Current students/lab members
Josi Robertson
After graduating from Hendrix College with a B.A. in Biology I earned an M.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Houston-Clear Lake where I conducted my thesis research on, “The Distribution and Life History Characteristics of the Saltmarsh Topminnow (Fundulus jenkinsi) in Texas”. During this time I also worked at the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) assisting and helping lead a variety of environmental field studies. I joined the Schwalb lab in summer 2016 and have been working on the dispersal and distribution of zebra mussels.
Zachary Mitchell
PhD Candidate, distribution of freshwater mussels, drought responses, life history strategies.
Kayla Hayes
After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at Eckerd College, I am now pursing my Master’s at Texas State in Aquatic Resources.
MS topic: Distribution of mussels in Central Texas
Carolyn Trombley
I am currently in the PhD program in Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph (co-advised by Dr. Schwalb and Dr. Cottenie) after having completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Environmental Science at the University of Guelph. My project explores metacommunity dynamics of fish in the Virgin River, with a focus on determining factors related to the decline of the endemic and critically endangered woundfin (Plagopterus Argentissimus).
Schwalb lab Alumni
Bianca Hernandez, graduated 2016 Thesis: “Movement behavior of unionid mussels in Central Texas”
Sustainability Education Coordinator with Foundation Communities in Austin, TX
Jenae Olson, graduated 2016 Thesis: “Dispersal of zebra mussels downstream of an invaded reservoir.”
Veterinary Technician, Sioux Falls, SD
Rebecca Zawalski, graduated 2017
Thesis: “Benthic macroinvertebrate metacommunity structure of the Guadalupe River Basin, TX.”
Blue Thumb Field Educator at Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Ashley Seagroves, graduated 2017
Thesis “Reproductive ecology of Lampsilis bracteata (Bivalvia: Unionidae)”
Aquatic Biologist at the San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center (USFWS)
Stacey Britton, graduated 2018
co-advised with Dr. Dutton
Thesis “Impact of environmental contaminants on the Threeridge mussel (Amblema plicata) in the Guadalupe River basin, Texas.”
Brittney Sanchez, graduated 2018
Thesis “Detectability affects the performance of survey methods: A comparison of sampling methods of freshwater mussels in Central Texas”
Alison Tarter, graduated 2019
Thesis “Distribution of unionid mussels in the Big Thicket region of Texas. Texas State University”