The Scientists

Dr. Michael Wagner
Associate Professor

B.S. (Marine Biology), Texas A&M University
M.S. (Marine Science), College of William and Mary (VIMS)
Ph. D. (Fisheries Ecology), University of Georgia

I am a broadly trained aquatic ecologist with a principal focus on the behavioral ecology of fishes. My recent research addresses migration strategies, search behavior, and habitat selection as mediated by chemical information. I am very active in the development of practical, scientifically-sound, and innovative management tools to control invasive species. I teach or have taught courses on Stream Ecology, Invasion Ecology, and Effective Scientific Presentation.

Courses Taught:
Stream Ecology (advanced undergraduate)
Principles and Perspectives in Fisheries and Wildlife (graduate)
Invasion Ecology (graduate, special topics)
Slideology - the visual theory of effective PowerPoint presentations in science (graduate seminar)

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Current Members

Dr. John Hume
Post-doctoral Associate

B.Sc. (Zoology), University of Glasgow
M.Sc. (Fish Development), University of Glasgow
Ph. D. (Evolutionary Ecology), University of Glasgow

My research is directed towards understanding eco-evolutionary processes (e.g., ecological speciation), using lamprey species as model organisms in the United Kingdom and North America. I am also interested in the management of freshwater ecosystems, particularly the conservation of fishes.
Email
Follow @thatlampreyguy

Kandace Griffin
PhD Student

B.S. (Biology), B.A. (Psychology), Converse College
M.Sc. (Animal Behavior), University of Exeter

I am investigating how migrating sea lamprey use habitat features and chemical cues to avoid predators when moving through rivers. This information will allow us to create novel invasive species control methods based on manipulating and exploiting these movement tendencies. I am also interested in generating public interest and policy through education and outreach. I seek a career creating science-based policy and management strategies for fisheries management and species conservation.
Email
Follow @KandaceRGriffin

Emily Mensch
MSc Student

B.S. (Biological Sciences), Colorado State University

I want to use research to answer crucial questions associated with environmental change in aquatic environments, and help integrate research with management to allow policy-makers to find practical solutions to such problems. I will be working with chemists to identify the chemical structure of a natural repellent for the invasive sea lamprey (an alarm cue), and testing those compounds in the lab and field to discover the role of the odor in the life of this organism, and how to use it in invasive species control
Email
Follow @MenschEmily

Recent Alumni

Taylor Haas
MSc (2021)

Taylor investigated behavioral and survival patterns of the juvenile Sea Lamprey outmigration through novel acoustic telemetry technology. His work showed the efficacy of this technology and provided researchers with guidelines and recommendations for future studies as well as confirmed several behavioral tendencies of Sea Lamprey. He recently completed a fellowship through the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service where he used spatial data to analyze suitable habitat for several listed species in the USFWS's southeastern region. Since graduation, Taylor has spent time traveling, sharing his work at conferences and working on manuscripts.
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Mikaela Hanson
MSc (2021)

B.S. (Biochemistry and Biotechnology, emphasis in Chemistry), Minnesota State University Moorhead

I am investigating habituation prevention to a conspecific alarm cue (risk informing compound) in sea lamprey. I am captivated with chemical ecology and understanding the molecular mechanisms of behavior. My long-term career goal is to receive M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, and to work in academia as a teacher and researcher.
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Greg Byford
MSc (2016)

Current Employment: Research Technologist I
Michigan State University

My research is directed towards understanding the chemical communication system used by sea lamprey within riverine environments and how it may be manipulated to alter their migratory routes to improve control strategies. I am also interested in the management of freshwater fisheries, particularly the conservation of large fishes.
Email
Website

Trevor Meckley
MSc (2011) and PhD (2015)

Current Employment: Effects of Sea Level Rise Program Manager
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

My research sought to reveal what strategies non-homing fishes (sea lamprey) use to navigate to coastlines, locate river plumes, and to assess the role conspecific odor cues play in migratory search behavior. This interdisciplinary project required a close collaboration with both hydrodynamic and animal movement modelers, and employed 3-D movement analysis via acoustic telemetry.
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Thomas Luhring
Postdoctoral Associate (2013-2015)

Current Employment: Assistant Professor
Wichita State University

I investigate how life-history affects the ecology and behavior of animals. While in the ABELab, I worked on projects to determine how sea lamprey respond to risk cues in rivers at different stages of their ontogeny. Working with Mike gave me a wealth of experience in grant writing and played an important role in procuring a Population Biology Program of Excellence postdoctoral fellowship from the University of Nebraska.
Email
Website