Life Sciences Research Fellows

HELLO!!! My name is Michael Daniels and I am from Montgomery, Alabama, where both of my parents are biology professors at Huntingdon College. I am attracted to the life of an academic and enjoy connecting my love of nature with scientific research and discovery. I have done my own modest study already on spatial dispersion for Asarum Arifolium, a perennial, ant-dispersed wild ginger, native to the southeastern United States. I’m really big on plants, because, unlike a lot of animals, they won’t bite me, usually won’t sting me, and I can run faster than they can! I hope to find some interesting research here on the domain regarding plant ecology or Appalachian stream ecology. Outside of science, my interests are varied, but include being a big fan of the band DEVO!

Hi, I’m Fülöp Erdélyi. I’m a first-year student from Hungary, Piliscsaba. I always wanted to contribute to healthcare in some way, and a couple of years ago I was introduced to the field of bionics; specifically to limb prosthetics. I envision working in that field in some capacity. However, as of right now I wish to explore research questions in the area of body movement to get a better understanding of my career goal. I look forward to getting involved in research and starting to work within this outstanding community.

Hey! My name is Jackson Gallagher and I am from the small town of Soddy-Daisy in Tennessee. I have always had a strong pull to the outdoors and the environment, both in adventures and in research. This love for the outdoors only grew during my journey to the rank of Eagle Scout. I have always had a strong love for animals in the wilderness, and when I learned that there was a research fellowship that focused on the environment on top of one of the most biodiverse

mountain chains in America, I just knew I had to join. I am very interested in foxes and hope to have opportunities to study their behavioral ecology here at Sewanee or elsewhere. My other hobbies and interests include hiking, camping, and dungeons and dragons. I am really excited to be a part of this research fellowship, and I am looking forward to what great adventures and opportunities are to come!

I am Grace Gearhart from Towson, Maryland. I intend to major in Biology on the pre-med track. My passion for biology grew out of the engaging and hands-on labs I experienced in high school, which brought science to life for me. Beyond academics, I am a member of the varsity swim team. I am especially excited to explore research opportunities at Sewanee, particularly in areas related to proteins and aging. I look forward to contributing to the Sewanee community and leaving my mark through the incredible research I will pursue.

Hello! My name is Mackenzie Lucas and I’m from Aiken, South Carolina. After coming back from a gap year, I’m very excited to finally delve deep into the complex yet fulfilling world research has to offer here on the domain! My research interests are a very specific intersection of environmentalism, addressing the problem with consumerism regarding technology, how these factors affect our agricultural systems, and how this relates to public health/long term diseases such as cancer. While the intersection itself is broad, the exact underlier that I’ll follow in relation to all of these subjects are micro and nanoplastics and the role they play in enhancing the severity of each one of these problems that creates such a domino effect. As a Genesis appointed “steward of the Earth,” I’m following the belief that the Earth is to be taken care of as its health is what will give back to the body. This is why I approach my science first through and environmental lens and then later moving towards the more health side of things.

My name is Avery Martinenza and I am from Newark, Delaware! I’m the oldest of four siblings, and when I’m not spending time with my family, you’ll usually find me volunteering in my community or hanging out with friends.In high school, I took Higher Level Biology through the International Baccalaureate program, which gave me the chance to dive deep into fascinating topics. One of my favorite experiences was designing and conducting an experiment on Vibrio fischeri to study how different incubation temperatures impact the brightness of its bioluminescent glow. That project showed me how exciting it is to explore questions no one has fully answered yet. I’m thrilled to join the Sewanee community as a LifeSciences Research Fellows and can’t wait for everything this journey has in store. YSR!

My name is Fox Redmond and I am from Austin, Texas. I became interested in life sciences from my time exploring regional ecosystems while hiking and camping in my home state. I was particularly fascinated with how environments are shaped by their limiting factors and how they physically change in response to stimuli. I am incredibly excited to join the life science research fellows program here at Sewanee and to explore interesting and challenging research topics!