About Me

Hello there! I’m Becky, an ecologist currently pursuing my PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Quantitative Sciences from Emory University.

Cáceres Lab (Present)

As a graduate student in the Cáceres Lab, I study the ecology of the mosquito-Wolbachia symbiosis. I led a field survey of Culex spp. in Illinois and Wisconsin, conducting mosquito genotyping, Wolbachia strain identification, and microbiome profiling. I’ve also mentored undergraduate students in mosquito collection and DNA extraction. I hope to soon conduct experiments investigating the effects of stress on the mosquito-Wolbachia symbiosis in larval mosquitoes.

North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD)

During my time as a Laboratory Technician, I collected, identified, and conducted RNA extractions of mosquitoes to test for West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis Virus. I also conducted larval surveillance studies and identified tick species in the area.

Civitello Lab

As an Undergraduate Research Assistant, I worked on size-structured host populations of freshwater snails, investigating the effects of exposure and susceptibility on parasite transmission. My research resulted in an honors thesis, titled “Parasite transmission in size-structured host populations,” published in Ecology.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Outside of my academic pursuits, I’m actively involved in community building and leadership roles. Currently, I serve as the New Membership Director for Graduates in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (GEEB), where I facilitate the GEEB Mentorship Program and support the recruitment of new students.

Volunteering and Mentorship

Giving back to the community is essential to me. I’ve enjoyed participating in children’s educational outreach programs, including Campers Explore Biology and Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead. I’ve also been involved in fundraising for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and volunteered at Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter. Additionally, mentoring students is a fulfilling part of my journey, and I’m currently mentoring two amazing undergrads!