THE (always serious) CEAL LAB

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Research interests

I lead the Comparative Animal Ecophysiology Lab, and my research broadly focuses on understanding how animals work in the context of their environment. My lab group studies the ecology, physiology, behavior, and evolution of large carnivorous predators (Seals! Whales! Wolves! Oh my!) to understand how individuals, populations, and species are coping with rapidly changing environments.

I earned my PhD in Biology from the University of California Santa Cruz (2019), where I studied variation and flexibility in the foraging ecology of pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses). I have a MS in Biology from San Diego State University (2013), where I studied the functional cranial morphology of seals. I earned my BS (2007) from Trinity University, where I majored in Biology and History.

Fun Facts

I am an avid and fast reader (mostly fiction books), a COVID-inspired gardener, a slow but steady runner, a world traveler, and mother of two hilarious, busy, and awesome sons.

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Research Interests

My largest defining research interest is the adaptations marine mammals have evolved to tolerate and manipulate the marine environment. I like to work at the intersection of several biological disciplines including anatomy, morphology, and biomechanics to answer questions about species evolution as well as the development of locomotive patterns and maneuvering capabilities. I am also particularly interested in the physiological adaptations of Antarctic ice seals which allow these animals to simultaneously withstand the extremes of the marine environment and one of the most unforgiving terrestrial habitats on earth.

Fun Facts

I was a competitive gymnast for most of my life, so many of my interest and hobbies fall under what I would consider to be “active artistry” (ex., aerial silks, yoga, dancing). My other passions involve any and all animal interactions- I will sprint across a busy highway to pet your dog.

Research Interests

I am broadly interested in investigating the links between organisms’ physiological systems to larger ecological processes. During my masters, I specialized in marine mammal physiology, with my thesis focusing on reproductive and stress physiology of female northern elephant seals. I measured a suite of reproductive hormones in addition to the stress hormone cortisol to determine the timing of critical reproductive stages, such as ovulation and implantation. This research also investigated a proximate mechanism for reproductive suppression.

For my PhD dissertation, I am comparing intraspecific variation and behavioral flexibility in the ecology and physiology of large marine vertebrates, specifically leopard seals and gray whales. This research will use a comparative approach to determine the relationships between behavioral patterns, life history traits, foraging ecology, and physiological performance.

Fun Facts

Aside from science and marine vertebrates, my other passions are food and travel! I love scrolling through Pinterest for some yummy vegetarian meals to attempt (some fails, but many triumphs!). In addition, I love traveling and trying new foods all around the world.

Research Interests

I am broadly interested in mammalogy, wildlife population dynamics, predator-prey dynamics, hybridization, and animal behavior. My research investigates the ecological, morphological, and behavioral ramifications of hybridization in wolves and coyotes. Specifically, I am interested in how hybridization impacts hormone profiles, craniodental morphology, and prey selection in coyotes with recently discovered red wolf ghost alleles in southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana. 

Fun Facts

I ran cross country, indoor, and outdoor track in undergrad. I still enjoy trail running and have lightly dabbled in ultras.

Research Interests

I love all things related to zoological and veterinary sciences. On a broad scale, my interests have included the study of animal behaviors concerning their status of wellness within captive settings and how the life histories of various species are influenced by their adaptations to life. Currently, my work within the lab has focused on the identification and cataloging of leopard seals found within the Tierra del Fuego ecosystem in Chile.

fun facts

In addition to my work with the lab, I am a member of the Track & Field team at Baylor University and an avid elephant enthusiast.

Research Interests

I am predominantly interested in researching how (and if) mammalian predators adapt to an increasingly anthropic world using novel behaviors and morphologies. My research will focus on the ecology of wolves in British Columbia that primarily consumes a marine diet, a particularly unique trait amongst wolves. Specifically, I will investigate how body morphology and feeding behaviors change when these animals exploit a marine ecosystem. During my masters program, my thesis research focused on evaluating the distributions of mammalian mesopredators along an urban-rural gradient.

Fun Facts

I am an avid hiker, especially in new locations where I can explore the local flora and fauna. I also enjoy cooking and anything related to coffee & tea. My free time is usually spent watching David Attenborough nature documentaries, spoiling my lovely kitties and complaining about the heat.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS

FORMER CEAL TEAM MEMBERS

Undergraduates - Graduated and/or moved on

Marcus Botos (2022) - Research: 3D scanning + morphological analyses of caniformes

Tyus Kemper (in progress) - Stable isotope analysis