About me

Hi! My name is Olivia and I am a graduate student researcher at DePaul University in Chicago in the Aguirre Lab. I launched Compassion Crossing in 2016 as a result of a driven passion for wildlife education and conservation efforts. I hope to see this platform showcase the beautiful creatures that surround us, and the importance of lending a helping hand toward their longevity. In addition, I hope to assist animal owners to ensure their companions have all they need to live enriches and fulfilled lives. To learn more about the research I am working on, and have worked on, you can find my personal portfolio here.

Expertise

What I Do

I am currently getting my Master’s Degree in Biological sciences with research focusing on 5 taxonomic freshwater fishes in Western Ecuador. Primarily, I am looking at taxonomic species likely to experiment coastal flooding events due to climate change in the Guayas River Basin. My thesis uses environmental DNA to map distributions of fishes, as well as assesses for differences in population structure at the end extremes of observed elevational clines for each study species. Additionally, I am working to construct a 12s, 16s, and COI genetic reference library for many taxa in Western Ecuador. To find more about my current research, I have a virtual portfolio: click here.

What I’ve Done

I received dual Bachelor of Science degrees at Auburn University, one in Organismal Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, and the next in Animal Sciences. During my undergrad, I minored in Natural Resource Ecology with the College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. In my spare time, I assisted in research at the Warner Lab for Evolutionary Ecology looking at patterns of heritability and thermal tolerance in the brown anole Anolis sagrei.

About me

Originally from SoCal, I grew up fascinated by marine biology, specifically shark science. I followed this passion through my undergrad and am currently working on my Master’s thesis on Neurocrania Morphology of shark taxa as it relates to species ecology. My other interests include scuba diving, Pokken Tournament and pitbulls.

Expertise

What I Do

I am a research assistant at DePaul University in the Shimada Lab. My research focuses on the morphology of shark neurocrania (both extant and extinct groups) in relation to their ecology.

What I’ve Done

I graduated from UCSD with a Bachelor’s in Marine Biology.

About me

Hello all! My name is Kaleigh and I am a part of the crew here on Compassion Crossing. I am interested in Antarctica, ecological and evolutionary transitions, and zoological collections preservation and research. In my free time I like to visit Museums in Chicago, paint, and take care of my various houseplants.

Expertise

What I Do

I am currently a graduate student researcher at Depaul University in the Aguirre lab. My current research is focusing on spinal anomalies that may arise in fish due to climate change. Along with this I am also a teaching assistant at DePaul, assisting in molecular laboratory set ups, as well as leading general biology labs.

What I’ve Done

I earned a Bachelors in Science degree at Loyola University Chicago, where I was a part of the Grande Lab which focuses on fish evolution. I have also been a volunteer at the Field Museum, where I was able to assist in wet bird collections preservation.

About me

Hello! I am a DePaul graduate student in biology with an interest in plant ecology. In my free time I enjoy playing board games and video games with my friends, as well as shopping and planning parties.

Expertise

What I Do

My thesis project is in conjunction with Dr. Matt von Konrat, the head of botanical collections at the Field Museum. I aim to predict the distribution of early land plants (those without seeds or vascular tissue) within Illinois. These plants are very reliant on the specific climate of the area as well as how the land is being used. My models will help us define the niche, or environmental requirements of these plants to better conserve them.

What I’ve Done

[Coming Soon]

About me

My name is Kendall, and I am a currently a student at Auburn University. I am fascinated by animals and hope to pursue a Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences in the near future. In my spare time, I enjoy taking nature walks with my dog and embroidering.

Expertise

What I Do

In 2022 I returned to school to get a second Bachelor of Science degree in organismal biology with a focus on ecology, evolution, and behavior.

What I’ve Done

I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences in 2019. During my first undergraduate degree, I worked as a veterinary technician and became familiar with a wide range of companion animal species!

About me

Hey! My name is Jacob Collier and I am an Auburn University graduate from the College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. I’ve always had a passion for wildlife, however, my deepest interest lies with behavioral characteristics of elephants—such as family dynamics. At the moment, I work in pet care, and hope to follow my interests into a career within Biology or Natural Resource Ecology.

Expertise

What I Do

Currently, I work at PetSmart as a Pet Care Associate, assisting pet owner’s with finding the right materials to care for their companions.

What I’ve Done

I graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management. Throughout my time in the College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, I saw natural cycles in action and studied how ecological management on one species interacts with the others surrounding it. Most importantly, I studied the aspect of environmental sustainability. In 2019, I went on a study abroad trip to Eswatini, South Africa, where I became acquainted with many wildlife species and their interactions with humans!