Timothy is a PhD candidate in the Moyle lab, studying floral evolution and the effects of a species’ mating system on the evolution of male- and female-associated reproductive traits. He has pursued this research through the lens of phenotypic, genomic, and transcriptomic analyses, using plants grown and maintained in the IU Greenhouses with the diligent support of the IU Biology Greenhouse staff. During his time as a graduate student at IU, Timothy has represented graduate students in various capacities, primarily through several years of work in EEB ORG (Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior Organization Representing Graduate Students). In the future, he hopes to secure a postdoctoral position to continue his investigations into evolution, with a particular interest in climate tolerance and adaptation.

Timothy is a PhD candidate in Dr. Sidney Shaw’s lab, where he studies the organization of the microtubule cytoskeleton in plant cells. These microtubule arrays are important for directing the growth of cells and controlling overall plant shape. Timothy has a deep interest in understanding how small molecular behaviors and interactions contribute to the spatial arrangement of components within the cell and regulate cell-wide functions. He currently co-chairs the Plant and Microbial Cytoskeleton Gordon Research Seminar, where he has enjoyed building connections and engaging in scientific discussion with researchers in the field. He will use this award to support his research and professional development as he completes his PhD. Following graduation, he will conduct postdoctoral research on microtubule regulation and function as it relates to human disease.

“I am a senior Microbiology Ph.D. candidate in the Hardy Lab, where I study the molecular 'conversations' between Chikungunya virus RNA and host cells to understand how mosquito-borne pathogens thrive. While my foundation is at the bench, my future is in bridging the gap between complex science and global audiences. I am currently preparing to transition into the biotech industry, where I aim to pursue a career in science communication.”

Nicholas is a senior graduate student working towards a PhD. in Microbiology in the McKinlay lab. His research focuses on understanding the basic physiology and metabolism of bacterial species with potential for industrial applications. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a career in industry with the goal of sustainably producing value-added products through bioprocessing.

Brittany is a graduate student in the McKinlay lab and studies how an evolved nutrient metabolism integrates into the existing host physiology and the broader metabolic network of their community. During the summer, she mentors high school teachers in approachable microbiology modules to take into their classrooms in hopes of inspiring the next generation of students to pursue careers in microbiology. Brittany’s future goals include a post-doctoral fellowship focused on astrobiology or space biology.

Olivia is a 5th-year graduate student in the McKinlay lab studying how spatial structure promotes gene loss in microbial communities.