Meet Our Team
Principal Investigator
Dr. O. Alejandro Aleuy, DVM, PhD
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Staff
Bethany Simpson, M.Sc.
Bethany is a Lab Manager and Affiliate Scientist at Florida Atlantic University, where she supports research in the Aleuy Lab and earned an M.Sc. in Biology in 2024. As a molecular ecologist, her research integrates genetic and microbiological approaches to better understand Florida’s ecosystems and supports the conservation of native flora and fauna, particularly within the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Her interests include population genetics, biodiversity conservation, and the application of molecular tools to ecological research. She mentors students in genetic and diagnostic laboratory techniques while supporting wildlife health research in the Aleuy Lab. Outside of research, she enjoys traveling, kayaking, and documenting Florida’s biodiversity. In addition to her work with the Aleuy Lab, she also coordinates laboratory operations for the Native Orchid Lab at FAU’s Pine Jog campus
Post Doctoral Fellows
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Graduate Students
Tajul Islam Mamun, PhD Candidate
Tajul, he is a veterinarian from Bangladesh. He completed his DVM from Sylhet Agricultural University in 2022, followed by an M.Sc. in Epidemiology and Public Health. His research focuses on understanding how environmental, ecological, and anthropogenic drivers influence the dynamics of infectious diseases in wildlife, and their implications for human and animal health. His goal is to bridge veterinary science and ecological modeling to advance One Health–based conservation and disease management frameworks. His current research interests include linking fire ecology and disease ecology in the Florida Scrub-Jay, as well as the impacts of ecological factors on disease dynamics. In his free time, he enjoys graphic design, playing cricket and soccer, and traveling.
Abigail Arnashus, PhD Candidate
Hi, my name is Abi, and I am a PhD student studying the impacts of the invasive snake lung parasite, Raillietiella orientalis (Ro), on Florida’s native snakes. I have loved reptiles since I was a kid, and I have always wanted to do research that contributed to reptile conservation. My favorite ecosystem is the Everglades, and the snakes that live there have severe Ro infections. This was a call to action for me to assess this invasive parasite as a conservation threat to Everglades snakes and to find ways to mitigate the impacts on snake populations in the future.
Jake Lighthall, PhD candidate
Jake Lighthall is a PhD student in Integrative Biology at Florida Atlantic University, studying disease ecology in marine mammals. His current research focuses on the health of endangered sperm whales in Dominica through FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Before beginning his PhD, he studied Cook Inlet beluga whales in Alaska and bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota, Florida. His research interests include marine mammal health, disease ecology, and cetacean conservation.
Jasmine Silvennoinen, MS Candidate
Jasmine is a graduate researcher and M.S. candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences. She earned her B.S. in Coastal & Environmental Science, with a minor in Biology, at Flagler College, where she conducted research on juvenile fishes and invertebrates in estuarine environments and contributed to research on green sea turtle identification. Her current research focuses on host-parasite interactions and infection patterns of parasitic isopods across recreationally important fishes and fishing ports through Southeast Florida and the Florida Keys. She is expanding ecological and genetic analyses to better understand the environmental and host related factors influencing parasite prevalence and genetic diversity across regions. Beyond research, Jasmine is a scuba diver, photographer, and creative who enjoys exploring interests in religion, physiology, and the natural world.
Jessica Boadi, MS Candidate
Jessica Boadi is an M.S. Biological Science student at Florida Atlantic University with a background in biological sciences, conservation, climate change, and sustainability. Her research interests lie at the intersection of wildlife disease ecology, infectious diseases, conservation, and One Health. Her current research uses serological surveillance to investigate how mosquito-borne viruses affect the survival of Florida Scrub-Jays. By examining evidence of viral exposure, her work seeks to better understand the potential role of infectious diseases in the health and conservation of wildlife populations. Prior to FAU, Jessica worked on climate change and health-related research and is passionate about science education and communication. Jessica holds a B.S. in Animal Biology and Conservation Science from the University of Ghana.
Blair Willse, MS Candidate
Blair Willse is a Master’s student in Environmental Science whose research examines how environmental conditions shape disease dynamics in marine and coastal ecosystems. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she earned her B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus in Environmental Molecular Science from The Ohio State University in 2025. Blair studies how Perkinsus marinus infection responds to environmental change and how these responses affect oyster population health and reproduction in Lake Worth Lagoon. Outside of her academic work, she serves as a Manatee Master at Manatee Lagoon and works with Sea Turtle Oversight Protection, where she helps rescue disoriented hatchlings affected by artificial lighting. She also loves spending time in the water, snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding.
Undergraduates
Jada Wray
Jada is an undergraduate student and aspiring physician with interests in infectious disease research and the relationship between environmental and human health. Her current research investigates whether proximity to agricultural areas influences the prevalence of avian malaria in Florida Scrub-Jay populations. She is interested in understanding how environmental conditions and human activity can affect wildlife health and disease transmission. Outside of school and research, Jada enjoys playing soccer, spending quality time with her family and friends, and traveling.
Kaana
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Alejandra
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Martin
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