Graduate Students

Zannat Ara

Advisor: Chasen

Zannat is a thesis-track Master’s student working in the Host-Parasite Interactions Lab. Her research interests include host-parasite interactions, microbiology, food safety, and antimicrobial research. Before joining, Zannat worked at an international health research center and with Save the Children International as a humanitarian worker. She previously completed her Bachelor’s degree in Food & Nutrition at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. After completing her MS, Zannat plans to pursue a PhD and continue her research career. Outside of academics and research, she enjoys exploring new places and spending time with friends and family.

Catherine Dodd

Advisor: Henning

Catherine is a Master’s student in Biological Sciences studying how xanthan gum impacts the growth and survivability of dune plants in beach sand and recycled glass sand. A goal of hers is to visit national and state parks around the country.

Gracie Hankins

Advisor: Henning

Gracie is a second-year Master’s student in Biological Sciences studying the effects of disturbance and nutrient addition on native dune plant litter decomposition. She constructed litter bags that were deployed onto plots at Dauphin Island, and bags will be pulled at various points to measure decomposition rates dependent on treatment. Additionally, she is working to isolate and identify the fungal partners present on root samples of the threatened ram’s head lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium arietinum) for potential population reestablishment. After completing her Master’s, Gracie plans to work seasonally in a few national parks before finding a career in conservation.

Maddie Jackson

Advisor: Pérez

Maddie is a Ph.D. student through SSoMES, but her advisor is Dr. Jonathan Perez in the Biology department. Her research interests are primarily focused on various aspects of bird migration, including both the ecology and physiology of migration. After completing her Ph.D., Maddie hopes to work in the non-profit or governmental space to support bird conservation efforts.

Katy Marten 

Advisor: Mata

Katy is a Biology Master's student on the non-thesis track. She received her B.S in Biomedical Sciences. She is hopeful to attend medical school after graduation.

Vishva Chhandrakantbhai Patel

Advisor: Mata

Vishva Patel is an international non-thesis Masters student from India. She has completed BSC.in Biochemistry and Post graduation in diploma medical laboratory technology in India. She has worked in a medical laboratory for 2.5 years after graduating. Then I thought I should do master in biological science because I want to focus on another subject in it, which will also helpful for me in the future career path in biotechnology. 

Jordan Rambo

Advisor: Perez

Jordan is a Biology Master Student on the thesis track. She received her B.A in Wildlife Ecology from Carson-Newman University. She is interested in behavior patterns as well as intra-species interactions. She will be working on the Eastern Bluebird Project. When she isn’t studying you can find her painting wildlife or hiking

Schuyler Sandridge

Advisor: Mata

Schuyler is a non-thesis graduate student interested in conservation.

I am a first-year master’s student in the Biology department at South. My interests include ecological restoration and environmental conservation. Currently, I work as an environmental consultant, focusing on applying scientific principles to support sustainable practices and protect natural ecosystems. My studies and professional experience drive my commitment to bridging the gap between intent and action in conservation and sustainability. 

Nargis Sultana

Advisor: Mata

Nargis Sultana is a graduate student in the Department of Biology at the University of South Alabama. Originally from Bangladesh, she is working under the supervision of Dr. Juan Luis Mata, with a research focus on the taxonomy of Agaricales mushrooms. When she’s not studying, Nargis enjoys gardening and spending time in nature.

Matthew Thomley

Advisor: Mata

Matthew is a non-thesis interested in molecular biology and pathogenesis/host defense. Thus far my research has been focused on the dynamics of assembly of thick filaments of myofibrils. 

Camille Thompson

Advisor: Henning

Camille is a Ph.D. student in the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences and the Biology Department. Her research focuses on fungal genomics, specifically root fungal endophytes isolated from salt marshes along the Texas coastline. Her work aims to reduce transplant mortality during coastal marsh revegetation by increasing plant resilience through mutualistic root fungal endophytes. After completing her Ph.D., Camille plans to continue in academia as a professor and researcher. 

Chelsea Thornton

Advisor: Henning

Chelsea is studying how disturbance and nutrient addition in coastal dunes impacts ghost crab burrowing density and morphometrics. She is interested in studying how coastal habitats and organisms change with growing pressures of climate change and coastal development to use the information to drive coastal conservation and restoration efforts.

Yasmine Woods

Advisor: Mata

Yasmine is a dedicated Master’s student pursuing a non-thesis track. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Auburn University at Montgomery. With a strong passion for clinical microbiology and a deep commitment to post-secondary education, Yasmine is eager to advance her expertise and inspire future generations of students.