Dr. Corrie Moreau (she/her)
CALS Senior Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Moser Endowed Professor of Arthropod Biosystematics and Biodiversity
Director & Curator of the Cornell University Insect Collection
corrie.moreau@cornell.edu
As an organismal evolutionary biologist, who focuses on social insects and their gut-associated microbes, I am interested in the role of diversification, biogeography, and symbiosis in shaping macroevolutionary processes to better understand broad-scale evolutionary patterns of life. To accomplish these goals I leverage field-based research with molecular and genomic tools to address the origin of species and how co-evolved systems benefit both partners.
Website: https://www.moreaulab.entomology.cornell.edu/people/corrie-moreau/
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Guilherme Azvedo (he/him)
Visiting Fellow – Cornell University
I am a biologist curious about the evolutionary trajectories of organisms that led to the astonishing diversity of life, as well as about the role of the environment in driving species through their path. I am particularly interested in studying spiders integrating the fields of population genomics, phylogenetics, ecology and biogeography. I am currently investigating patterns of gene flow across species of paradise jumping spiders to understand sexual selection and sex-related trait evolution, and using and developing diversification models to understand the role of troglomorphism in the diversification of cave spiders.
Website: https://ghfazevedo.github.io/
Dr. Tatsuya Inagaki (he/him)
Postdoctoral Fellow – Cornell University
ti224@cornell.edu
I am interested in how symbiotic relationships have evolved in various organisms, especially social insects. I have focused on obligate mutualism between termites and their gut microbiota, including diverse protists, bacteria, and archaea. I have investigated how microbial communities are maintained in termite life history by focusing on their caste (social role of each individual), development, and colony growth. As a next step, I want to clarify the functions and interactions of each microorganism in the community and their relationship with termite ecology.
Website: https://tatsuyainagaki.wixsite.com/japanese
Graduate Students
Yareli Alvarez (she/her/ella)
Ph.D. Graduate Student – Cornell University
ya92@cornell.edu
I am broadly interested in the evolution of defense mechanisms. My current research explores how ecological pressures shape defensive strategies in social insects, such as the emergence of a soldier caste in ants and the plasticity of behavioral defenses in paper wasps. By integrating phylogenetic, behavioral, and molecular approaches, I aim to uncover how these traits evolve and contribute to the success of social insects.
Website: https://www.yarelialvarez.com/
Leland Graber (he/him)
Ph.D. Graduate Student – Cornell University
lcg65@cornell.edu
I’m interested in the interactions of social insects with microbial symbionts. I am curious to see how microbes, when associated with insect societies, impact the behavior and physiology of the individual insects, as well as the social behaviors of the entire society. I’m also interested in the role that microbial symbionts played in shaping the evolution of different social insect species.
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/lelandgraber/home
Ayress Grinage (she/her)
Ph.D. Graduate Student – Cornell University (co-supervised with Dr. Chelsea Specht)
adg223@cornell.edu
Palm tree form is more diverse than the tall single stemmed plant most people associate with palms, think beaches and coconuts. Rather, palms can be vines, mangroves, stemless. Palm form is closely associated with their ecology, particularly habitats and pollinators, but also historical processes such as range fragmentation, isolation and selection against predation by megafauna. I am interested in investigating the diversity of palm forms in the Neotropical palms, Sabal. Thus, I work at both the interspecific and intraspecific level to investigate the transition from tall single stemmed palms to stemlessness. I use a combination of field-collected and specimen-based (herbarium and botanical garden) data to address this question from a contemporary and historical perspective.
Website: https://ayressgrinage.weebly.com/
Chloe Jelley (she/her)
Ph.D. Graduate Student – Cornell University
cmj96@cornell.edu
I am interested in morphological, behavioral, and genetic trait diversity in ants. Through my research I aim to examine how these traits have evolved over time across ant lineages via their biotic interactions within their given environments. I am especially interested in the role that various levels of aggression play in biotic interactions.
Website: https://chloejelley.weebly.com/
Annette Kang (she/her)
Ph.D. Graduate Student – Cornell University
ak2595@cornell.edu
I am broadly interested in Neotropical ants! With a background in army ant neuroanatomy and how environmental pressures inform development, I am now aiming to understand the genetic population structure and phylogeography of the Neotropical bullet ant, Paraponera clavata.
Sylvana Ross (she/her)
Ph.D. Graduate Student – Cornell University
sbr88@cornell.edu
I am interested in understanding how organismal interactions within urban environments influence the dynamics of trait variation, selection, and species diversification. I am aiming to study the genetic variation between urban and natural ant populations to give insight to the role of human driven environmental change on a species’ phenotypes and genotypes. It is my goal to use my research to empower empathy for the natural world and intersect social and evolutionary sciences to help advance biodiversity in our growing urban ecosystems.
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/sylvana-ross/home
Cheyenne Reuben-Thomas (she/they)
Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Turtle Clan & Tonawanda Seneca
PhD Graduate Student – Cornell University
cit27@cornell.edu
I am broadly interested in exploring how Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)-Practice Systems impact insect biodiversity. My doctoral research investigates and compares how Cultural Fire and agency-led prescribed burns impact species and genetic diversity of ants. My work will highlight the significant scientific and social impacts of applying Indigenous Science and TEK in an ever-changing world while supporting Indigenous self-determination through upholding data sovereignty in ecological research.
Website: https://www.cheyennethomas.com/
Research Assistants & Staff
Dr. Jason Dombroskie (he/him)
Collections Manager
Cornell University Insect Collection
Website: http://www.jasondombroskie.com/
Undergraduate Interns, High School Interns, & Volunteers
 Emmett Collins-SussmanCornell University |
 Sera KoCornell University |
 Leo NavarroCornell University |
 George OkongwuCornell University |
 Jaden ThomasCornell University |
 Noah WangCornell University |
 Alex WongCornell University |
 Brandon YoonCornell University |
Moreau Lab Alumni
Graduate Students
- Megan Barkdull (Now: Assistant Curator at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County): 2019-2024
- Benjamin Blanchard (Now: Postdoc at Chinese Academy of Sciences): 2014-2020
- Anais Chanson (Now: Postdoc at University of Lincoln, UK) 2017-2021
- Peter Flynn (Now: Postdoc at Harvard University): 2016-2022
- Jordan Greer (Now: Staff science writer for Cell Press): 2017-2019
- Phoebe Koenig (Now at: Alaska State Sea Grant Fellow, USA): 2020-2024
- Manuela Ramalho (Now: Assistant Professor – West Chester University of Pennsylvania): 2015-2017
- Benjamin Rubin (Now: Private biotech company): 2009-2015
- Supriya (Now: Associate Director of Data Science at the University of California, Los Angeles, USA): 2014-2019
- Max Winston (Now: Private tech company): 2011-2017
- Lu Yao (Now: Private consulting company): 2011-2016
Postdoctoral Researchers
- Caroline Birer (Now: Assistant Professor – University of Tours, France): 2019-2020
- Doug Booher (Now: Research Entomologist – US Forest Service): 2018-2020
- Felix Grewe (Now: Genome Analyst – Field Museum: 2014–2016
- Stefanie Kautz (Now: Assistant Professor – Portland State University): 2009–2014
- Steve Leavitt (Now: Assistant Professor – Brigham Young University): 2013–2015
- Dirk Mezger (Now: Project Manager & Photographer – AntBase.net): 2013–2014
- Matthew Nelsen (Now: Research Scientist – Field Museum): 2016-2018
- Shauna Price (Now: Teaching Professor – Loyola University, Chicago): 2015-2018
- Manuela Ramalho (Now: Assistant Professor – West Chester University of Pennsylvania): 2018 – 2022
- Jacob Suissa (Now: Assistant Professor – University of Tennessee Knoxville): 2022-2024
- Axel Touchard (Now: Research Scientist – Karou Station): 2023-2024
- April Wright (Now: Assistant Professor – Southeastern Louisiana University): 2016-2017
Research Assistants
- Matt Boot (Now: Ohio State University): 2015-2017
- Gracen Brilmyer (Now: University of California, Los Angeles): 2011-2014
- Jesse Czekanski-Moir (Now: SUNY-ESF): 2008-2010
- Joe Rowlett: 2014-2015
- Alexandra Westrich (Now: Chicago Department of Public Health): 2010–2012 & 2014–2015
- Brian Wray (Now: Northwestern University): 2010-2017
Undergraduate Interns
- Tamana Ahmadi (Cornell University): 2021–2022
- Aaron-Bereich Apilado (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2012–2013
- Jenna-Marie Antonucci (Loyola University): Summer 2009
- Patrick Belenky (University of Illinois, Chicago): 2013–2014
- Matthew Boot (Grand Valley State University): 2013–2015
- Simon Briggs (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2013–2014
- Andrew Burchill (University of Chicago): 2013–2014 (NSF REU intern 2013)
- Sam Cavanaugh (Cornell University): 2019-2024
- Kelsey Choo (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2014–2015
- Seyde Delgado (Cornell University): 2022-2025
- Jessica De Smet (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign): 2009–2011
- Grant Doering (Arizona State University): Summer 2016 & 2017
- John “JC” Dombrowski (Cornell University): 2021-2023
- Mahalia Donaldson (Cornell University): 2022-2024
- Ariel Fang (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2011–2014
- Manda Gibbs (Lake Forest College): FMWIS Kemper Scholar Summer 2014
- Charles Griggs (Middlebury College): Summer 2013
- Geneva Guinee (University of New England): Summer 2009
- Ali Gutowski (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2013–2014
- Caroline Hanson (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2012–2013
- Mallory Hinz (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign): 2013
- Madeline Jenkins (Beloit College): 2016–present
- Madeleine Kelly (Harvard University): Summer 2017
- Zoe Kim (Cornell University): 2019-2021
- Hanna Klaeser (Whitman College): Summers 2014 & 2016
- Rachel Kleban (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2014
- Stefanie Krim (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2013–2014
- Daniel Minh-Tu Le (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2011
- Elizabeth Loehler (Loyola University): Summer 2009 (NSF REU intern 2009)
- Ariadne Lumayag (DePaul University): Summer 2010 (NSF CIRRUS intern 2010)
- Paul Masonick (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign): 2014
- Dreyvon McCray (Governor’s State University): Summer 2016 (NSF REU intern 2016)
- Katherine McDonnell (Tufts University): Summer 2013
- Steven Medina (Tulane University): Summer 2016
- William Montag (Bowdoin University): Summer 2010 & 2011 (NSF REU intern 2011)
- Stephanie Morgan (Beloit College): Summer 2013 (Field Museum Women In Science intern)
- Amanda Mulcahy (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2014
- Peter Nichols (School of the Art Institute of Chicago): 2014–2015
- Timothy O’Connor (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign): 2010
- Sean O’Fallon (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign): 2016–2017
- Corey Reese (Cornell University): 2019-2023
- Destiny Reeves (University of Chicago): 2016–2017
- Ian Rines (Wofford College): Summer 2017 (NSF REU intern 2017)
- Estefany Romero (Concordia University Chicago): Summer 2015 (Field Museum Women In Science intern)
- Timothy Salazar (University of Chicago): 2014–2015
- Francesca Socki (Ohio Wesleyan University): Summer 2017 (NSF REU intern 2017)
- Kathleen Soler (DePaul University): 2009-2010
- Lynika Stozier (Dominican University): Summer 2011 & Summer 2013
- Andrea Thompson (Harold Washington College): 2014–2017
- Arista Tischner (University of Illinois, Chicago): 2011–2014 (NSF CIRRUS intern 2011; NSF REU intern 2012)
- Gabriel Trujillio (Lake Forest College): 2014–2015
- Mitchell Trychta (Rhodes College): Summer 2016
- Mariam Usmani (DePaul University): Summer 2009
- Steven Wang (Cornell University): 2019-2021
- Cody Weinberger (University of Chicago): 2013
- Alexandra Westrich (School for the Art Institute of Chicago): 2009-2010
- Jesse Williams (Roosevelt University): 2013–2014
- Sara Zufan (Loyola University): 2009–2012 (NSF REU intern 2010
High school interns
- Alexandra Gray (Deerfield Academy High School): Summer 2010
- Charles Griggs (Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy): Spring 2012–Summer 2012
- Eveline Liu (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy): Fall 2013–Spring 2014
- Katherine McDonnell (St. Francis High School): Summer 2012
- Chelsea Wang (Naperville North High School): Summer 2013
Volunteers
- Dr. Helga Haumuller: 2014
- Daniel Le (School of the Art Institute of Chicago; Now at: Field Museum Botany Department): Undergraduate Volunteer 2011
- Dr. Amanda Wass: 2008
Visiting Scientists
- Frank Azorsa (Museo de Historia Natural, Lima, Peru): Visiting Museum Collections Assistant 2009
- Dr. Caroline Birer (University of French Guiana): Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher 2017
- Marília Bitar (visiting Ph.D. student – Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil): 2023
- Dr. Matthew Carson (Northwestern University): Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher 2013-2014
- Amanda de Oliveira (visiting Ph.D. student – UNESP Rio Claro, Brazil): 2020
- Dr. Arietta Fleming-Davies (University of Chicago; Now at: QUBES project): Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher 2011-2014
- Dr. Lee Hsiang Liow (Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Norway): Visiting Professor 2023-2024
- Dr. Cíntia Martins (Federal University of Piauí, Brazil): Visiting Fulbright Junior Faculty Member 2017-2018
- Rodolfo Probst (Museu de Zoologia da University of São Paulo): Visiting Master’s Student 2015 & Research Assistant 2016
- Dr. Gregory Putzel (Northwestern University): Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher 2013-2014
- Dr. Jane Waters (Princeton University; Now at: Providence College): Visiting Postdoctoral Researcher 2014
