Affiliated Students

Rachel Bricklin, Ph.D.

Teaching postdoc at Fordham University
Ph.D. Fordham University
M.S. Eastern Michigan University
B.S. University of Michigan

Zolnik_LabProfileChristine Zolnik, Ph.D.

Postdoc at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Ph.D. Fordham University
M.S. University of Rhode Island
B.S. University of Rhode Island

My research expertise is in disease ecology and I utilize a multidisciplinary approach spanning molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, ecology, and epidemiology to answer questions related to pathogen prevalence and distribution. For my dissertation at Fordham University, I incorporated high throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools to establish a genomic understanding of bacterial communities in an important disease vector (Mol Eco 2016). I also used spatial analysis to determine landscape-level influences (i.e., urbanization) on tick-borne pathogen prevalence (PLoS One 2015). Side projects have included a host status study of black bears (J Med Entomol 2015), landscape genomics of white-footed mice (Evol Appl 2016), and comparisons of DNA extraction methods for blacklegged ticks (PeerJ 2015).

I am currently a postdoctoral fellow at Albert Einstein College of Medicine where I work on human microbiome research investigating the relationship between microbial communities and pathogen acquisition and disease outcomes (JID 2016). Additionally, I received an NIH-K12 fellowship for my postdoctoral studies that combines both research and teaching components, highlighting my dedication to STEM education and mentoring.

img_0156-copySuzanne Macey, Ph.D.

M.S. Fordham University
B.S. Fordham University

Broadly, my research focuses on how behavioral ecology can inform conservation and wildlife management. My dissertation research focused on the nesting ecology, genetics, and conservation of the endangered bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii). Currently, I am the Science Editorial Fellow for the Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners (NCEP)  where I lead the editorial process for biodiversity conservation teaching and learning modules. I am also a Biodiversity Scientist at the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC) at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). My current projects include studying the reproductive ecology of little penguins (Eudyptula minor), the health of captive and wild radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata), and the translocations of Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene c. carolina).