in public parks across St. Louis. When she’s not in a lab, Alex enjoys experimenting with makeup, performing stand up and improv comedy, drinking local beer, and spoiling her two cats, Marlow and Phenylalanine.
Alexandra is a senior at Saint Louis University pursuing a BA in biology and music. She fell in love with biology, but she didn’t want to stop studying the flute, which she has played for eleven years. So, she decided to major in both! Alex has assisted in research in nearly every facet of biology, from the genetics of miscanthus grass, to the ecology of bee populations, to molecular biology using fruit flies, but found that she most enjoyed working with and researching plants. She currently volunteers with an organization called Pop Up Prairie, tending to micro-prairies in public parks across St. Louis. When she’s not in a lab, Alex enjoys experimenting with makeup, performing stand up and improv comedy, drinking local beer, and spoiling her two cats, Marlow and Phenylalanine.
Ana Risano, NSF REU MOBot Intern
Ana Risano, NSF REU Intern, Missouri Botanical Garden (2021)
Ana is a Senior at Warren Wilson College, majoring in Biology. She has an interest in botany, horticulture, and science communication through writing. She is currently working on two research projects. Her research with the Miller Lab focuses on the use of herbaria in collecting trait data on wild, herbaceous, perennials that may be good candidates for domestication and selection. Her research through Warren Wilson college involves using herbaria to analyze the effect of climate change on ultraviolet pigmentation present in three Rudbeckia species. Her hobbies include hiking, identifying wildflowers, writing, painting, and making playlists.
Ana is a Senior at Warren Wilson College, majoring in Biology. She has an interest in botany, horticulture, and science communication through writing. She is currently working on two research projects. Her research with the Miller Lab focuses on the use of herbaria in collecting trait data on wild, herbaceous, perennials that may be good candidates for domestication and selection. Her research through Warren Wilson college involves using herbaria to analyze the effect of climate change on ultraviolet pigmentation present in three Rudbeckia species. Her hobbies include hiking, identifying wildflowers, writing, painting, and making playlists.
Ted Sananikone, SLU Biology major
Ted Sananikone, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2019)
I am a senior undergraduate at Saint Louis University studying Biology on the Pre-Dental track. I am interested in learning more about the development of sustainable plant agriculture and the interconnected relationship between plants and health. Outside of classes, I enjoy hiking, photography, volunteering, traveling and trying good food & boba.
I am a senior undergraduate at Saint Louis University studying Biology on the Pre-Dental track. I am interested in learning more about the development of sustainable plant agriculture and the interconnected relationship between plants and health. Outside of classes, I enjoy hiking, photography, volunteering, traveling and trying good food & boba.
Marissa Sandoval, REU intern
Marissa Sandoval, Missouri Botanical Garden NSF-REU Intern 2018
Marissa is an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley. She's majoring in biology, with an emphasis in biodiversity, and minoring in Spanish. As an intern for the summer of 2018, Marissa will be working on the Perennial Agriculture Project. She enjoys coffee, sunshine, telenovelas, podcasts, and natural history museums.
UPDATE: Marissa is doing an REU program at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History in Summer 2019.
UPDATE: Marissa is starting a PhD program at the University of California, Davis! Congratulations, Marissa!
Marissa is an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley. She's majoring in biology, with an emphasis in biodiversity, and minoring in Spanish. As an intern for the summer of 2018, Marissa will be working on the Perennial Agriculture Project. She enjoys coffee, sunshine, telenovelas, podcasts, and natural history museums.
UPDATE: Marissa is doing an REU program at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History in Summer 2019.
UPDATE: Marissa is starting a PhD program at the University of California, Davis! Congratulations, Marissa!
Shaun Sarmiento, Undergraduate researcher (SLU Biology 2013). Shaun headed up the horseradish project. He made crosses, amplified SI loci, prepped samples for genotyping by sequencing, and analyzed data. Currently Shaun is teaching in the Jesuit College Preparatory College of Dallas.
Samantha Selby, SLU undergraduate researcher
Samantha Selby, Undergraduate researcher (SLU 2016). Samantha majored in Biology and minored in Public Health and was a member of the University Honors Program. Sam has done a lot of cool things as an undergraduate at SLU including completing a semester of courses at the Saint Louis University Reis Biological Field Station, working as an intern in the Botanical Society of America's Planting Science Program, and most recently as an undergraduate researcher on the Global Inventory of Perennial Grains, Legumes, and Oilseed species. As part of this project, in the summer of 2016 Sam is based at the Missouri Botanical Garden working to gather information on wild members of the genus Vigna (Fabaceae). Using Vigna as a model, she is testing hypotheses about how wild, congeneric annuals and perennial species allocate resources sexual reproduction vs. vegetative growth.
UPDATE: Sam joined the Peace Corps!
UPDATE: Sam is back from the Peace Corps working at Bayer
UPDATE: Sam is back working with the Miller Lab - see above!
Sami Serra, SLU Biology major
Sami Serra, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2021 - 2022)
Sami is a senior undergraduate student at SLU studying biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and conservation. She is passionate about nature and wants to pursue a career in conservation. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new coffee shops, and hanging out with her cat, Finn.
Sami is a senior undergraduate student at SLU studying biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and conservation. She is passionate about nature and wants to pursue a career in conservation. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new coffee shops, and hanging out with her cat, Finn.
Summer Sherrod NSF REU 2017
Summer Sherrod, Missouri Botanical Garden NSF REU student (2017)
Summer is a learner at heart with an insatiable curiosity and a passion for science with integrity. Her personal mission is to synthesize traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific understanding to forge a new paradigm of ecocentric living.
Summer spent some time at the University of Arkansas where she discovered a love for plants and pursued a major in Horticulture before she transferred to the University of North Texas to complete a B.S. in Geography. Her specific research interests are in sustainable and urban agriculture systems, agroecology, and the ethnobotany & flora of the Ozarks bioregion. She is working under the mentorship of ethnobiologist Dr. Steve Wolverton and biogeographer Dr. Lisa Nagaoka to complete an undergraduate thesis for the McNair Scholars Program, evaluating the UNT campus' landscape plants for their ecological and ornamental services. In Dr. Miller's lab, she is working on the Perennial Agriculture Project Global Inventory as a participant in the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Previously, she has worked as the City Horticulturist for the City of Eureka Springs (AR), as the resident native plant specialist in an Ozark nursery, and as a Sustainability Intern for the University of Arkansas, a regional solid waste management company, and a California-based environmental non-profit. She spends her off hours foraging and wildcrafting, drinking all different kinds of tea, and working for an organic urban farm in St. Louis.
Summer is a learner at heart with an insatiable curiosity and a passion for science with integrity. Her personal mission is to synthesize traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific understanding to forge a new paradigm of ecocentric living.
Summer spent some time at the University of Arkansas where she discovered a love for plants and pursued a major in Horticulture before she transferred to the University of North Texas to complete a B.S. in Geography. Her specific research interests are in sustainable and urban agriculture systems, agroecology, and the ethnobotany & flora of the Ozarks bioregion. She is working under the mentorship of ethnobiologist Dr. Steve Wolverton and biogeographer Dr. Lisa Nagaoka to complete an undergraduate thesis for the McNair Scholars Program, evaluating the UNT campus' landscape plants for their ecological and ornamental services. In Dr. Miller's lab, she is working on the Perennial Agriculture Project Global Inventory as a participant in the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Previously, she has worked as the City Horticulturist for the City of Eureka Springs (AR), as the resident native plant specialist in an Ozark nursery, and as a Sustainability Intern for the University of Arkansas, a regional solid waste management company, and a California-based environmental non-profit. She spends her off hours foraging and wildcrafting, drinking all different kinds of tea, and working for an organic urban farm in St. Louis.
Jake Timmer, Undergraduate researcher (SLU Biology 2013). Jake worked closely with Shaun Sarmiento on the horseradish project. He stayed busy extracting DNA, amplifying putative S alleles, and conducting pollination experiments.
UPDATE: Jake is in a Master's of Science degree program in Finance at Southern Methodist University. Congratulations, Jake!
UPDATE: Jake is in a Master's of Science degree program in Finance at Southern Methodist University. Congratulations, Jake!
Vivian Tran, SLU Biology major
Vivian Tran, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2020 - 2023)
Vivian is a sophomore undergraduate at Saint Louis University. She is majoring in Biology with a minor in Anthropology on the premed track. She has an interest in learning more about conservation agriculture. In the future, Vivian plans on pursuing some form of research. Vivian's free time is spent hammocking, volunteering, and doing any sort of physical activity outdoors.
Vivian is a sophomore undergraduate at Saint Louis University. She is majoring in Biology with a minor in Anthropology on the premed track. She has an interest in learning more about conservation agriculture. In the future, Vivian plans on pursuing some form of research. Vivian's free time is spent hammocking, volunteering, and doing any sort of physical activity outdoors.
Grace Trello, SLU Biology Major
Grace Trello, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2019 - 2020)
Grace Trello is a sophomore undergraduate at Saint Louis University studying Biology on the Pre-Med track. She is interested in the relationship between plants and human health and looks forward to learning more about plant biology in the lab. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine and medical research. Outside of her studies, she enjoys running, reading, volunteering, and traveling. She is also a member of SLU's Dance Marathon organization and is proudly FTK (for the kids).
Grace Trello is a sophomore undergraduate at Saint Louis University studying Biology on the Pre-Med track. She is interested in the relationship between plants and human health and looks forward to learning more about plant biology in the lab. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine and medical research. Outside of her studies, she enjoys running, reading, volunteering, and traveling. She is also a member of SLU's Dance Marathon organization and is proudly FTK (for the kids).
Felix Vatman, SLU Biology major
Felix Vatman, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2021)
Felix is an undergraduate student at SLU currently in his senior year seeking a degree in Biology. He plans to work in agriculture after graduating.
Update: Felix will graduate in December 2021 and accepted a job as a plant biologist at Bayer. Congratulations, Felix!
Felix is an undergraduate student at SLU currently in his senior year seeking a degree in Biology. He plans to work in agriculture after graduating.
Update: Felix will graduate in December 2021 and accepted a job as a plant biologist at Bayer. Congratulations, Felix!
Olivia Weigl, SLU Biology major
Olivia Weigl, Undergraduate Researcher (2018).
Olivia graduated from SLU in 2018 with majors in biology and international studies major with a minor in Spanish. She chose these studies because of her love of science and cultural diversity. She is involved in APO (the service fraternity), ZTA (social sorority), Oriflamme, and transfer mentors. In her spare time she works out and hangs out with friends. She was born and raised in south county St. Louis. Olivia transferred from Loyola University Chicago her sophomore year and found herself at the National University of Galway last fall where she was fortunate enough to travel around Europe. Olivia attended the Reis station last summer where she first heard of this opportunity.
UPDATE: Olivia is working for Teach for America - congratulations Olivia!
Olivia graduated from SLU in 2018 with majors in biology and international studies major with a minor in Spanish. She chose these studies because of her love of science and cultural diversity. She is involved in APO (the service fraternity), ZTA (social sorority), Oriflamme, and transfer mentors. In her spare time she works out and hangs out with friends. She was born and raised in south county St. Louis. Olivia transferred from Loyola University Chicago her sophomore year and found herself at the National University of Galway last fall where she was fortunate enough to travel around Europe. Olivia attended the Reis station last summer where she first heard of this opportunity.
UPDATE: Olivia is working for Teach for America - congratulations Olivia!
Alice Werynski, SLU Bio/Spanish major
Alice Werynski, SLU Undergraduate Researcher (2021 - 2023)
Alice is a third year undergraduate student studying Biology and Spanish. She is on the pre-
medical track and plans to attend medical school after graduating. Aside from her passions for
the healthcare field, she has always loved learning about conservation and ecology. Growing
up, her family inspired her interests in the natural world by growing a large garden and taking
annual hiking trips. Her favorite locations so far have been the Rocky Mountains in Colorado
and the German Alps in Bavaria. This appreciation of nature has made her excited to pursue
her biology major, as there are so many different aspects available to explore and research.
Alice is a third year undergraduate student studying Biology and Spanish. She is on the pre-
medical track and plans to attend medical school after graduating. Aside from her passions for
the healthcare field, she has always loved learning about conservation and ecology. Growing
up, her family inspired her interests in the natural world by growing a large garden and taking
annual hiking trips. Her favorite locations so far have been the Rocky Mountains in Colorado
and the German Alps in Bavaria. This appreciation of nature has made her excited to pursue
her biology major, as there are so many different aspects available to explore and research.
Vickie Williams, Visiting Researcher.
Vickie Williams, Visiting Undergraduate Researcher.
UPDATE: Vickie is heading into her junior year at Davidson College. She is majoring in Biology and History.
UPDATE: Vickie started a PhD program at the University of North Carolina!
UPDATE: Vickie is heading into her junior year at Davidson College. She is majoring in Biology and History.
UPDATE: Vickie started a PhD program at the University of North Carolina!
Angela Wu, SLU Bioinformatics and Computational Biology graduate student
Angela Wu, SLU Bioinformatics Graduate Intern (2019-2020)
Angela is a second-year master’s student at Saint Louis University studying Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. After receiving a B.A. in biochemistry from University of Colorado at Boulder in 2013, she worked at a peptide manufacturing company in Fremont, California, and that was where she realized the importance of data analysis and saw the usefulness of computational skills in many fields. Angela is interested in exploring and using various statistical and machine learning methods to make data more meaningful to the users. In her free time, she loves to get good food and do ballet.
Angela is a second-year master’s student at Saint Louis University studying Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. After receiving a B.A. in biochemistry from University of Colorado at Boulder in 2013, she worked at a peptide manufacturing company in Fremont, California, and that was where she realized the importance of data analysis and saw the usefulness of computational skills in many fields. Angela is interested in exploring and using various statistical and machine learning methods to make data more meaningful to the users. In her free time, she loves to get good food and do ballet.
Tracy Zander, Undergraduate researcher (SLU Public Health 2013). Tracy hails from Geneva, Illinois. As an undergraduate at SLU, she contributed to several projects including Geocarpon, horseradish, kudzu, and grape. Tracy graduated in 2013 and is now pursuing a Master's of Public Health at SLU. Although her dream career is to be a neo-natologist, she is fascinated by just about everything that plants do and plans to always be involved in botany to some degree! She has greatly enjoyed helping with the molecular work of Geocarpon, horseradish, Vitis, and kudzu (for which she also assisted with a pollination study), but she will always be captivated by the glandular trichomes of the carnivorous Drosera (sundew), and by the brilliantly evolved Ophrys (bee orchid). Aside from plants, she also greatly enjoys running, white water kayaking, and playing the cello.
UPDATE: Tracy completed the Master's degree in Public Health at Saint Louis University and is currently working in the Nashville area. Congratulations, Tracy!
UPDATE: Tracy completed the Master's degree in Public Health at Saint Louis University and is currently working in the Nashville area. Congratulations, Tracy!
SLU Undergraduate researchers (2006 - 2012)
Daniela Rey Ardila; Fall 2010.
Huawei Wang, SLU BA Biology 2011 (in lab 2010 - 2011)
Rory Arrigo, SLU BA Biology 2012 (in lab 2009 – 2012); Veterinary School at University of Illinois
Kyle Blacker, SLU BA Biology 2012 (in lab 2009 – 2012)
Lauren Broecker, SLU BS Environmental Science 2011 (in lab 2010 – 2011)
Michael Indergaard, SLU BA Biology 2011 (in lab 2008 – 2011); graduate school at SLU
Taylour Carlisle (in lab 2008)
Michael Joseph, SLU BA Biology 2010 (in lab 2008 – ‘10) ; graduate school at Washington State University
Silvia Ardila, SLU BA Biology 2011 (in lab 2008 –’10); medical school at University of Toledo
Luke Gatta, SLU BS Nutrition and Dietics/BA Philosophy 2013 (in lab Summer 2010)
Sarah Waninger, BA Biology 2010 (in lab 2008 –‘10); currently a med student at Indiana University
Omar Viswanath, SLU BA Biology 2009 (in lab 2008 – ‘09); currently med student at Creighton University
Tracey Bertram, SLU BA Biology 2009 (in lab 2007 – ‘09); currently med student at Saint Louis Univ.
Wendy Swetzig, BA Biology 2008 (in lab 2008); currently a graduate student at SUNY Buffalo
Theresa Knoblock, BA Biology 2007 (in lab 2007)
Huawei Wang, SLU BA Biology 2011 (in lab 2010 - 2011)
Rory Arrigo, SLU BA Biology 2012 (in lab 2009 – 2012); Veterinary School at University of Illinois
Kyle Blacker, SLU BA Biology 2012 (in lab 2009 – 2012)
Lauren Broecker, SLU BS Environmental Science 2011 (in lab 2010 – 2011)
Michael Indergaard, SLU BA Biology 2011 (in lab 2008 – 2011); graduate school at SLU
Taylour Carlisle (in lab 2008)
Michael Joseph, SLU BA Biology 2010 (in lab 2008 – ‘10) ; graduate school at Washington State University
Silvia Ardila, SLU BA Biology 2011 (in lab 2008 –’10); medical school at University of Toledo
Luke Gatta, SLU BS Nutrition and Dietics/BA Philosophy 2013 (in lab Summer 2010)
Sarah Waninger, BA Biology 2010 (in lab 2008 –‘10); currently a med student at Indiana University
Omar Viswanath, SLU BA Biology 2009 (in lab 2008 – ‘09); currently med student at Creighton University
Tracey Bertram, SLU BA Biology 2009 (in lab 2007 – ‘09); currently med student at Saint Louis Univ.
Wendy Swetzig, BA Biology 2008 (in lab 2008); currently a graduate student at SUNY Buffalo
Theresa Knoblock, BA Biology 2007 (in lab 2007)
Former High School students
Ma'Kiya Carter, Summer 2022 High School Intern
Ma'Kiya Carter (she/her), High School Intern (Summer 2022)
Hi I’m Ma’Kiya Carter,
I’m about to be a senior at Bishop Dubourg High School. In 3rd grade I did a science project on What liquid works best on plants. Like milk, water, or apple juice. I got 1st place and won a $100 scholarship. I’m not really into plants but I’m really interested in being a Veterinarian Technician. I really love animals. But my grandparents told me about the internship. So I hope I learn a lot and have fun!
Hi I’m Ma’Kiya Carter,
I’m about to be a senior at Bishop Dubourg High School. In 3rd grade I did a science project on What liquid works best on plants. Like milk, water, or apple juice. I got 1st place and won a $100 scholarship. I’m not really into plants but I’m really interested in being a Veterinarian Technician. I really love animals. But my grandparents told me about the internship. So I hope I learn a lot and have fun!
Avonelle Lindon, High School Intern
Avonelle Lindon, High School Research Intern (2019 - 2022)
Avonelle is a senior at Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience in St. Louis Public Schools, St. Louis, MO. She loves learning about science, especially sustainability, perennial plants, and biodiversity. In addition to learning, she also loves education. She teaches sewing at her home studio and has started a math tutoring program with a local middle school. She hopes to pursue a career that combines her love of STEM and education to share all the cool science she is learning with future generations. In her spare time, she likes to embroider, run, and grow heirloom plants.
Avonelle is a senior at Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience in St. Louis Public Schools, St. Louis, MO. She loves learning about science, especially sustainability, perennial plants, and biodiversity. In addition to learning, she also loves education. She teaches sewing at her home studio and has started a math tutoring program with a local middle school. She hopes to pursue a career that combines her love of STEM and education to share all the cool science she is learning with future generations. In her spare time, she likes to embroider, run, and grow heirloom plants.
Allison Rea, STARS student (Summer 2019, Spring 2020)
Allison Rea is a high school senior at Ladue Horton Watkins High school. She has always had a love of nature and has furthered it through the many Biology classes Ladue offers. She is a part of her school's chapter of the Science National Honors Society and their Botany club - The Green Team. During her undergraduate experience, she hopes to major in Biological Sciences and go on to specialize in Botany in graduate school. In her free time, Allison loves to bake, read and do martial arts. She is thrilled to be working with the Miller Lab again! Allison worked with our group in Summer 2019 and did a great job looking at variation and covariation in early life stage traits in Onobrychis viciifolia.
Update: Allison is pursuing a Bachelor's degree at Washington University in St. Louis.
Allison Rea is a high school senior at Ladue Horton Watkins High school. She has always had a love of nature and has furthered it through the many Biology classes Ladue offers. She is a part of her school's chapter of the Science National Honors Society and their Botany club - The Green Team. During her undergraduate experience, she hopes to major in Biological Sciences and go on to specialize in Botany in graduate school. In her free time, Allison loves to bake, read and do martial arts. She is thrilled to be working with the Miller Lab again! Allison worked with our group in Summer 2019 and did a great job looking at variation and covariation in early life stage traits in Onobrychis viciifolia.
Update: Allison is pursuing a Bachelor's degree at Washington University in St. Louis.
Eve Rosenblum, Metro High School, Saint Louis Public Schools (Summer 2021)
Eve Rosenblum is a senior at Metro Academic and Classical High School. For as long as she can remember her life has been deeply connected with nature, a value her parents instilled through years spent hiking around Missouri and cycling in Forest Park. She became involved in the climate crisis, Sophomore Year of high school when she began her school’s environmental club. So far, the club has begun a school-wide recycling program, composting program, led an environmental week, and fundraised for a water bottle fountain, to name a few. Eve has pursued her interest in the environment through science classes at school and taking direct action with organizations like Sierra Club and Missouri Land Trust. In her free-time, she loves reading and watching movies.
Eve Rosenblum is a senior at Metro Academic and Classical High School. For as long as she can remember her life has been deeply connected with nature, a value her parents instilled through years spent hiking around Missouri and cycling in Forest Park. She became involved in the climate crisis, Sophomore Year of high school when she began her school’s environmental club. So far, the club has begun a school-wide recycling program, composting program, led an environmental week, and fundraised for a water bottle fountain, to name a few. Eve has pursued her interest in the environment through science classes at school and taking direct action with organizations like Sierra Club and Missouri Land Trust. In her free-time, she loves reading and watching movies.
Savannah Rufus-Smith
Savannah is an intern at the Danforth Center. She loves tulips and elephant ears. When she grows up, she wants to have a garden full of plants with fruit. Also, she loves to watch tv shows in her free time. She currently has no idea what college she would like to go to but plans to grow up and have two jobs from two different majors!
Savannah is an intern at the Danforth Center. She loves tulips and elephant ears. When she grows up, she wants to have a garden full of plants with fruit. Also, she loves to watch tv shows in her free time. She currently has no idea what college she would like to go to but plans to grow up and have two jobs from two different majors!
Kavi Stevick, High School Intern
Kavi Stevick (she/her), High School Intern (2022)
Kavi is a senior at Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience. She doesn't know where she is going to college yet, but she plans to major in biology. In her free time she enjoys reading and watching horror movies, as well as playing the piano. She has always had a passion for nature, especially birds (her favorite is the turkey vulture).
Kavi is a senior at Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience. She doesn't know where she is going to college yet, but she plans to major in biology. In her free time she enjoys reading and watching horror movies, as well as playing the piano. She has always had a passion for nature, especially birds (her favorite is the turkey vulture).