​Alexandra L. DeCandia, Ph.D.

Assistant Teaching Professor
Department of Biology, Georgetown University

Research Associate
Center for Conservation Genomics
Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Alexandra (Allie) DeCandia joined Georgetown University in August 2021 as an Assistant Teaching Professor [CV]. As a researcher, Allie applies tools and concepts from molecular ecology, disease ecology, and conservation biology to inform wildlife management in captivity (e.g., black-footed ferrets) and the wild (e.g., Channel Island foxes and Yellowstone National Park wolves). As an educator, she applies a ​student-centered learning approach to actively engage students and trainees with material, while equipping them with skills and confidence to pursue scientific exploration. As a communicator, she shares her love of science with elementary through high school students through classroom visits, with the public through non-technical science writing, and with colleagues through peer-reviewed articles and presentations at scientific conferences. Outside of her work, her favorite activities include hiking (especially in National Parks!), exploring new cities, experimenting in the kitchen, and finding creative ways to be more eco-friendly. ​

Mammal Microbiome Team

Laura Adeduro

Undergraduate Research Assistant​
Georgetown University, Class of 2023
Major: Biology
Minor: Disability Studies

Laura is from PG County Maryland, so the DMV area has always been her home. She hopes to continue her Biology career in Medical Genomics and its relationship with congenital disease. Laura is currently an assistant for breast cancer research at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Although her academic interests may be medical, her personal interests are environmental. Laura also loves cooking and reading sociology books.

Research Areas of Interest: ecology, climate change ecology, socio-ecological systems, population genetics​

Alexandra (Alex) Bamford

Undergraduate Research Assistant​
Georgetown University, Class of 2023
​Major: Environmental Biology
​Minor: French

Alex is a senior from DC studying Environmental Biology and minoring in French. She joined the lab during her Junior year in hopes of learning more about ecology and wildlife health and conservation. Aside from research, Alex is a TA in the Biology Department and the Academic Chair of the newly founded Georgetown University Environmental Health Committee. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three dogs, going on long hikes, and cooking for friends and family. 
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​Research Areas of Interest: conservation, microbiology, climate change ecology, health, ecosystems management

​Samantha Pasciullo Boychuck

Undergraduate Research Assistant​
Georgetown University, Class of 2023
​Major: Environmental Biology

Samantha is a senior from Tabernacle, NJ. She was drawn to environmental biology after a childhood spent exploring nature with her friends and family. With the DeCandia lab, Samantha is exploring similarities and differences between island spotted skunk and island fox microbiomes on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands. Additionally, she has performed research determining how temperature impacts chigger locomotion and how forest thinning influences tick populations in the NJ Pine Barrens. Also, she has explored Yellow-billed cuckoo migratory patterns, and learned about foraging in the Northeast United States. Beyond research, Samantha is a captain for New Student Orientation, coordinator for Georgetown Catholic retreats, an avid Beatles fan, and the proud owner of a goldendoodle named Lucy!

Research Areas of Interest: conservation biology, ecosystem and resource management, gut microbiomes, animal behavior

Salt Marsh Microbiome Team

Co-Advised by Dr. Gina Wimp

Urooj Ahmed

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Georgetown University, Class of 2024
Major: Biology of Global Health
Minor: Medical Humanities

Urooj is a sophomore in the college from Bear, DE. Her interest in conservation biology was piqued by growing up in a dense, forest area which exposed her to all sorts of critters, her favorite being birds. Urooj is excited to apply her knowledge of microbial diversity to mammals after initially studying it in vineyard soils. She is most interested in how wellness is impacted by the environment. 
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Research Areas of Interest: ornithology, population genetics, microbiology, climate change

Nouran Alim

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Georgetown University, Class of 2025
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Environmental Studies

Nouran is a sophomore in the college from Herndon, Virginia. She has experience working with local climate advocacy organizations as well as conducting environmental justice research. She is interested in systems and population ecology and is excited to learn more about wildlife conservation and biodiversity in the lab. Aside from research, Nouran is a chemistry tutor and a tour guide on campus. She enjoys napping, national geographic documentaries, and overpriced boba tea.

Research Areas of Interests: ecology, environmental chemistry, climate change, population genetics, sustainability

Dawson Hillyer

Undergraduate Research Assistant​
Georgetown University, Class of 2024
Major: Biology
Minor: Japanese

Dawson grew up in the Appalachian Mountains and spent a lot of time in the outdoors, playing in the woods or swimming in the river, so he's always been drawn to animals and their role in the ecosystem. When Dawson started at Georgetown, his experience with the Regents Scholars program introduced him to the microbiome and its interaction with vineyards, and since then he's been interested in all the different roles the microbiome can play. Whether it be the gut microbiome and human disease or the composition of the microbiome and its influence on wine, Dawson is very interested in how a microscopic biome can influence organisms and the environment on a large scale.

Research Areas of Interest: microbiome dysbiosis, microbiology, virology, climate change
 

Tyller Mensa

Undergraduate Research Assistant​
Georgetown University, Class of 2024
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology

Tyller is a junior in the college from Charlotte, North Carolina. She became interested in conservation biology after landing her first job at the Conservation Corps of North Carolina. From this job, Tyller was able to restore multiple parks across the area by removing invasive species and planting new fauna. Her love for biology has led her to mentor freshman biology students in the Bio Buddies program. Interests outside of biology include acting, cooking, and listening to music!

Research Areas of Interest: molecular biology, conservation, cell biology, genetics

Kevin Moreno

​Undergraduate Research Assistant​
Georgetown University, Class of 2024
Major: English
Minor: Biology

Kevin is a junior in the College and was born and raised in Miami, Florida. His interest in environmental projects and conservation stemmed from his middle school efforts to restore the endangered Pine Rockland ecosystem in his school’s backyard. Kevin’s love for ecology also encouraged him to work as a Lab TA for Foundations of Biology II.  When he’s not in the lab, Kevin can be found reading a book, doing photography, or napping. 

Research Areas of Interest: conservation biology, ecology, climate change, botany, astrobiology

Mary Nguyen

Undergraduate Research Assistant​
Georgetown University, Class of 2025
Major: Environmental Biology
 
Mary is a sophomore from Houston, Texas. The Environmental Biology track has allowed her to pursue interests rooted in creativity and curiosity. She looks forward to joining a passionate community of scientists and further develop critical thinking skills. On campus, Mary is involved in the HOME Program (Homelessness Outreach | Meals | Education) and Vietnamese Student Association. Apart from being a left Twix enthusiast, Mary enjoys crafting, making bouquets, and drinking hot cocoa year-round!
 
Research Areas of Interest: agricultural science, evolutionary genetics, conservation biology, animal ethics

Carly Rauh

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Georgetown University, Class of 2025
Major: Environmental Biology 
Minor: Science, Technology, and International Affairs

Carly is a sophomore in the College from Reno, Nevada and from a young age, she's always loved nature and getting outdoors! She's interested in soil microbiomes and the effect that climate change has on ecosystems and biodiversity. She's a TA for Foundations in Biology I and in her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, going to concerts, and watching reality TV.

Research Areas of Interest: ecology, population genetics, hydrology, renewable energy

Lab Mascot

Stella Rae

Lab Mascot 

Stella Rae was adopted from Worthy Dog Rescue in January 2021, and soon after joined the DeCandia lab as the official lab mascot! She is interested in the local D.C. wildlife, and is particularly fond of squirrel- & bird-watching in Rock Creek Park. Outside of her work in the lab, Stella enjoys going for neighborhood walks, zooming around the dog park, making new friends, taking long naps on the couch, and watching football games and the Great British Baking Show with her humans. 

DeCandia Lab Alumni