Kirsten M. Prior, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Binghamton University (SUNY)

B.Sc., Western University
Ph.D. University of Notre Dame
Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Toronto
Postdoctoral Associate, University of Florida
National Geographic Explorer
BU Presidential Diversity Grant Awardee

google scholar
research gate

​Kirsten's research interests include everything on this website. She also likes to hike, bake, knit, read, ski, and spend time with her family
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Contact: kprior(at)binghamton.edu
           Graduate Researchers
Carmela M. Buono, Ph.D. Student (2017--)
​B.S., Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

After Carmela's time at Rutgers, she spent a year completing a term of service with AmeriCorps in the New Jersey Watershed Ambassador Program, where she developed a passion for outreach and promoting environmental stewardship. Carmela’s research interests include plant ecology, restoration ecology, invasive species, and how multi-trophic interactions are affected by environmental change. Carmela's research examines how land use change and regional differences in ant species affect ant-seed dispersal mutualisms in northeastern deciduous forests. She is also working on a meta-analysis on invasive species management. Outside of the lab she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, painting, cooking, and crafting!

Contact: cbuono1@binghamton.edu
Dylan G. Jones, Ph.D. Student (2018 --)
B.Sc., Biology, Roanoke College; M.Sc., Biology, Montclair State University

Dylan received his M.S.c. in Biology from Montclair State University. Dylan's research interests include anthropogenic impacts on species interactions, communities, and ecosystem function.  Dylan's research examines  biogeographical patterns in host and parasitoid communities  and how changes  in diversity, interaction networks, and traits contribute to ecological release of a range-expanding species. Dylan works on oak gall wasps and their parasitoids in western oak savannas  Outside of the lab, Dylan enjoys hiking, traveling, working out, spending time with family, and learning about native flora and fauna!

Contact: djones41(at)binghamton.edu
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Alyson K. Milks, Ph.D. Student (2020 --)
B.S., Environmental and Field Biology, Ohio Northern University

Aly graduated from Ohio Northern University with a BS in Environmental and Field Biology. Her research interests include how species interactions and their effects on ecosystems are altered under anthropogenic change. Aly's research examines mechanisms of enemy escape, or how parasitoid enemies are lost under host range expansions.  Aly works on oak gall wasp-parasitoid communities in western oak savannas. Outside of the lab Aly enjoys creating ceramics, hiking, drawing, and exploring new places!

Contact: amilks1(at)binghamton.edu
Rachel Chen, M.S. Student (2020 --)
B.A., Biological Sciences, B.A., Environmental Studies (Ecosystems), Binghamton University (Expected 2021)

Rachel  will be graduating from Binghamton University with a B.A. in Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies (Ecosystems) in 2021. Rachel's research interests include conservation science, restoration ecology, and the influence of anthropogenic change on community diversity and ecosystem function. Rachel's research examines the effect of environmental gradients and change on the diversity of parasitoids -host communities. She is documenting the diversity of parasitoids that associate with oak gall wasp hosts along the range of Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana). Outside of the lab, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Gibby!

Contact: rchen78 (at) binghamton.edu

​Undergraduate Researchers
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Leslie Huang, Biological Sciences
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Will Smisko, Biological Sciences
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Allie Radin, Biological Sciences
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Kelly McGourty, Biological Sciences
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Lena Eder, Biological Sciences
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Serena Feldman, Biological Sciences
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Jenna Ross, Biological Sciences & Environmental Science

Field teams

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2017 Gall PNW crew: Kirsten, Megan Blance, Susan Lee, and Shannon Meadley Dunphy
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2019 Team LUHBI: Carmela, John Santare, Carly Gerth (missing: Catherine Ruis)
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2019 Team Gall: Dylan, Julia Kobelt, Katie Harms (missing: Kirsten, and Catherine Ruis)
Former Lab Members
(most recent known whereabouts)
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Graduate Researchers
Susan Lee, M.S. 2020
B.S., Environmental Studies, Binghamton University

Thesis"Altered interactions for species on-the-move: a biogeographical comparison of host-parasitoid interactions between a species’ native and expanded range"

Currently working at Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands
Lab Manager

Shannon Meadley Dunphy, McGill, PhD student

Undergraduate Researchers

Gabriella Bayshtock --- Sabina Bayshtock --- Julia Berliner --- Megan Blance, Smithsonian Internship, Washington State University, MSc student ---Dudley Britton --- Melina Brunelli, Undergraduate researcher in Mussleman lab at Binghamton Univ. --- Sage Daughton --- Chris Johnston, SUNY ESF, MSc student --- ​Haley Hurst --- Carly Gerth --- Roni Friedman, Columbia University, MSc student --- Jesse Lofaso --- Sarah Martin, University of Buffalo, Master's of Urban Planning --- Tim Morris, SUNY ESF, MSc student --- Melissa Noboa, NYC Civic Corps --- Kassidy Robinson --- Catherine Ruis, Stevens Institute of Technology, Master's student --- Wyatt Parker, Binghamton University, MBA student, Americorps --- John Santare --- Tim Wong, Fordham Univ., MSc student
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