Life Sciences Research Fellows

My name is Stella Birk and I am a freshman from Lexington, Kentucky. My passion for biology stems from my interest in Sewanee's pre-health program, more specifically in the pre-dental track. I am hoping to study molecular biology and anatomy to prepare myself for my future career. I don't have a specific research interest yet, but I am open to learning and am eager to find something that I am passionate about. I am so grateful to be a part of Sewanee's first class of research fellows and cannot wait to see the program grow over my years here. 

My name is Allison Bizub and I am a part of Sewanee’s class of 2027 coming from Gainesville, Florida with parents Patrick Bizub and Dr. Olga Mas. I am a 2023 Oak Hall College Prep High School graduate and was an inducted member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, and Fellow Christian Athletes. I had the honor of being a four-year elected student government class representative and senior class treasurer. Not only do I have a curious medical science focus like my mother, but I am also highly dedicated to athletic performance as a four-year letterman and two-time Florida state high school championship tennis quarter-finalist while joining Sewanee’s top #11 nationally ranked women’s tennis team. I desire to give back to those who have given me so much and I pride myself on community service work with over 500 volunteer hours throughout my senior high school career.

My name is Hannah Fitzgerald, and I’m a freshman Life Sciences Research Fellow! I plan to major in Integrative Biology on a pre-veterinary track. My main interest is in equine and large animal studies, but I am also increasingly interested in local wildlife and the fishkeeping hobby (ask me about my pufferfish). I’m from Columbia, TN, where my family raises beef cattle and my own horses on our acreage. I have been riding horses across many disciplines since I was young. I have four horses in my herd as of now, among many other species of barnyard friends! I am excited to be involved in many student organizations, fun outings, and research opportunities here at Sewanee!

My name is Fischer Flowers and I'm a freshman from Manchester, Tennessee. I plan to double major in biology and neuroscience here at Sewanee before continuing on to medical school. I'm intrigued by all things biology, but I'm particularly interested in the similarities between neural and mycelial networks and what fungi can reveal about the different ways information and signals can be processed and transported. I enjoy hiking, riding my mountain bike, and hanging out with family and friends.

Hi I’m Xan Mihalas! Ever since discovering the beauty of my home of Pisgah Forest, NC as a kid, I’ve always been really passionate about learning what’s going on in the natural world around us. I’m especially interested in how evolution drives social behavior. Insects, and particularly ants, continually captivate my interest. Outside of catching bugs, I also love to explore nature through recreation like backpacking, fishing, bushcraft, climbing, whitewater, and anything else I can get up to.

Hello, I am Samantha Moore from Madison, Alabama, and I am an upcoming biology major for the ecology and biodiversity track at Sewanee. I love all sorts of animals, but I am particularly fascinated by insects, arachnids, and several other invertebrates. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, archery, and playing my flute. In the future I hope to attend graduate school for wildlife biology or entomology. I am so excited for the opportunity to conduct research through the Life Science Fellowship, and I look forward to working with our amazing professors and the other students.

My name is Max Patterson. I have always been fascinated by the way ecosystems are so resilient, efficient, and beautiful thanks to biodiversity. I spend as much time as I can in nature, trying to see patterns, and figuring out how everything works. I am also interested in the way we can implement the same ecological processes that make wild ecosystems resilient into human agricultural systems. I am looking forward to learning to conduct research and learn about ecosystems using the scientific method, allowing me to prove or disprove the hypothesis I make based on observations in the field.

Hello! My name is Davis Peltier and I am from Ponchatoula, Louisiana. I am an Eagle Scout and an avid enjoyer of the outdoors. While I am absolutely enthralled by all things biology, herpetology has always been my main focus. Ever since I was little, I have loved to go outside and get hands-on with reptiles and amphibians. This fascination has followed me throughout life. I plan on majoring in Biology on the Ecology and Biodiversity track, with hopes of becoming a Herpetologist or to have some other career in the Biological field. I am thrilled to have a chance, through the Fellowship, to delve deeper into research in the field, and to be able to work with the University’s incredible professors and my fellow students.

I am Laine Prince and I grew up in the sweltering heat of Scottsdale, Arizona, but have fond memories of visiting family in Tennessee, where I first learned about Sewanee. My mom took me to the cross when I was a little girl, and as I gazed upon the sprawling fields below, I knew Sewanee was a very special place. All these years later, I am so grateful to be attending this institution as a Life Science Research Fellow on the Pre-Med track. I am interested in exploring the extent to which environmental exposure to pesticides impacts human gene expression and the prevalence of diseases. While I feel a calling towards human-oriented biology, I deeply admire the thriving ecosystem surrounding Sewanee, and can often be found exploring the woods and its wildlife. In my free time I enjoy hiking, drawing, practicing yoga, and baking.

My name is Mila Wolf and I am so lucky to be part of such a wonderful fellowship this year! I am originally from Chicago IL, and plan on majoring in a biology related field with a secondary focus in French. I am particularly interested in the neurobiology of substance use, abuse, and addiction. I am a varsity equestrian athlete at Sewanee and love spending time outdoors / staying active here on the domain. I am looking forward to the opportunities this fellowship will allow me to explore!