Meet the Fellows

Ashish Nerlekar

Ashish completed his PhD at Texas A&M University where his research focused on the ecology, conservation and restoration of grasslands and savannas. As an EEB postdoc, Ashish continues to improve the scientific and public recognition of grasslands by exploring what kinds of plants are characteristic of global ancient grasslands, and how might these plants get affected by large-scale tree plantations on tropical grasslands.   

He is organizing a seminar on tropical ecology and conservation to showcase cutting-edge research being done by scientists based in the Global South. Additionally, Ashish taught a course for EEB students aimed at learning best practices to decolonize ecology by exploring the consequences of "parachute science" - science conducted in another country without meaningfully engaging with the local stakeholders.

Ashwini Ramesh

Ashwini explores the impact of climate change on individual (within-host) infection dynamics using a combination of mathematical modeling and experiments in collaboration with the Elemental Health Institute in MSU’s College of Human Medicine. With this work she hopes to discover new ecological explanations to improve individual and ecosystem health.

For her community engagement initiative, Ashwini has organized the Art in Science competition in EEB, inviting the EEB community to submit outstanding data-representation, photographs, traditional or digital art to tell a compelling story of the EEB members’ science - research images that are not just scientifically meaningful but also beautiful. Ashwini also organizings the weekly EEB coworking group to help members stay accountable to their goals in a fun way.

Casey Youngflesh

Casey's work at MSU focused on using quantitative tools to address questions in global change ecology and biodiversity. He is particularly interested in diversity patterns of birds across the Americas. Casey also worked on an IBEEM-funded project to understand the links between environmental variability and life history traits, and what that can tell us regarding which systems might be most susceptible to climate change.

As a presidential fellow, Casey gave public talks at forums such as the MSU Biology on Tap series and local chapters of the Audubon Society. Casey also served as an instructor for the Careers Pathways seminar course at MSU, which provides students with a broad range of professional development opportunities, from sessions on non-academic career possibilities to best practices in science communication. 

Casey is now an assistant professor at Clemson University.

Cinnamon Mittan

Cinnamon's research as a presidential postdoc combined thermal physiology, genomics, and captive rearing (in partnership with US Fish and Wildlife Service and John Ball Zoo) to inform the conservation of the critically endangered Michigan butterfly, Mitchell’s Satyr. Cinnamon uses genomic data to understand and support species’ ability to adapt to environmental change and works with conservation practitioners to incorporate genetic data into management actions and policy.   

Cinnamon co-created and instructed the “Introduction to Field Biology Workshop.” To improve access to fieldwork experience, this week-long workshop at the Kellogg Biological Station introduces undergrads to common methods, gear, and safety protocols integral to conducting fieldwork in the biological sciences. The course encompasses a variety of field sampling experiences and techniques and ends with a professional development seminar to increase student confidence in applying to research opportunities at MSU and beyond. 

Cinnamon is currently a Smith Conservation Fellow.

Daniela Palmer

Daniela is an evolutionary biologist whose research focuses on the evolution of genome structure and function, especially in relation to variation among the sexes. Her work at MSU focused on the genomic evolution of sex differences and the evolutionary processes that shape sex chromosomes.

As a presidential postdoc, Daniela led a reading group for EEB members to examine how systems of oppression such as colonialism, imperialism, and racism impact academic institutions and fields of study both historically and in the present.

Daniela is currently is an assistant professor at University of Texas Arlington.

Olivia Smith

Olivia's research examines the best approaches to manage agricultural systems to simultaneously promote environmental wellbeing, conserve biodiversity, control agricultural pests, produce safe and sufficient food, and support farmer livelihoods and wellbeing. As a presidential postdoc, Olivia's research focused on how the environment shapes the probability of zoonotic pathogen spillover in agricultural ecosystems across a network of cherry farms.

Olivia started an EEB Collaborative Research Group for students and postdocs, which met weekly over a two year period and resulted in publications in Nature Ecology and Evolution and TREE. Olivia also started monthly eeBirding wherein EEBers gather to "bird" at parks around the Lansing area. She founded it after hearing multiple people say they wanted more opportunity for in-person social events during the pandemic.

Olivia is now an assistant professor at Michigan State.