HBOI
PEOPLE
Dr. Krista McCoy
Principal Investigator
she/her/hers
Krista graduated with her PhD from the University of Florida studying the effects of toxins on cane toads in the Okeechobee area, and has since worked extensively on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and hypospadias birth defects resulting from EDCs. At East Carolina University Krista's lab found that sulforaphane reduces the severity of hypospadias in mice. Krista returned to Florida as a research staff member of HBOI in May of 2021.
Where to find when not in the office: exploring Florida's natural areas, walking her dog Rain, or by the pool with family
Technicians
Peter Kann, M.Sc.
Ecophysiology Tech
2021-Present
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Peter has largely trained in phylogenetics and entomology as his Master's thesis from East Carolina University used 2B RadSeq techniques to determine the co-phylogeny of pitcher plants and Fletchermia sp. flies.
Peter brings strong laboratory and computer skills to the team and will be working on the effects of diet on microcystin toxicity in mice
Where to find when not in the office: collecting bugs, photographing nature, or cuddling his precious cat Pi
Ellen Titus, M.Sc.
Ecophysiology Tech
2021-Present
she/her/hers
Ellen has worked with many taxa over time and has a broad array of field and lab skills. Her Master's thesis from East Carolina University explored pulsed predation in freshwater environments
Ellen also received an undergraduate degree in Art, and will be working on many of the outreach and education projects in the lab
Where to find when not in the office: Exploring Florida's beaches and swamps, painting, or playing a Dungeons and Dragons game
Post-Docs
Iris Segura-Garcia, Ph.D
Postdoctoral Scholar
2022-Present
she/her/hers
Iris’ research interests broadly encompass several areas of evolutionary ecology and conservation genetics, such as ecological speciation, stock identity, phylogeny, and genetic population structure. Her studies integrate different approaches such as traditional genetics (neutral markers, DNA barcoding, etc.), novel genomic methods (next generation sequencing), isotopic techniques (natural abundance/ratio of elemental isotopes) to investigate the effects of fisheries and environmental changes (natural and human forces) in biodiversity, population diversity and ecosystem resilience and functioning.
Through her career, she has worked with dolphins, lobsters, crabs, fishes and recently sponges and other small invertebrates; and conducted research in several geographic locations including the Mesoamerican Reef System, Florida Keys and east coast, Gulf of California, and Myanmar, in Southeast Asia.
Her postdoctoral fellowship at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) has a strong research component focused on the Indian River Lagoon. Iris’ current project aims evaluate the status of coastal fish populations (health and abundance) and its impact on foraging strategies and overall wellness of IRL dolphins.
Where to find when not in the lab: besides loving marine and genetics science, she loves experimenting with cooking and gardening.
Chris Moore, Ph.D.
Sept 2022-Present
he/him/his
Chris joined the lab in September 2022, where he will help lead a project quantifying parasite diversity in small resident fishes and crustaceans of the Indian River Lagoon system. He looks forward to collaborating with other lab members (and folks in the broader research community) on a variety of research questions investigating the multiple stressors facing the IRL. Florida is a living laboratory for historical ecology - how anthropogenic factors have shaped ecological (and human) communities in the present day.
Chris is a practicing natural historian. When he's not speaking of himself in the third person, he is continuously amazed by the diversity of life. Even plants. Milkweeds in particular! He enjoys reading, fishing, and exploring. Stray dogs and cats know where to find him.
Interested in Joining Our Lab?
Interested technicians, master's students, post-doc scholars, undergraduate students, or local high schoolers looking for summer programs are all encouraged to reach out to Dr. McCoy
In your first communication please include- at a minimum- your: best contact information, research interests, program of interest or grants of interest (if applicable), and approximate timeline