Dr. Eliza Grames (she/her)

Principal Investigator

Eliza is an integrative biologist using quantitative methods, evidence synthesis, and long-term data to understand the effects of rapid environmental change on biodiversity, with a special emphasis on the causes of insect decline and consequences for insectivorous birds.

Dr. Chris Halsch (he/him)

Postdoctoral Associate

Chris is an ecologist interested in the drivers of long-term insect population trends, especially in the Western United States. He is currently finding ways to spend as much time as possible in the mountains looking for butterflies.

  • Website
  • Google Scholar
  • Julianna Yager (she/her)

    PhD Student

    Julianna's research interests lie in using computational models to investigate the cascading effects of climate change on insect dynamics which subsequently influence bird populations. By researching these relationships, she aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how ecosystems respond to environmental shifts and the far-reaching consequences of climate change.

    Joe Elias

    PhD Student

    Joe's research focuses on understanding how insect dynamics, particularly those of Lepidoptera, are influenced by anthropogenic factors (i.e., climate change, suburban-urbanization, agriculture). He aims to develop computational and metabarcoding tools to collect and analyze data on Lepidoptera populations across urban gradients. His goal is to investigate the ecological implications of these responses, including potential trophic interactions.

    Lexi Caruso

    PhD Student

    Lexi is interested in the interactions between invasive species, crop pests, and native insects in gardens and agricultural systems.

    Jennifer Slater

    Undergraduate Student

    Jennifer is an Honors Thesis student working on computer vision and automated methods for monitoring moths that lack image reference libraries.

    Casey Lau

    Program Manager

    Casey is the Program Manager who handles administration for the Status of Insects Research Coordination Network.

    Lindsey Regan

    Undergraduate Student

    Lindsey is working with Dr. Chris Halsch to estimate the historic and current distribution of Plebejus shasta.

    Ari Weingarten

    Undergraduate Student

    Ari is working with Dr. Chris Halsch to understand potential geologic factors leading to color morphs in Oeneis chryxus across its range.

    Maggie Hines

    Undergraduate Student

    Maggie is working on a literature review of extinction and extirpation predictions in collaboration with the Logan Lab.

    Lab alumni

    • Emma Foster, Honors Thesis 2024 (current: PhD student at University of Michigan)
    • Esha Gandham, undergraduate researcher, 2024
    • Peter Pavlatos, undergraduate researcher, 2025 (current: MS student at Binghamton University)
    • Alison Kryger, Honors Thesis 2025
    • Jackie Justo, undergraduate researcher 2025
    • Suyeon Jang, undergraduate researcher 2025