Susan Whitehead
Principal Investigator

I am an evolutionary ecologist interested in the mechanisms and consequences of interactions involving plants and other organisms. My research is generally grounded in field-based studies, but I take an integrative approach that includes phytochemical analysis, laboratory bioassays, and a diversity of quantitative methods. 

I began as an assistant professor at Virginia Tech in January 2017. Previously I was a postdoctoral researcher with Katja Poveda at Cornell University and a Ph.D. student with Deane Bowers at the University of Colorado.

 Contact: [email protected] | Google Scholar | Research Gate | @WhiteheadLabVT
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Mariana Gelambi
​Ph.D. Student

I am interested in how ecological interactions – reciprocal and specific – have shaped the evolution of the clades involved. My research has been focused on
particular aspects of the ecology and physiology of phyllostomid bats in Venezuela.

For my dissertation, I will explore the effects of secondary compounds contained in fruits with respect to the physiology and behavior of bats, using a well-known model of interactions: Carollia and Piper. I would like to elucidate the fate of these
fruit compounds in the bats, and ascertain if these animals can use these toxins for their own benefits.
Contact: [email protected]

Melissa Burt
Ph.D. Student

I am interested in the effects of anthropogenic global change (e.g. habitat fragmentation, climate change, etc.) on ecological communities and plant-animal interactions. Before starting my PhD, I spent 5 years conducting research on the effects of habitat connectivity on longleaf pine savanna plant and ant communities. My current work investigates seed dispersal by ants in the same system.
Contact: [email protected] | @MelissaABurt | Google Scholar

Xavier Ozowara
Ph.D. Student

I am mainly interested in sustainable agriculture and plant physiological changes in response to climate change. Before starting my M.S. at VT, I completed my undergrad at Old Dominion University.
Contact: ​[email protected]

Morgan Haymaker
Research Technician/Lab Manager

​I’m a Coast Guard veteran finishing my B.S. in Biology at Oregon State. I have always been drawn to nature and natural sciences. I have an eclectic work history that I’m hoping brings value to the lab. I love continuously learning and am excited to be a part of this research team!  

Billy and Joey
Junior Researchers

We are a big brother & little brother team investigating the generalist foraging strategies of lepidopterans and their effects on weight gain prior to pupation.

Your Name Here?

If you are a motivated undergraduate, prospective graduate student, or post-doc and think you would be a good fit for the lab, please see the lab opportunities section for more details on any current recruiting efforts and tips for prospective students.

Current Undergraduate Researchers

Raul Lopez
Fiona Dreesbach
Ben Shettel
Yasmine Issa
Sagar Bajwa
Lee Matthew
Fiona Hardy
Erik Cumpston
Chloe Burt
Wynn Haslam

Distinguished Lab Alumni

Lauren Maynard
Ph.D. Student
​2017-2023
Anne Jones
Post-doc
​2020-2022
Annika Nelson
Post-doc
​2020-2022
Loren Rivera Vega
Post-doc
2021-2022
Jerry Schneider
Post-doc
​2017-19
Tori Meakem
M.S. Student
​2018-2020
Gustavo Teixeira
Visiting Professor
2018-19
Grace Florjancic
Lab Manager
2019-2020
Annie Zell
Lab Technician
​2017-18
Alex Corrigan
Undergrad Researcher
2017-19
Madison Altice
JCHS Undergrad
Spring 2018
Freddie Xu
MAOP ​Undergrad
​Summer 2018
Seanne Clemente
La Selva REU
Summer 2017
Keao Rivera-Long
La Selva REU
​Summer 2017
Amazing Undergraduate Researchers (2017-present)
Faryal Sahar (Spring 2023)
Lillian Chiang (Summer 2022-Spring 2023)
Bailey Connors (Spring 2021-Spring 2023)
Ty Bloomer (Spring 2021-Spring 2023)
​Cynthia Talamo (Fall 2021-Spring 2023)
​Katherine Quiring (Spring 2022-Spring 2023)
Logan Peters (Spring 2022)​
Caroline Hronik (Spring 2022)​
Abby McCartney (Spring 2022)
Jonathan Yoder (Summer 2022)
Riley Ampt (Summer 2022)
Nathan Strominger (Summer 2021-Spring 2022)
Gabi Dugan (Spring 2020-Spring 2022)
​Nicole Gaspari (Spring 2020-Spring 2022)
​Joseph Garrett (Fall 2021) 
Grace Monger (Summer 2021)
Bailey Connors (Spring 2021)
Cyrus Crevits (Spring 2020)​
Traves Welch (Summer 2018-Spring 2020)
Jacob Turner (Summer 2019-Spring 2020)
Zach Fisher (Summer 2019-Fall 2019)
Patrick Shea (Fall 2018-Spring 2019)
Sadie Kelly (Spring 2019-Summer 2019)
Alyn Wakefield (Summer 2018-Spring 2019)
Katherine Berg (Fall 2018-Spring 2019)
Natalie Rodeman (Fall 2018-Spring 2019)
Matthew Pluschau (Spring 2019)
Cole Saborio (Fall 2018)
Thomas Lowerre (Fall 2018)
Predj Simha (Fall 2018)
Tobi Osholaja (Summer 2018)
Michael Oduro (Summer 2018)
Dylan Rose (Summer 2018)
Nicholas Rhinesmith (Summer 2018)
Yancey Harrison (Spring 2018)
Audrey Boling (Spring 2018)