Taylor M. Sloey, PhDLab Principal Investigator
Dr. Sloey is an Assistant Professor in ODU's Department of Biological Sciences. Her research investigates wetland plant ecology and ecophysiology to understand ecosystem response to changes in ecological drivers and inform restoration. Her lab uses a combination of field work, greenhouse/mesocosm study, and remote sensing to address questions in a variety of wetland ecosystems, including freshwater forested swamps, coastal marshes, mangroves, and tidal estuaries. |
sierra hildebrandtDoctoral Student
Sierra's doctoral research investigates the efficacy of oyster-based devices to protect shorelines, sustain oyster habitat, and increase salt marsh resilience. She received a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in marine science from ODU in 2018 and an M.S. in Biology/Environmental Science from Hampton University in 2021 where her research focused on alternative oyster restoration techniques. Sierra is a recipient of the prestigious 2022 Virginia Sea Grant Graduate Fellowship. |
Kori carrMaster's Student: Kori is interested in wetland restoration and ecology and long term research. Kori is working on understanding how diverse plant communities may shift towards homogenization following disturbances in freshwater forested wetlands, along with what role germination conditions play in this phenomenon. She's a recipient of the prestigious 2022 SWaMMP award through the Society of Wetland Scientists.
|
KAITLYN POUNDERSTREEBUD Researcher: Kaitlyn is pursuing a B.S. in Biology at ODU and was a 2023 TREEBUD Undergraduate Research Scholar. She is interested in coastal wetland restoration, plant ecology, and invasive species management. She is currently a volunteer in the lab studying living shoreline change over time.
|
Tori hudspethUndergraduate Researcher:
Tori is currently a senior majoring in Marine Biology at Old Dominion University. She has completed an internship at Glen Echo Park Aquarium and is now doing undergraduate research on living shorelines. She is interested in restoring damaged ecosystems caused by human activities such as pollution, climate change, and overnutrition to a healthier state. After she graduates, she wants to go to graduate school for Biology. In the future, she would like to work for a government agency like NOAA |
HAROLD JONESDoctoral Student: Harold is a non-traditional student pursuing a PhD after retiring from an exciting career with the US Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Consulting. He has received a lifetime achievement award from the Society of Wetland Scientists and has been integral in the development of wetland delineation and hydric soils training protocols. Harold's research seeks to characterize successional dynamics of interdunal swales.
|
LAB ALUMNI
VICTORIA SMITHMaster's Graduate
Victoria graduated with her MS in summer 2023. Her research focused on physiological requirements of bald cypress seedlings and enhancing swamp restoration practice. She was a recipient of the Kirk Wetland Foundation Fellowship. |
XAVIER OZOWARAUndergraduate Independent Researcher: Xavier earned his B.S. in Biology from ODU in 2021. As a member of this lab, Xavier worked on understanding community shifts following disturbances in forested wetlands. He is currently a Ph.D. student at VA Polytechnic Institute where his research focuses on chemical ecology in sustainable agriculture.
|
NAADIA STEPHENSUndergraduate Research Assistant: Naadia was a valuable undergraduate lab assistant from 2021-2022 while pursuing an undergraduate degree in marine biology.
|
CHANDLER SLATERUndergraduate Student
Research Interests: Chandler joined the lab as a student researcher in 2021 assisting on the Swamp to Satellite project at the Great Dismal Swamp. He is now pursuing a MS degree in ODU's Oceanic and Earth Sciences Department. |
Amanda pysherVolunteer Researcher: Amanda earned a B.S. in Ocean & Earth Science at ODU with a concentration in Biological Oceanography and a minor in Biology. Her research interests are in ecology, restoration, and conservation with professional goals of working in the field and in academia. She is now a M.S. student at Coastal Carolina University.
|
Janice YohannanResearch Mentee: Janice is a senior in high school in Nyack, NY and is hoping to study environmental biology in college. Her research interests include wetland and estuarine ecology, as well as botany. Through examining mangrove growth under various conditions, her research intends to contribute to wetland conservation efforts.
|
GEORGE SPELLMANTREEBUD Researcher: George obtained his BS in biology with a focus on plants and plant ecology in 2023. He was a recipient of the prestigious 2023 SWaMMP award through the Society of Wetland Scientists and was a 2023 TREEBUD Undergraduate Research Scholar.
|
JEFF LYSKOLab Technician: Jeff obtained an ecology-focused undergraduate Biology major with a minor in Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Science. He endeavors to foster a perspective of interdependence regarding the living and non-living aspects of nature, emphasizing the importance of in-situ observations and assessment of subtle interactions. He will also take any chance to put on hip boots and trudge through the mud.
|
Expectations for the lab:
This lab is dedicated to creating a welcoming and respectful research & learning environment for all.
All members are expected to:
All members are expected to:
- treat one another with dignity and respect
- demonstrate personal motivation, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning
- work well independently and in a team setting. Lab members are expected to help one another with field campaigns
- follow lab safety, cleanliness, and organization protocols
- communicate regularly with Dr. Sloey
- participate in weekly lab meetings
- familiarize yourself with ODU's graduate program requirements and manage your program progress
- make progress toward finishing your research / program of study
- meet your funding requirements (for example TA expectations)