Skip to main content
  • Admissions

    Find Your Path

    Admissions
    How to apply and what you need to get in
    Undergraduate Admissions
    First-time freshmen applying to LSU New Orleans
    Transfer Admissions
    Transfer credits, eligibility, and next steps
    Adult Learners
    Evening, weekend, and part-time options
    Military Admissions
    GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon, and VA resources
    Graduate Admissions
    Graduate programs, requirements, deadlines
    International Admissions
    International student requirements and resources

    Apply & Enroll

    Apply
    Start your application to LSU New Orleans
    Important Dates & Deadlines
    Fall, spring, and summer enrollment windows
    Tuition & Fees
    In-state and out-of-state rates, mandatory fees
    Accepted Students
    Next steps after your acceptance letter
    Privateer Enrollment Center
    One-stop shop for enrollment, advising, financial aid, and registration
    Veterans Services
    GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon, and VA resources

    Plan Your Visit

    ‍

    Visit Us
    Schedule a campus tour or open house
    Virtual Tour
    Explore campus from anywhere
    Open Houses
    Upcoming events for prospective students

    Financial Aid

    Financial Aid Overview
    Meeting the cost of your education is an important part of your success
    Types of Aid
    Grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships overview
    Cost of Education
    Understanding your full cost of attendance
    Scholarships & Awards
    Understanding your full cost of attendance
    Resources
    Step-by-step FAFSA guide

    Also See

    Explore Majors
    Browse 70+ programs and find your path
    Graduate Programs
    Master's and doctoral degrees
    Life on Campus
    Housing, dining, and student organizations
    Start Your FAFSA
    Key Deadlines
    Academic Calendar
    Contact Admissions
    For Parents
  • Academics

    Colleges & Schools

    Academics
    Degrees and programs the school offers
    All Colleges
    Browse every college and school at LSU New Orleans
    College of Liberal Arts & Education
    Humanities, education, social sciences, and fine arts
    Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration
    Business, hospitality, and tourism management programs
    Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering
    Civil, electrical, mechanical, and naval architecture programs
    College of Sciences
    Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science
    School of Interdisciplinary Studies
    Interdisciplinary degrees and customized study plans
    The Graduate School
    Graduate programs, requirements, and resources

    Programs

    Undergraduate Programs
    Majors, minors, and degree paths
    Graduate Programs
    Master's, doctoral, and professional degrees
    Online Degree Programs
    Fully online credentials
    Certificates
    Professional and academic certificates
    Honors Program
    Enriched curriculum for high-achieving students
    Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE)
    Non-credit, professional, and continuing education programs
    Pre-Professional Programs
    Pre-med, pre-law, and other pre-professional tracks

    Research & Discovery

    Research at LSU New Orleans
    Funded research, centers, and institutes
    Student Research
    Undergraduate and graduate research programs
    Study Abroad
    International programs and exchanges
    International Center
    Study abroad advising and international student services
    Faculty & Staff Research
    Funding opportunities and research support for faculty
    Collaborate with LSU New Orleans
    Industry, community, and government partnerships
    Office of Research
    Research administration and compliance

    Also See

    Academic Calendar
    Key dates, registration windows, and university holidays
    General Education
    Core curriculum requirements
    Testing Services
    CLEP, DSST, and faculty testing
    Program Search
    Course Catalog
    Registrar Office
    Academic Calendar
  • About

    About LSU New Orleans

    About LSU New Orleans
    Our story, mission, and New Orleans identity
    Mission & Vision
    What we stand for, where we are going
    History
    From LSU New Orleans (1958) to today
    At a Glance
    Enrollment, rankings, and fast facts
    Current Rankings
    U.S. News, Forbes, Princeton Review
    Looking for UNO?
    We are LSU New Orleans.

    Leadership & Offices

    Office of the President
    University leadership and presidential office
    Administrative Offices
    All university offices and departments
    University Advancement
    Fundraising, development, and giving
    Work at LSU New Orleans
    Job openings and employment opportunities
    News
    Latest from LSU New Orleans

    Community & Engagement

    Alumni
    Connect with the LSU New Orleans alumni community
    For Parents
    Resources for student families
    Service Learning
    Community-engaged learning and volunteer opportunities
    Make a Gift
    Support LSU New Orleans

    Contact & Resources

    Contact LSU New Orleans
    Find the right office or person
    Campus Map
    Interactive and downloadable campus map
    Title IX
    Reporting, resources, and policies
    Campus Safety
    University Police Department and crime statistics
    Non-Discrimination Policy
    Equal access and opportunity for everyone.
    Accessibility
    Find support or report an accessibility barrier.
    Contact
    Campus Map
    Careers
    Make a Gift
    Alumni
    For Faculty and Staff
    Privateer Athletics
  • Student Life

    Living on Campus

    Student Life
    Things to do and ways to get involved on campus
    Residential Life
    On-campus housing options and applications
    Apply for Housing
    Housing application portal
    Dining Services
    Meal plans, dining locations, and hours
    Housing Rates
    Room costs by hall type and contract
    Pontchartrain Halls
    On-campus residence halls
    Lafitte Village
    Apartment-style living
    Campus Recreation
    Fitness center, intramurals, and open recreation

    Get Involved

    Student Involvement & Leadership
    Hub for campus engagement and organizations
    Student Organizations
    Clubs, groups, and organizations directory
    Greek Life
    Fraternities and sororities
    First Year Experience
    Privateer Plunge and new student orientation
    Service Learning
    Community-engaged learning and volunteer opportunities

    Health & Wellness

    Campus Health Services
    Medical care, counseling, and wellness
    Title IX Resources
    Reporting options and support resources
    Student Accountability
    Student conduct and community standards
    International Center
    Study abroad advising and international student services

    Career & Success

    Career Services
    Jobs, internships, and career coaching
    Student & Alumni Resources
    Resume help, recruiting, and job boards
    Research Opportunities
    Undergraduate and graduate research programs
    Study Abroad
    International programs and exchanges

    Also See

    Academic Advising
    Meet your advisor and plan your path
    Campus Map
    Find buildings, parking, and services
    Graduation Information
    Commencement, cap & gown, ceremony details
    Transcript Request
    Request official or unofficial transcripts
    Social Media
    Follow LSU New Orleans online
    Housing Portal
    Campus Health
    Student Organizations
    Career Center
    Current Students
    Privateer Athletics
  • visit
    visit
  • apply
    apply
  • Admissions

    Find Your Path

    Admissions
    How to apply and what you need to get in
    Undergraduate Admissions
    First-time freshmen applying to LSU New Orleans
    Transfer Admissions
    Transfer credits, eligibility, and next steps
    Adult Learners
    Evening, weekend, and part-time options
    Military Admissions
    GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon, and VA resources
    Graduate Admissions
    Graduate programs, requirements, deadlines
    International Admissions
    International student requirements and resources

    Apply & Enroll

    Apply
    Start your application to LSU New Orleans
    Important Dates & Deadlines
    Fall, spring, and summer enrollment windows
    Tuition & Fees
    In-state and out-of-state rates, mandatory fees
    Accepted Students
    Next steps after your acceptance letter
    Privateer Enrollment Center
    One-stop shop for enrollment, advising, financial aid, and registration
    Veterans Services
    GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon, and VA resources

    Plan Your Visit

    ‍

    Visit Us
    Schedule a campus tour or open house
    Virtual Tour
    Explore campus from anywhere
    Open Houses
    Upcoming events for prospective students

    Financial Aid

    Financial Aid Overview
    Meeting the cost of your education is an important part of your success
    Types of Aid
    Grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships overview
    Cost of Education
    Understanding your full cost of attendance
    Scholarships & Awards
    Understanding your full cost of attendance
    Resources
    Step-by-step FAFSA guide

    Also See

    Explore Majors
    Browse 70+ programs and find your path
    Graduate Programs
    Master's and doctoral degrees
    Life on Campus
    Housing, dining, and student organizations
    Start Your FAFSA
    Key Deadlines
    Academic Calendar
    Contact Admissions
    For Parents
  • Academics

    Colleges & Schools

    Academics
    Degrees and programs the school offers
    All Colleges
    Browse every college and school at LSU New Orleans
    College of Liberal Arts & Education
    Humanities, education, social sciences, and fine arts
    Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration
    Business, hospitality, and tourism management programs
    Dr. Robert A. Savoie College of Engineering
    Civil, electrical, mechanical, and naval architecture programs
    College of Sciences
    Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science
    School of Interdisciplinary Studies
    Interdisciplinary degrees and customized study plans
    The Graduate School
    Graduate programs, requirements, and resources

    Programs

    Undergraduate Programs
    Majors, minors, and degree paths
    Graduate Programs
    Master's, doctoral, and professional degrees
    Online Degree Programs
    Fully online credentials
    Certificates
    Professional and academic certificates
    Honors Program
    Enriched curriculum for high-achieving students
    Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE)
    Non-credit, professional, and continuing education programs
    Pre-Professional Programs
    Pre-med, pre-law, and other pre-professional tracks

    Research & Discovery

    Research at LSU New Orleans
    Funded research, centers, and institutes
    Student Research
    Undergraduate and graduate research programs
    Study Abroad
    International programs and exchanges
    International Center
    Study abroad advising and international student services
    Faculty & Staff Research
    Funding opportunities and research support for faculty
    Collaborate with LSU New Orleans
    Industry, community, and government partnerships
    Office of Research
    Research administration and compliance

    Also See

    Academic Calendar
    Key dates, registration windows, and university holidays
    General Education
    Core curriculum requirements
    Testing Services
    CLEP, DSST, and faculty testing
    Program Search
    Course Catalog
    Registrar Office
    Academic Calendar
  • About

    About LSU New Orleans

    About LSU New Orleans
    Our story, mission, and New Orleans identity
    Mission & Vision
    What we stand for, where we are going
    History
    From LSU New Orleans (1958) to today
    At a Glance
    Enrollment, rankings, and fast facts
    Current Rankings
    U.S. News, Forbes, Princeton Review
    Looking for UNO?
    We are LSU New Orleans.

    Leadership & Offices

    Office of the President
    University leadership and presidential office
    Administrative Offices
    All university offices and departments
    University Advancement
    Fundraising, development, and giving
    Work at LSU New Orleans
    Job openings and employment opportunities
    News
    Latest from LSU New Orleans

    Community & Engagement

    Alumni
    Connect with the LSU New Orleans alumni community
    For Parents
    Resources for student families
    Service Learning
    Community-engaged learning and volunteer opportunities
    Make a Gift
    Support LSU New Orleans

    Contact & Resources

    Contact LSU New Orleans
    Find the right office or person
    Campus Map
    Interactive and downloadable campus map
    Title IX
    Reporting, resources, and policies
    Campus Safety
    University Police Department and crime statistics
    Non-Discrimination Policy
    Equal access and opportunity for everyone.
    Accessibility
    Find support or report an accessibility barrier.
    Contact
    Campus Map
    Careers
    Make a Gift
    Alumni
    For Faculty and Staff
    Privateer Athletics
  • Student Life

    Living on Campus

    Student Life
    Things to do and ways to get involved on campus
    Residential Life
    On-campus housing options and applications
    Apply for Housing
    Housing application portal
    Dining Services
    Meal plans, dining locations, and hours
    Housing Rates
    Room costs by hall type and contract
    Pontchartrain Halls
    On-campus residence halls
    Lafitte Village
    Apartment-style living
    Campus Recreation
    Fitness center, intramurals, and open recreation

    Get Involved

    Student Involvement & Leadership
    Hub for campus engagement and organizations
    Student Organizations
    Clubs, groups, and organizations directory
    Greek Life
    Fraternities and sororities
    First Year Experience
    Privateer Plunge and new student orientation
    Service Learning
    Community-engaged learning and volunteer opportunities

    Health & Wellness

    Campus Health Services
    Medical care, counseling, and wellness
    Title IX Resources
    Reporting options and support resources
    Student Accountability
    Student conduct and community standards
    International Center
    Study abroad advising and international student services

    Career & Success

    Career Services
    Jobs, internships, and career coaching
    Student & Alumni Resources
    Resume help, recruiting, and job boards
    Research Opportunities
    Undergraduate and graduate research programs
    Study Abroad
    International programs and exchanges

    Also See

    Academic Advising
    Meet your advisor and plan your path
    Campus Map
    Find buildings, parking, and services
    Graduation Information
    Commencement, cap & gown, ceremony details
    Transcript Request
    Request official or unofficial transcripts
    Social Media
    Follow LSU New Orleans online
    Housing Portal
    Campus Health
    Student Organizations
    Career Center
    Current Students
    Privateer Athletics
  • visit
    visit
  • apply
    apply
  • visit
    visit
  • apply
    apply
LSU New Orleans Logo
  • LSU New Orleans
  • academics
  • college of sciences
  • biological sciences
  • graduate students
IN THIS SECTION
  • Biological Sciences
    • Department Chair Welcome
    • Our Mission
    • Undergraduate Programs
    • Graduate Programs
    • Facilities and Collaborations
    • Graduate Students
    • Events
    • Student Organizations
    • Faculty
    • Contact Us

Graduate Students

The Department of Biological Sciences offers graduate training leading to the MS in Biological Sciences or the PhD in Integrative Biology. Students work closely with the research faculty to select appropriate courses and conduct independent research. Many projects are funded through state and federal grants and contracts. Student research frequently involves collaboration with other scientists from other institutions or field work in diverse settings.

GRADUATE STUDENT ADVISOR & INTERESTS

Ariel Alonso

Ph.D. Program
Advisor: Dr. Kelly Boyle
Research: My research involves determining the effects of acoustic disturbance on the auditory system of Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus). My project focuses on regenerating sensory hairs in the Atlantic Croaker ear to determine if this species can recover hearing after exposure to continuous loud noise.
Email: [email protected]

Emily Bowers

M.S. Program
Advisor: Dr. Nicola Anthony
Research: My research is focused on the molecular ecology of a small population of lowland tapir in Paraguay.
Email: [email protected]

Lydia Victoria Dipaola

M.S. Program
Advisor: Dr. Nicola Anthony
Research: Assessment of Lake Salvador shoreline dynamics to support restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Louisiana.
Email: [email protected]

Jacy Haynes

Ph.D. Program
Advisor: Dr. Joel Atallah
Research: Genome sequencing and annotation of Hawaiian Drosophila and Scaptomyza flies with an emphasis on the discovery of novel genes. 
Email: [email protected]


Amanda Kirkland

Ph.D. Program
Advisor: Dr. Erin Cox
Research: My research examines the effects of warming and acidification on artificial reef ecosystems.
Email: [email protected]


Emily Maureen Leonard

M.S. Program
Advisor: Dr. Erin Cox
Research: The improvement of Florida seagrass restoration using genetic variation to enhance resilience and productivity under environmental stressors.
Email: [email protected]


Xindi Liu

Ph.D. Program
Advisor: Dr. Wendy Schluchter
Research: My research focuses on characterizing the lyase/lyase isomerase enzyme that is involved in the type IV chromatic acclimation (CA4) process in cyanobacteria Synechococcus. Synechococcus species are abundant in ocean environments and contribute to the oxygenation of the earth's atmosphere. Exploring the function of these enzymes helps us better understand how Synechococcus adapt to changing light environments.
Email: [email protected]

Emily Mailhos

M.S. Program
Advisor: Dr. Rachel Clostio
Research: I am assessing the reproductive ecology of the federally endangered gopher tortoise in Louisiana. I am studying important life history traits such as mating, nesting, and predation. My goal is to help better conserve and protect gopher tortoises in the state.
Email: [email protected]

Awdrea Lysiane Ibinga Manga

M.S. Program
Advisor: Dr. Nicola Anthony
Research: Determination of the diet of forest arteriodactyls in Lope National Park (duikers in Central Africa forest) by metabarcoding methods.
Email: [email protected]


Taylor Murphy

Ph.D. Program
Advisor: Dr. Bernard Rees
Research: My research looks at the expression patterns and function of the hypoxia-inducible factor gene family in ray-finned fishes and the effect of aquatic hypoxia on tissue-specific gene expression levels in Fundulus grandis.
Email: [email protected]

Bennett Price

Ph.D. Program
Advisor: Dr. Kelly Boyle
Research: As a member of the Fish Morphology and Behavior Lab (https://www.fishmorphandbehavior.org), I investigate impacts of vessel noise on sciaenid fishes in the northern Gulf of Mexico. With field recordings I observe calling behavior of Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) spawning aggregations alongside vessel noise. My in-lab research is focused on hearing threshold shifts and hair cell damage post noise exposure in Silver Perch (Bairdiella chrysoura). I also research how calling in Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) is altered while vessel noise is played to fish in the laboratory. My goal is to better understand how animal behavior may be altered by noise pollution and better inform how we may protect our local fisheries.  
Email: [email protected]

Adam Quade

Ph.D. Program
Advisor: Dr. Kelly Boyle (LSU New Orleans) & Rieucau (LUMCON)
Research: My research focuses on understanding and improving floodplain management. I aim to assess spatiotemporal changes in abundance, biomass, size class distribution, and behavior of native Louisiana floodplain associated fishes utilizing advanced observational techniques such as acoustic resolution imaging sonar technology. I am also interested in how variations in abiotic and biotic factors of the floodplain influence the schooling dynamics of social fishes. Finally, I am attempting to establish underwater passive acoustic monitoring as an efficient and effective means of assessing floodplain ecosystem health.  
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]  

 

Blaine Savoie

M.S. Program
Advisor: Dr. Erin Cox
Research: Trace elements and otolith microchemistry of fishes from shallow-water artificial reefs.
Email: [email protected]


Mahaut Sorlin

Ph.D. Program
Advisor: Dr. Simon Lailvaux
Research: My project focuses on the evolution of cognition by using comparative cognition. Concretely, I am trying to see if patterns that exist in mammals and birds are also present in reptiles.
Email: [email protected]

Ashley Leighanne Sparks

Ph.D. Program
Advisor: Dr. Simon Lailvaux
Research: I am interested in the evolution of sleep in reptiles, particularly anoles. I am exploring how sleep behaviors and related morphological and neurological traits have evolved, combining fieldwork and lab-based studies.
Email: [email protected]

Vidyaman Thapa

Ph.D. Program
Advisor: Dr. Nicola Anthony
Research: Conservation biology, conservation genetics and community-based conservation projects.

Email: [email protected]

Footer

Contact
2000 Lakeshore Drive New Orleans, LA 70148
[email protected]
+1 (888) 514-4275
+1 (504) 384-7797

Learn

Admission information
Programs of study
Scholarships and awards
Tuition and fees
Graduate programs
Financial aid
Important dates & deadlines

Experience

International center
Our campus
Student life
Housing
Career services
Alumni
Make a gift
Annual Security Report

Connect

All social
University calendar
News
For parents
Espanol - Tieng Viet
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Non-Discrimination
Title IX
Campus Crime
Emergency Preparedness
© 2026 LSU New Orleans. All Rights Reserved.