Dan Warner
Associate Professor Curator of Amphibians & Reptiles, Auburn University Ph.D., The University of Sydney, 2007 M.S., Virginia Tech, 2001 B.S., Iowa State University, 1998 Email: [email protected] Office: 304 Rouse Life Sciences Building Mailing address: Department of Biological Sciences Auburn University 101 Rouse Life Sciences Building Auburn, AL 36849, USA |
Anthony Gilbert
Postdoc
Hi! I'm Anthony. I'm originally from California, where I graduated in 2013 with a BA in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley. My research interests focus on connecting environmental variation with evolutionary processes, and explaining the ecological patterns that result from this interaction. I'm particularly keen on describing how temperature impacts phenotypic variation across different biological scales, integrating behavior, ecology, physiology, and development. I graduated with my Ph.D. from Ohio University in 2020- advised by Donald Miles- where I described how climatic variation impacts the strength of natural selection and phenotypic plasticity in tree lizards (Urosaurus ornatus). Afterwards, I worked as a postdoc at the University of Virginia- advised by Butch Brodie III- where I worked on coevolution between toxic newts (Taricha granulosa) and their garter snake predators (Thamnophis sirtalis), describing how climatic and community variation impact coevolutionary interactions between predators and prey. Access to science education and the quality of science education is really important to me, and I hope to have my own lab some day where I can teach biological concepts in unique ways while working with students interested in a variety of evolutionary or ecological questions. If I'm not in the field or the lab, you'll find me in my kitchen making pizza, ice cream, or some other wacky treat.
Molly Folkerts Caldwell
PhD Student
I received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Auburn University in 2012. In 2015, I completed a Master’s in Field and Organismal Biology from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. I conducted my thesis research on variation in Green Heron nesting success in coastal marshes of southwest Louisiana. After finishing my Master's, I worked for over 3 years in coastal bird monitoring and conservation with Audubon Mississippi Coastal Bird Stewardship Program (National Audubon Society), protecting beach-nesting bird species such as the Least Tern and Black Skimmer. Although I've spent the last several years working with birds, I've always loved herps and am excited to study yellow-bellied sliders and temperature dependent sex determination in the Warner Lab. My general interests are in conservation, reproductive biology, ecology, and evolution. My ultimate goal is to pursue a career in which I can work to conserve imperiled species of the southeastern US.
PhD Student
I received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Auburn University in 2012. In 2015, I completed a Master’s in Field and Organismal Biology from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. I conducted my thesis research on variation in Green Heron nesting success in coastal marshes of southwest Louisiana. After finishing my Master's, I worked for over 3 years in coastal bird monitoring and conservation with Audubon Mississippi Coastal Bird Stewardship Program (National Audubon Society), protecting beach-nesting bird species such as the Least Tern and Black Skimmer. Although I've spent the last several years working with birds, I've always loved herps and am excited to study yellow-bellied sliders and temperature dependent sex determination in the Warner Lab. My general interests are in conservation, reproductive biology, ecology, and evolution. My ultimate goal is to pursue a career in which I can work to conserve imperiled species of the southeastern US.
Morgan Muell
PhD Student
My research interests focus on the evolution of phenotypic traits, particularly those with potential applications to global change biology. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Iowa State University in 2018, where I studied how proximate environmental cues promote nesting emergence in painted turtles while working in Dr. Fredric Janzen’s lab. Subsequently, I earned my Masters degree in Zoology in 2020 from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where I worked with Dr. Jason L. Brown on phylogenomics and color pattern evolution of Ranitomeya poison frogs. In the Warner Lab, with co-advisement from Dr. Jamie Oaks, I am taking a comparative approach to studying the evolution of developmental plasticity among multiple lineages of Anolis lizards, with emphasis on the mainland species of Costa Rica. My goal is to examine how developmental plasticity is tied to both environment and common ancestry, in order to further our understanding of how organisms may respond to changing climates. Visit my website to get to know my research and me!
Chris Norris
PhD Student
I am originally from the panhandle of Florida but have lived all over the world. After retiring from the military, I received a BS in General Biology from Auburn University at Montgomery 2020. My research focuses on adaptive developmental plasticity. I am interested in how the conditions that embryos experience affect their fitness in different environments. Additionally, I am interested in how embryonic conditions might affect reproduction after embryos reach adulthood. In 2022, I was awarded the NSF graduate research fellowship to investigate how ecologically relevant embryonic stress can affect gonad development and sperm competition in brown anoles.
Sydney Wayne
PhD Student
I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Colorado State University in the Fall of 2021. During my undergraduate studies, I worked for the National Laboratory for Genetic Resource Preservation in their plant division where I maintained germination assays and prepared samples for cryopreservation. The focus of this lab was to conserve the genetic resources of crops and other plants important to U.S. agriculture and biodiversity. Despite my love for plants, my own research interests have always been focused on reptiles. My love for all things reptiles developed while growing up in Florida surrounded by lizards, snakes, and gators. For my undergraduate honors thesis, I wrote a research proposal focused on temperature induced plasticity in the egg laying phenology of brown anoles (Anolis sagrei). As a graduate student, I am interested in testing fundamental questions surrounding phenotypic plasticity and the role it can have on the fitness of reptiles. My general interests are focused on evolution, ecology, and plasticity.
Michael Reynolds
PhD Student
Originally from North Carolina, I received my biology Bachelors of science degree in 2018 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I worked with Dr. Karin Pfennig in studying hybridization avoidance in the spadefoot toad (Spea multiplicata). I then worked with Dr. Kyle Summers as a master's student at East Carolina University, researching poison dart frogs. My thesis project focused on the mimic poison dart frog (Ranitomeya imitator), and its parental care behavior under different treatments of water availability. I received my master's degree in biology in April 2024. My broad research interests are in amphibians and reptiles, how they overcome the challenges a variable environment presents to a tetrapod ectotherm, and how these life history strategies impact ecology. My current project explores the brooding behavior of the five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), and the local conditions that influence nest choice.
PhD Student
Originally from North Carolina, I received my biology Bachelors of science degree in 2018 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I worked with Dr. Karin Pfennig in studying hybridization avoidance in the spadefoot toad (Spea multiplicata). I then worked with Dr. Kyle Summers as a master's student at East Carolina University, researching poison dart frogs. My thesis project focused on the mimic poison dart frog (Ranitomeya imitator), and its parental care behavior under different treatments of water availability. I received my master's degree in biology in April 2024. My broad research interests are in amphibians and reptiles, how they overcome the challenges a variable environment presents to a tetrapod ectotherm, and how these life history strategies impact ecology. My current project explores the brooding behavior of the five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), and the local conditions that influence nest choice.
John Rodgers
Masters Student
I received a Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology from Auburn University in the summer of 2024. As an undergraduate I conducted a research project in the Warner lab through the Undergraduate Research Fellowship where I was lucky enough to work with reptiles. I have always had a love for reptiles and amphibians and getting to research them has only made that more true. Growing up I frequented the creek next to my house to catch turtles and would often search for frogs at night. Now I find myself convincing my friends to come catch snakes with me whenever they are willing. My general interests are conservation, ecology, and evolution.
Masters Student
I received a Bachelor of Science in Organismal Biology from Auburn University in the summer of 2024. As an undergraduate I conducted a research project in the Warner lab through the Undergraduate Research Fellowship where I was lucky enough to work with reptiles. I have always had a love for reptiles and amphibians and getting to research them has only made that more true. Growing up I frequented the creek next to my house to catch turtles and would often search for frogs at night. Now I find myself convincing my friends to come catch snakes with me whenever they are willing. My general interests are conservation, ecology, and evolution.
Annabel Dawson
Undergraduate Student
As an undergraduate studying wildlife ecology and management at Auburn University, my goal is to work on implementing wildlife management policies for conservation and interconnected species biodiversity. Fascinated by reptiles, I joined the Warner Lab for research experience. In the lab, I assist with the care of brown anoles, collect data, and contribute to studying their behavior and population dynamics. With a strong dedication to conservation, I strive to protect wildlife and raise awareness about the significance of preserving our natural world.
Undergraduate Student
As an undergraduate studying wildlife ecology and management at Auburn University, my goal is to work on implementing wildlife management policies for conservation and interconnected species biodiversity. Fascinated by reptiles, I joined the Warner Lab for research experience. In the lab, I assist with the care of brown anoles, collect data, and contribute to studying their behavior and population dynamics. With a strong dedication to conservation, I strive to protect wildlife and raise awareness about the significance of preserving our natural world.
Camaya Doxie
Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate from Florence, Alabama. I am concurrently majoring in Environmental Science and Organismal Biology on the Conservation and Biodiversity track. I have an interest in ecology, conservation biology and environmental justice. Additionally, I have a passion for science education and diversifying STEM. Around campus, I am a volunteer at Auburn Museum of Natural History and at the Auburn University Raptor Center. I have been interested in animal science since a very young age and have always dreamed of having a job that includes animals and nature. Herpetology is one of my favorite fields of biology and drew me to the Warner Lab. Assisting in the lab has only grown my passion for conservation biology. After graduation, I plan to continue biology and environmental science research in graduate school.
Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate from Florence, Alabama. I am concurrently majoring in Environmental Science and Organismal Biology on the Conservation and Biodiversity track. I have an interest in ecology, conservation biology and environmental justice. Additionally, I have a passion for science education and diversifying STEM. Around campus, I am a volunteer at Auburn Museum of Natural History and at the Auburn University Raptor Center. I have been interested in animal science since a very young age and have always dreamed of having a job that includes animals and nature. Herpetology is one of my favorite fields of biology and drew me to the Warner Lab. Assisting in the lab has only grown my passion for conservation biology. After graduation, I plan to continue biology and environmental science research in graduate school.
Jaycee Wisdom
Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate from Holtville, Alabama double majoring in Organismal Biology: Conservation/Biodiversity and Wildlife Ecology & Management. I love conservation biology and in the future I hope to work with endangered species and ways to help build more sustainable populations. I also try my best to raise awareness of the species around us and how we make an impact on them. In the lab I assist with caring for the anoles and collecting data. I hope to gain valuable knowledge about research in the lab, where I can work with herpetology research after I go to graduate school.
Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate from Holtville, Alabama double majoring in Organismal Biology: Conservation/Biodiversity and Wildlife Ecology & Management. I love conservation biology and in the future I hope to work with endangered species and ways to help build more sustainable populations. I also try my best to raise awareness of the species around us and how we make an impact on them. In the lab I assist with caring for the anoles and collecting data. I hope to gain valuable knowledge about research in the lab, where I can work with herpetology research after I go to graduate school.
Jillian Cate
Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate student from Mobile, Alabama pursuing a degree in cellular and molecular biology. My goal is to attend graduate school to study evolutionary biology, and hopefully study molecular mechanisms in evolution and conduct research that will help conserve the incredible biodiversity of my home state. I joined the Warner Lab because the research topics of the lab greatly interest me, and I have lifelong experience working with herps. In the lab I assist with animal care and data collection/ entry. I am happy to contribute to a field that I care about!
Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate student from Mobile, Alabama pursuing a degree in cellular and molecular biology. My goal is to attend graduate school to study evolutionary biology, and hopefully study molecular mechanisms in evolution and conduct research that will help conserve the incredible biodiversity of my home state. I joined the Warner Lab because the research topics of the lab greatly interest me, and I have lifelong experience working with herps. In the lab I assist with animal care and data collection/ entry. I am happy to contribute to a field that I care about!
Gavin Kerr
Undergraduate Student
I’m an undergraduate studying integrative biology here at Auburn University. I joined Warner Lab to gain beneficial and exciting research experience. With a lifelong passion for biodiversity, I am pursuing a career in research where I can enhance our ability to coexist with wildlife. In the Warner Lab, I help care for lizards and trap turtles. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, biking, and playing team sports.
Undergraduate Student
I’m an undergraduate studying integrative biology here at Auburn University. I joined Warner Lab to gain beneficial and exciting research experience. With a lifelong passion for biodiversity, I am pursuing a career in research where I can enhance our ability to coexist with wildlife. In the Warner Lab, I help care for lizards and trap turtles. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, biking, and playing team sports.
Former lab members
Postdocs
Dr. Renata Brandt (2016-2017), currently working as Marketing Science Communicator, Science North, Sudbury, ON, Canada
Dr. Tim Mitchell (2015-2017), currently a Researcher at the University of Minnesota, Snell-Rood Lab
Dr. Amelie Fargevieille (2018-2020), currently a researcher at the Centre d'Ecologie Fonctioinnelle et Evolutive, France
Dr. Joshua Hall (2020-2021), currently an Assistant Professor at Tennessee Tech University
Graduate students
Kaitlyn Murphy (2018-2023), currently a postdoc at Middle Tennessee State University, Franklin Lab
Jenna Pruett (2016-2021), currently an Assistant Professor at St. Mary's College of Maryland
Joshua Hall (2015-2020), currently an Assistant Professor at Tennessee Tech University
Joseph Jenkins (2017-2019), currently a researcher for the Alabama Natural Heritage Program
Sarin Tiatragul (2017-2018), currently a PhD candidate at the Australian National University, Keogh Lab
Ariel Steele (2015-2017), currently a postdoc at the University of Minnesota
Phil Pearson (2014-2016), currently a PhD candidate at the University of Canberra's Institute for Applied Ecology, Georges Lab
David Delaney (2013-2015), currently a Postdoctoral Researcher, Iowa State University, Dinsmore Lab
Corey Cates (2013-2015), currently Biology Lab Coordinator, Birmingham Southern College
Summer REU students
Sa'Nya Fleming, Jackson State University (2024 CASE summer REU program)
Ramirrah Reid, Hampton University (2023 CASE summer REU program)
Alexia Alford, Auburn University (2022, NSF REU program)
Maya Johnson, Tennessee Tech University (2021, CASE summer REU program)
Jorge Lopez-Perez, Eckerd College (2019, warm-water aquatic ecology summer REU program)
Andrew DeSana, Seton Hill University (2018, warm-water aquatic ecology summer REU program)
Louis McCoy, Gonzaga University (2016, Howard Hughes Summer Research Experience)
Sarin Tiatragul, Gonzaga University (2015, Howard Hughes Summer Research Experience)
Undergraduate students
Postdocs
Dr. Renata Brandt (2016-2017), currently working as Marketing Science Communicator, Science North, Sudbury, ON, Canada
Dr. Tim Mitchell (2015-2017), currently a Researcher at the University of Minnesota, Snell-Rood Lab
Dr. Amelie Fargevieille (2018-2020), currently a researcher at the Centre d'Ecologie Fonctioinnelle et Evolutive, France
Dr. Joshua Hall (2020-2021), currently an Assistant Professor at Tennessee Tech University
Graduate students
Kaitlyn Murphy (2018-2023), currently a postdoc at Middle Tennessee State University, Franklin Lab
Jenna Pruett (2016-2021), currently an Assistant Professor at St. Mary's College of Maryland
Joshua Hall (2015-2020), currently an Assistant Professor at Tennessee Tech University
Joseph Jenkins (2017-2019), currently a researcher for the Alabama Natural Heritage Program
Sarin Tiatragul (2017-2018), currently a PhD candidate at the Australian National University, Keogh Lab
Ariel Steele (2015-2017), currently a postdoc at the University of Minnesota
Phil Pearson (2014-2016), currently a PhD candidate at the University of Canberra's Institute for Applied Ecology, Georges Lab
David Delaney (2013-2015), currently a Postdoctoral Researcher, Iowa State University, Dinsmore Lab
Corey Cates (2013-2015), currently Biology Lab Coordinator, Birmingham Southern College
Summer REU students
Sa'Nya Fleming, Jackson State University (2024 CASE summer REU program)
Ramirrah Reid, Hampton University (2023 CASE summer REU program)
Alexia Alford, Auburn University (2022, NSF REU program)
Maya Johnson, Tennessee Tech University (2021, CASE summer REU program)
Jorge Lopez-Perez, Eckerd College (2019, warm-water aquatic ecology summer REU program)
Andrew DeSana, Seton Hill University (2018, warm-water aquatic ecology summer REU program)
Louis McCoy, Gonzaga University (2016, Howard Hughes Summer Research Experience)
Sarin Tiatragul, Gonzaga University (2015, Howard Hughes Summer Research Experience)
Undergraduate students
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Alexia Alford (2022-2023)
Lincoln Butts (2022-2024) Drake Mitchell (2023-2024) Kendall Jackson (2022-2023) Gabrielle Dunham (2020-2023) Ansley Strength (2022) Sarah Knutson (2022) Laura Holt (2022) Lola Berger (2022) Olivia Brown (2021-2022) Kendall Preston (2021-2022) Katelyn Smith (2021-2022) Kaitlin Watson (2021-2022) Connor Kelly (2019-2022) |
Allison Dees (2019-2021)
Olivia Schweikart (2019-2021) Jocelyn Miracle (2019-2021) Cindy Scruggs (2019-2020) Taylor Cook (2019) Ryan Weesner (2017-2019) Mallory Turner (2018-2019) Alex Stevens (2018) Chanel Reali (2017-2019) Kayla Wilson (2016-2018) David Quinn (2017-2018) Austin Hulbert (2016-2017) Cassie Guiffre (2016) Dani Douglas (2016-2017) |
Robin Lloyd (2016-2017)
Stephen Mirkin (2016) Audeline Kurniawan (2014-2015) Dalton Williams (2015) Andrew Buckelew (2012-2014) Phil Pearson (2013) Agam Dhawan (2012-2014) Amanda Clark (2014-2015) Dilani Patel (2014-2015) Tiffany Colburn (2014-2015) Brook Pruitt (2014-2015) Matthew Denaburg (2013-2014) Frank Wideman (2013-2014) Ariana Ionas (2013-2014) |
