Dr. Janna Willoughby
I’m Janna Willoughby, an assistant professor in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn. I am interested in evolution and try to use genetics and genomics to address conservation related questions. Previously, I was a postdoc working at Purdue University. I completed an MS at Central Michigan University, PhD in FNR at Purdue, and postdoc in the Christie Lab at Purdue.
Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building, 4333
602 Duncan Dr, Auburn, Alabama 36849
jwilloughby@auburn.edu
Please have a look at my recent work to see how our interests overlap. If you think we might work well together, get in touch with me directly and provide a brief overview of your background and interests as well as a copy of your CV.
Current lab members
Gina Lamka
I’m Gina Lamka, a Ph.D. candidate in the Willoughby Lab. Here, I will increase my skills in genetics and behavioral ecology to understand how fitness traits vary within and between individuals, and how this ultimately alters our understanding of evolution. In addition to using whole genome bisulfite sequencing to answer these questions, I am also developing agent-based models to simulate the adaptive potential in wild populations. Previously, for my MS at Ball State University in the Ward Lab, I isolated the behavioral effects of chronic exposure to neurodegenerative metabolites. I used these data to explore how exposure can alter the dynamics of predator-prey interactions through impaired cognitive and motor function.
Andrea Miranda Paez
I am Andrea Miranda Paez, a Ph.D. student originally from Laredo, Texas. I earned my B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University in 2020 and my M.S. in Wildlife Science from Auburn University in 2022. My dissertation research leverages genetic data to study wildlife population dynamics and the impacts of disease, to inform wildlife management. My work includes studies on an Alaska caribou herd, raccoon populations in Alabama, and the human dimensions of wildlife management in the Southeastern U.S. I am particularly interested in the applications of genetics in wildlife conservation and management.
Tabeth Mwema
I am Tabeth Mwema, a Ph.D student in Dr. Willoughby’s Lab. I was born and raised in Zambia, but obtained an honor’s degree in Environmental Biology and Geology, and a master’s degree in Medical Entomology, both from the University of Namibia. I am passionate about eliminating mosquito-borne diseases, so I am currently working towards studying how mosquitoes evolve to become efficient vectors.
To reduce mosquito-borne disease transmission, we need to understand the type of mosquitoes we have, their abundance, and where they breed. Unfortunately, surveillance is not always conducted, and this impedes vector control. Vector control is also sometimes lacking when residents are not receptive to chemical insecticide applications. This makes us all sitting ducks! I am investigating how landscape characteristics influence mosquito populations, specifically how habitats influence mosquito movements and genetic diversity. I will use this understanding to make predictions about diseases that mosquitoes spread, and how we can best act to control these mosquito species, thereby protecting both humans and livestock.
Temitope Ruth Folorunso
I am Temitope Ruth Folorunso, a first-year PhD student in the laboratory. During my Master’s program, I conducted research on insecticide resistance genes using genomic tools, which provided valuable insights into the evolution of gene variants and their selective advantages. My research interests primarily revolve around evolutionary biodiversity and population genetics. My research will focus on investigating the evolutionary patterns of fungal pathogens in pine trees, utilizing genomics and bioinformatics approaches. I aim to explore both ecological aspects and genetic mechanisms related to managing fungal diseases. This research will allow me to apply my expertise in genomics and disease ecology to contribute to a better understanding of this important field.
Gabriel Silva
I am Gabriel, a Ph.D. student from Brazil. I completed my bachelor’s in Biotechnology Engineering in 2022. My background and passion are bioinformatics and molecular biology, and I am researching the genetics of Lecanosticta acicola, the pathogenic fungus that causes Brown Spot Needle Blight in pine trees. During my Ph.D., I will understand the genetic aspects of the disease, the genetic variation across the species, and the co-evolutionary history between host and pathogen.
Negar Amiri
I’m Negar, a Ph.D. student with a deep fascination for evolutionary biology, based at the College of Forestry and Wildlife Science, Auburn University, AL. My journey is all about unlocking the secrets within animal populations and finding ways to protect species that are dangerously close to extinction. I got my start at the University of Shahid Beheshti in Iran, where I earned my master’s degree. There, I got to dive into the world of phylogeography and used fancy computer models to explore the lives of Iranian long-legged wood frogs. These frogs are special because they’re only found in Iran.
I’m thrilled to be part of Auburn University and share my passion for evolutionary biology and wildlife conservation. Let’s explore the amazing world of animals and the science that helps protect them!
Marilis Girón
Senior Engineering of Environment and Development student, Marilis Girón, is committed to biodiversity, seeing it as a great example of art in the natural world. Her commitment to protecting the environment has brought her to the Willoughby Laboratory, where she actively supports research. Merging her passion for science with her dedication to conservation, Marilis helps in the lab with DNA extractions and helps in studies on fungus growth rate.
Samantha Huey
My name is Samantha Huey, and I’m an undergraduate student in the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment. I plan to graduate in 2025 with a bachelor’s in Wildlife Ecology and Management, with a minor in Biological Sciences.
I love to work with animals and plan to do so for the rest of my life. Following college, I plan to work in wildlife rehabilitation. In the further future, I hope to continue rehabilitation work as well as conduct research in zoonotic diseases. War Eagle!
Former lab members
Garrett Ake (undergraduate researcher)
Hi, my name is Garrett Ake and I am from Athens, Alabama. I am studying wildlife ecology & management. My interests are conservation biology, evolution, marsupial ecology, and waterfowl ecology.
Deepika Garugu (PhD student at University of Nebraska)
I am Deepika Garugu and have recently completed my bachelor’s in forestry from Forest College and Research Institute, Hyderabad. I started as an MS student in January 2021. As I’m a Wildlife enthusiast, I have set my carrier in my field of interest by doing as much research as I can. I am currently working on a project analyzing the distribution and geographical patterns of genetic diversity in mussels and other invertebrates.
Dr. Avril Harder (Post-doc, 2020-2023, now a bioinformatician at Hudson Alpha)
I am Dr. Avril Harder, an NSF Postdoctoral Fellow investigating how an individual’s genome and the environment interact to determine fitness. For this project, we’re leveraging whole genome data from a fully pedigreed population of kangaroo rats, environmental data, and modeling to explore the evolution of fitness and how this process influences population dynamics. Previously, I completed an MS at Central Michigan University focusing on Antarctic sea spider phylogeography and a PhD at Purdue University researching salmon population genetics and evolution. Website: https://avril-m-harder.github.io
Ilya Kristensen (undergraduate researcher)
Ilya Kristensen got her B.S. in Wildlife Sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine and graduated in May 2022. She has a multitude of experience with animals having worked in both a clinical and research setting and is excited to dive further into the field of conservation genetics.
Undergraduate research interest?
Interested in joining us? Please fill out this form to let me know if you are an undergraduate interested in working with a grad student in my lab.
