Alexandra L. DeCandia, Ph.D.Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Biology
College of Arts & Sciences, Georgetown University 2025 Recipient of the Bunn Award for Faculty Excellence Assistant Director, Regents STEM Scholars Program 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. |
Research Intensive Senior Experience (RISE)
Sophia Farmer '26
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Spring 2023 - Present
Research Team: Salt Marsh Microbiomes, Urban Watershed Microbiomes,
Environmental Microbiomes, & RISE
Major: Biology; Minor: Environmental studies
Thesis: Black-footed ferret microbiomes across in & ex situ management settings
Research Team: Salt Marsh Microbiomes, Urban Watershed Microbiomes,
Environmental Microbiomes, & RISE
Major: Biology; Minor: Environmental studies
Thesis: Black-footed ferret microbiomes across in & ex situ management settings
Lab Mascot
Stella RaeLab 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- and bird-watching in Rock Creek Park, Glover Archbold Park, and Georgetown Waterfront Park. Outside of her work in the lab, Stella enjoys going for neighborhood walks, zooming around the living room, making new friends as one of Georgetown's "dogs-in-residence", taking long naps on the couch, and watching football games and the Great British Baking Show with her humans. |