Meet the Lab
The Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Research Team consists of biology, computer science, and pre-engineering BRCC students. All have individual roles in the projects that come together to create an ongoing database that allows us to understand the health of freshwater sponges in Louisiana!
Undergraduate Research Mentors:
Rose Dawes
Fall
2023 -
“Hi! My name is Rose Dawes and I’m a computer science major
here at BRCC. My role in the lab is to conduct data analysis using R
Studio. I also assist with fieldwork. In the future, I plan on pursuing
my bachelor’s degree in data science and/or environmental science.”
Lisa DiMaggio
Spring 2022 -
“My name is Lisa DiMaggio, and
I’ve been a part of the lab since January 2022. I graduated with an
Associate degree in Biological Science in May 2023 and transferred into
the Nursing program. After receiving my ASN, my plan is to work on my
BSN while pursuing a career in research nursing. A fun fact about me is
that I was a hairstylist for nearly 20 years.”
Hayley Howard
Summer 2022 -
“I am currently majoring in
natural resource ecology and management and my role in the Louisiana
Freshwater Sponge Project is water analysis. After completing my
Associates of Science Transfer degree, I hope to attend LSU to continue
my education in wildlife ecology. A fun fact about me is that I have
been a vegetarian for about 14 years now.”
Sydney Gemeinhardt
Summer 2023 -
“My name is Sydney
Gemeinhardt and I am currently majoring in biological sciences. My role
in the lab is to digest and prepare sponges for spicule identification
and test water quality. Once I finish my two years at BRCC, I plan to
transfer to LSU to get my Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. My
career aspirations are to work in a forensics lab as a criminalist.”
Destiny Marvel
Summer 2023 -
“My name is Destiny Marvel. I am
currently majoring in biological sciences. My role in the Louisiana
Freshwater Sponge Project is sediment analysis, microscopy, and
inputting data using the Mega-X software. Upon completion of my
Associate of Science in Biological Sciences degree, I hope to pursue a
career working as a lab technician in a chemical plant.”
Abhi Mehrotra
Summer 2021 -
“I am incredibly fortunate to be
part of The Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Project as the first computer
science major. In this role, I manage the project’s website, operate
drones, analyze and manage data, and conduct fieldwork. Additionally, I
assist with overseeing other aspects of the research project. My
long-term objective is to obtain an Associate of Science (AS) degree in
Computer Science and a Louisiana Transfer, Associate of Science (ASLT)
degree with a focus on biological sciences from BRCC. Afterward, I plan
to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Coastal Environmental
Science with a specialization in data science and a minor in biological
sciences at Louisiana State University.”
Undergraduate Student Researchers:
Juliana Coletti
Summer 2024 -
“Hello! My name is Juliana, and I’m currently
majoring in Biological Sciences. My role in the Freshwater Sponge
Project is DNA isolation and PCR amplification, but I also really enjoy
fieldwork! Once I complete the Associate of Science Transfer degree at
BRCC, I plan to transfer to LSU for a Bachelor of Science in Natural
Resource Ecology and Management. My goal is to pursue a career in
habitat restoration and wildlife ecology. I then plan to obtain a Master
of Science in Renewable Natural Resources from LSU to help improve and
protect ecosystems and their biodiversity. A fun fact about me is that I
love Korean skincare.”
Sarah Darst
Summer 2024 -
“I am Sarah Darst, a biology major
at Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC). I’m thrilled to join the
Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Project as a research intern. My primary
role in the project involves testing water parameters, and I’m eager to
participate in fieldwork as much as possible. After completing my
studies at BRCC, I plan to transfer to Louisiana State University’s
College of the Coast and Environment. There, I’ll pursue the 3+3 track
for environmental law, aiming to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Coastal
Environmental Science and subsequently, a law degree. Outside of
academics, I’m a pet enthusiast with three cats and a dog who make
excellent study companions.”
Julia Gremillion
Summer 2024 -
“My name is Julia Gremillion. I
am a Pre-Engineering student with a concentration in Biological
Engineering. I am part of a NASA-funded research grant where I will be
studying biofilm formation and biodegradation of synthesized
polymer-colloidal composites. I plan on transferring to LSU after I
complete my Associate’s degree. In the future, I hope to pursue a career
in research.”
Christopher Hill
Summer 2024 -
“I am currently majoring in
both Computer Science and Biological Sciences. In the Louisiana
Freshwater Sponge Project, I serve in a data science role. After
completing my associate degrees, I plan to transfer to LSU to study Data
Science and then pursue a career in either bioinformatics or
computational biology. Two fun facts about me: I’m a vegan and a member
of Baton Rouge’s Golden Guys!”
Marquis McQuirter
Summer 2024 -
“I am Marquis McQuirter,
and I am majoring in Veterinary Technology. My role in the Louisiana
Freshwater Sponge Project is sediment analysis. After completing my
Associate of Science Transfer degree, I will go to either Southern
University or Northwestern State University to further my education in
veterinary technology. In the future, I hope to open my own veterinary
clinic.”
Geremiah Perkins
Summer 2024 -
“My name is Geremiah Perkins,
and I am majoring in Pre-Engineering with a concentration in
Environmental Engineering. My role in the lab is sediment microscopy and
assisting in sponge expeditions. I plan to transfer to LSU to further my
education and hopefully obtain a job in water purification. A fun fact
about me is that my favorite video game is Persona 4.”
Nicholas Teegarden
Summer 2024 -
“My name is Nicholas
Teegarden, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with The
Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Project. My role in the lab is preparing
spicule samples for identification. I am currently majoring in General
Science at BRCC and will be transferring to LSU’s College of the Coast,
majoring in Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Upon graduation, I
hope to work in an ecology lab, contributing to the protection and
conservation of Louisiana’s beautiful ecosystems.”
The Program for Successful Employment (PSE) Interns:
The Program for Successful Employment (PSE) is a two-year vocational
training program for adults with autism and/or other cognitive
differences. The program combines academic and job skills training with
externship opportunities in regional businesses. Click here to learn more
information about the program.
Previous Research Mentors: these students trained
students on molecular techniques, sponge collection, and sponge
dissection. These students are always available for outreach
opportunities and are 100% dedicated to the Freshwater Sponge Survey,
even after they graduate.
Cooke, Kenzie M.: Summer 2021 -
Summer 2022
Glover, Tarry: Summer 2020 - Summer 2024
Heyer,
Matthew: Fall 2019 - Summer 2021
Viator, Ariel D.: Spring 2020 -
Spring 2022
Vuong, Chau: Summer 2019 - Spring 2021
Previous Undergraduate Student Researchers:
Ardoin, Elyzabeth: Spring 2023
Arroyo, Elsa: Summer 2020 -
Summer 2021
Bieller, Amori: Spring 2022 - Spring 2023
Boone,
Cristina: Summer 2020 - Spring 2021
Ciarlini, Duda: Fall 2021
Francois, Jaylon: Fall 2022
Henriquez, Axel: Spring 2022 - Summer
2022
Johnson, Samuel J.: Fall 2021 - Spring 2022
Latore, Jada:
Spring 2023
Lee, Britney: Fall 2021 - Spring 2022
Motsenbocker, Cameron: Summer 2023 - Fall 2023
Palmer, Tamieka:
Summer 2023 - Summer 2024
Skelton, Raven: Fall 2021 - Spring 2022
Smith, Charmaine: Summer 2019 - Spring 2020
White, Kendall:
Spring 2022 - Fall 2022
Worley, Raven: Fall 2021 - Spring 2022
Previous High School Student Researchers: these
students participated in research at BRCC while completing their high
school degree.
Collins, Makayla (Helix Mentorship STEAM
Academy): Fall 2021 - Summer 2022
Calmes, Mason (Denham
Springs High School): Summer 2024
Poydras, Morgan (Glen Oaks Magnet
High School): Summer 2024
Previous Summer Research Interns: these students
dedicated their summer to studying sponges and contributing to the
Louisiana database.
Summer 2020:
Harris, Jonathan
Moore, Quinton
Summer 2019:
Curvin, Diamonique
Moore, Quinton
Santos, Daisy
Vanichchagorn-Howell, Cole
Previous Program for Successful Employment (PSE)
Interns:
Fuselier,Lauren: Summer 2023 - Fall 2023
Britten, Dylan: Summer 2023
Previous Administrative Assistant:
Kolniak, Camille: Spring 2024
Curriculum Developers: these students were involved
in developing the CURE curriculum for the implementation of the
Freshwater Sponge Survey in the second Biology Lab at BRCC.
Hanna, Lauren: Summer 2021
Hogan, Michael: Summer 2019
Lee,
Rebecca: Summer 2020
Roussel, Ori: Summer 2019