CURRENT & RECENT LAB MEMBERS

Richard B. Primack

Professor of Biology
B.A. Harvard University
PhD Duke University
primack@bu.edu
CV
Department Website

Caitlin mcdonough mackenzie

Alum and Collaborator
Assistant Professor at Bennington College
Postdoc at U Maine
B.A. Harvard University
M.A. University of Vermont
PhD Boston University
mackenz@bu.edu
CV
Website

I study the ecological effects of land-use change and climate change on plant communities. My research is focused on long-term changes in flowering phenology and local abundance across communities in the Northeast.

Amanda Gallinat

Alum and Collaborator
Visiting Assistant Professor at Colby College Postdoc at Utah State University
B.A. Carleton College
PhD Boston University
gallinat@bu.edu
CV
Website

I study the effects of climate change and invasive species on autumn phenology, with a focus on bird-fruit interactions.

Lucy Zipf

Recent graduate, Visiting Lecturer at Wellesley College
B.S. Brown University
PhD Boston University
lzipf@bu.edu
CV
Website

I study the combined effects of global change on the phenology, reproductive success, and potential for ecological mismatch in a declining species of aerial insectivorous bird, the Tree Swallow, and their insect prey.

LIBBY ellwood

Alum and Collaborator
iDigBio Communications Manager Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Research Associate
B.S. University of Rhode Island
M.S. University of Southern Maine
PhD Boston University
ellwoodlibby@gmail.com
Website

I work with biodiversity data aggregators to make data discoverable and accessible to all. These collaborative efforts occur at regional, national, and international scales and serve to advance data-driven research, education, and policy.

TARA K. Miller

PhD 2022
B.A. Williams College
tkingmil@bu.edu
CV
Website

I study the effects of climate change on plants and wildlife in North America, using herbarium specimens and wildlife rehabilitation records.

MATT rothendler

Field Research Technician
B.A. Boston University
mrothendler@gmail.com

CAROLINE Polgar

Alum and Collaborator
Ecologist & Science Educator
B.A. Colby College
PhD Boston University
carolinepolgar@gmail.com

LAHARI indraganti

M.S. Student
B.S. University of California - Davis
lahariin@bu.edu

I study how climate change is impacting the flowering phenology of the native California wildflower, Streptanthus tortuosus.

ALYSSA HELMLING

Boston University recent graduate
achelml@bu.edu

I study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on noise pollution in urban centers around Boston, while also assisting with other projects in the lab.

abe miller-rushing

Alum and Collaborator
Science Coordinator at Acadia NP
B.A. Grinnell College
PhD Boston University
CV

I study the causes, consequences, and management (including communication) responses to environmental change in protected areas. I focus mostly on forest ecology and citizen science, but get involved in lots more.

Linnea Smith

Scientific Assistant - German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research
B.A. Boston University
smithlc@bu.edu

I study the amount of time evergreen plants retain their leaves, including factors that affect this and the effect it in turn can have on an ecosystem.

KATIA LANDAUER

BA/MS student Honors Thesis Researcher katiana@bu.edu

I study pollinator activity in Boston, including the frequency of nonnative honey bees visits and native bees visits on cultivated and native plants.

SELBY VAUGHN

BA Biology (Conservation Biology & Ecology) selbyv@bu.edu

I study the effects of climate change on plant phenology and development, using both field studies and dormant twig experiments.