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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. |
RISE Students
Co-Advised by Researchers at GU Medical Center
Urooj AhmedUndergraduate Research Assistant, Spring 2022-Present
Research Team: Mammal Microbiomes, Salt Marsh Microbiomes, & RISE (GUMC) Georgetown University, Class of 2024 Major: Biology of Global Health Minor: Medical Humanities Urooj is a senior in the college from Bear, DE. Her interest in joining the DeCandia lab was piqued by her passion for conservation biology and the microbial genomics involved. Urooj is excited to apply her knowledge of microbial diversity to mammals and salt marshes after initially studying vineyard soils through the Regents Stem Scholar Program. She is most interested in how wellness is impacted by the environment and consequential health policy. Outside of the lab, Urooj enjoys birdwatching, listening to audiobooks, and crocheting– sometimes all at once! |
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Dawson HillyerUndergraduate Research Assistant, Spring 2022-Present
Research Team: Salt Marsh Microbiomes & RISE (GUMC) 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. |
Tyller MensaUndergraduate Research Assistant, Fall 2022-Present
Research Team: Salt Marsh Microbiomes & RISE (GUMC) Georgetown University, Class of 2024 Major: Biology Minor: Psychology Tyller is a senior 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! |
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Environmental Microbiomes
Regents STEM Scholars Program Research Team
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Ameera AyazUndergraduate Research Assistant, Fall 2023-Present
Research Team: Environmental Microbiomes Georgetown University, Class of 2024 Major: Biology of global health Ameera is a senior in the College from York, Pennsylvania. She was interested in joining the DeCandia lab because of her prior experience in the Regents Stem Scholars Program studying the microbiome of a locally partnered vineyard. Ameera is very excited to see how the data obtained from Four Mile Park can be used to shape the understanding of how microbiomes can impact the larger ecosystem of the area. In her freetime, Ameera enjoys spending time with her cat and dog, baking, and fiber arts. |
Diana BarnesUndergraduate Research Assistant, Spring 2023-Present
Research Team: Salt Marsh Microbiomes & Environmental Microbiomes Georgetown University, Class of 2026 Major: Biochemistry Originally from Sierra Leone, Diana has spent a good portion of her life living in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. For as long as she can remember, she's been captivated by the prospects of learning countless new things about the science world; which is why her discovery about micro organisms existing any and everywhere, shaped one of the most intriguing destinations in her scientific journey. The idea of countless species being a part of the life filled environment around us doing what they have to do to maintain the flow of the ecosystem, would urge any scientist or upcoming scientist to be interested in battling species extinction. With the opportunity to be a part of the environmental microbiome research team, she is not only expanding her ecological knowledge of the impact of microbes on multiple ecosystems, but will contribute to preserving these important environments. To make things even better, she will also gain technological skills like coding, throughout this experience. |
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Diane BarnesUndergraduate Research Assistant, Spring 2023-Present
Research Team: Salt Marsh Microbiomes & Environmental Microbiomes Georgetown University, Class of 2026 Major: Biochemistry Diane is originally from Sierra Leone but grew up in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. She was first introduced to microbes during a biology course the summer before starting college and was fascinated about how organisms so small could have such a huge impact on life processes. Diane finds it interesting that the human body has its own microbiome and exposure to foreign microbes can lead to various diseases. Her interest in this lab sparked in part due to the various questions she had following discussions of evolution in Foundations 2 and also her desire to save animals on the verge of extinction. Diane feels as though God put a plethora of species on earth for a reason, thus we must not let them go extinct. Understanding microbiomes and their impact on the environment could help us preserve natural habitats, which in turn would prevent many species from going extinct. Outside of science, Diane really enjoys working out, trying new things with friends and family, and experimenting with various fashion trends. |
Andrea EsquivelUndergraduate Research Assistant, Fall 2023-Present
Research Team: Environmental Microbiomes Georgetown University, Class of 2026 Major: Biology of Global Health Minor: Public Health Andrea Esquivel, originally from Mexico but raised in Los Angeles, California, possesses a unique blend of backgrounds and interests. With a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and environments, she has a profound passion for microbiology and its impacts on organisms, both positively and negatively. She joined this lab because she is particularly interested in understanding how microbiomes contribute to making habitats habitable and maintaining the health of organisms. Beyond her academic pursuits, Andrea expresses her cultural roots as a Mexican folklore dancer, indulges in crochet design, and finds serenity in the beauty of beaches and forests. |
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Sophia FarmerUndergraduate Research Assistant, Spring 2023-Present
Research Team: Salt Marsh Microbiomes & Environmental Microbiomes Georgetown University, Class of 2026 Major: Biology Minor: Environmental studies Sophia is a sophomore in the college from Detroit, MI. She was drawn to the DeCandia lab because of her interest in learning more about microbes, data interpretation software, and strategies. Throughout her time in college, she wants to explore the environmental programs and courses offered in habitat conservation and environmental health. Sophia has previous research experience with studying the microbial diversity of vineyard grapes, leaves, and soil during the summer before her freshman year. In her free time, she loves to draw, read, and explore new scenery! |
Sara MeleseUndergraduate Research Assistant, Fall 2023-Present
Research Team: Environmental Microbiomes Georgetown University, Class of 2026 Major: Human Science Sara was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada but comes from Ethiopian descent. Her main interests are in pharmacology and human physiology. She has always been fascinated about how alterations in our physiology can be treated or even alleviated with the usage of pharmaceutical drugs. However, Sara also has a deep interest in understanding the impact of environmental issues on the health of communities. She is excited to have this opportunity to explore microorganisms in a local ecosystem and apply this knowledge to her interest in environmental health! |
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Fabien MuhireUndergraduate Research Assistant, Fall 2023-Present
Research Team: Environmental Microbiomes Georgetown University, Class of 2026 Major: Biology Fabien currently lives in Fargo, North Dakota, but was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For as long as he can remember, he's been interested in natural sciences, especially health-related ones. His interest in Biology was truly piqued when he took microbiology in high school. Outside of simply just how fascinating it is that we can know so much about such tiny structures and organisms, what interested Fabien most was the process in which the microscopic world was discovered and how it’s further been expanded upon. Despite this, his greatest passion right now is becoming a physician. Growing up Fabien had minor heart issues and often saw a pediatrician. This doctor worked with him and guided him towards a healthier life. Fabien would love to become a pediatrician himself and inspire others through the care he provides. The fact that he can marry his love for biology and his pre-med journey is amazing. This past summer he took the GERMS EMT Course and became EMT certified. He's taking steps toward his goal, and he hopes to be able to ride for an EMS service in the near future. Fabien also works at the CORP for Midnight Mug and is a GSP Mentor / Mentee. During his free time, he loves working out and playing basketball! |
Carly RauhUndergraduate Research Assistant, Spring 2022-Present
Research Team: Salt Marsh Microbiomes & Environmental Microbiomes Georgetown University, Class of 2025 Major: Environmental Biology Minor: Science, Technology, and International Affairs Carly is a junior 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 II, and in her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, going to concerts, and watching reality TV. |
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Jocelynn SengsiryUndergraduate Research Assistant, Fall 2023-Present
Research Team: Environmental Microbiomes Georgetown University, Class of 2026 Major: Undeclared Jocelynn was born in Lenoir, North Carolina and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi. She has spent the past two summers, the first as a student and the second as a student academic assistant, exploring microbiomes with the Regents STEM Scholars Program and has continued to grow her interest in these communities. Jocelynn enjoys trying and exploring new things to gain experience in a variety of fields of studies. Outside of the lab, she is a member of the Georgetown Pep Band, Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity/Sorority, loves to watch different TV shows and movies, do various types of puzzles, and volunteer. |
Alina WatsonUndergraduate Research Assistant, Fall 2023-Present
Research Team: Environmental Microbiomes Georgetown University, Class of 2026 Major: Biology of Global Health Minor: Statistics Hailing from Mechanicsburg, PA, Alina is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences and is passionate about health as it pertains to global populations and the environment. She is fascinated by and hopes to discover more about the ethical and sustainable implications of biology. Interestingly enough, Alina's love for the environment and biology stemmed from her introduction to Geocaching a decade ago. Aside from direct science, she enjoys working with the Georgetown Scientific Research Journal and OCF on campus. She is also an EMT and half-marathoner and is so excited to join the research team this fall! |
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Lab Mascot
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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. 
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