Members
DR. SARAH W. DAVIES (she/her)
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
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Sarah hails from Canada and her path to Boston University took her through University of Victoria, University of Calgary, UT Austin and, UNC Chapel Hill. She is largely interested in understanding why some organisms are winners and others are losers, and what this means in the context of rapidly changing environments. Sarah lives for travel, hiking, Halloween, brewery tastings, and now enjoys experiencing these things (minus the beer) with her daughters Kingsley and Kennedy.
DR. SHELBY GANTT (she/her)
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE RESEARCHER
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Shelby earned a B.S. in Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an M.S. in Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, before completing a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her doctoral research focused on how wild and captive environments influence the physiology and function of coral hosts and their microbial symbionts. As an NSF-OCE Postdoctoral Fellow in the Davies lab, Shelby will study the impact of environmental factors on corals in both marginal and non-marginal habitats of Panama. Her research aims to understand how coral lineage and varying reproductive investments between sexes influence the sex ratios of a gonochoric coral species, Siderastrea siderea, in different environments. Outside of her scientific pursuits, Shelby enjoys all kinds of crafting, baking sweets, and exploring the natural world.
MARIA VALADEZ INGERSOLL (she/her)
PhD STUDENT
Maria earned a B.A in both Biology and Spanish at Swarthmore College – where she worked with Liz Vallen to express anemone proteins in yeast cells – before attending BU to pursue her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Bio with Sarah Davies and Tom Gilmore. Her research focuses on the molecular stress responses of coral and anemones with particular interest in the regulation of immunity and metabolism. When she’s not obsessing over the health of her lab animals, Maria enjoys biking, snowboarding (west coast best coast), and a good glass of cheap wine.
Jeric “JK” Da-Anoy (he/him)
PhD STUDENT
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JK is a Filipino Ph.D. student fascinated by evolution of metazoan complexity. He received his Master’s degree at the University of the Philippines, exploring stress response and evolutionary neurobiology under Dr. Cecilia Conaco’s supervision. His favorite pastimes include exploring nearby cafes, cooking, and talking to his niblings
LILI VIZER (she/her)
PhD STUDENT
Lili is originally from Hungary but has been living in Scotland for the past 6 years. She completed her BSc in Marine Biology at the University of Aberdeen and received an MSc in Evolutionary Genetics from the University of Edinburgh. She is particularly interested in the genetics, evolution, and ecology of marine species. She joined the Biology PhD program at BU to combine her interests and work with Sarah Davies and Pete Buston. Her research focuses on understanding the genetic underpinnings of the competitive growth, induced by social behavior, displayed in Clown Anemonefish. In her free time, Lili likes hiking, nature photography, eating good food and sleeping.
MU-HAN CHEN (she/her)
PhD STUDENT
Mu-Han obtained her B.S. in Life Science and B.B.A. in International Business from National Taiwan University. Her passion for nature motivated her to pursue an M.S. in Marine Biology at the University of Bremen in Germany, where she specialized in the chemical ecology of phytoplankton holobionts. Currently, she is thrilled to embark on her next adventure exploring coral holobionts in the Davies Lab. Apart from science, she enjoys jogging, swimming, stargazing, and cuddling with her cat.
ALLY SWANK (they/she)
PhD STUDENT
Ally earned their B.S. from Ball State University in Indiana and completed their M.S. at Auburn University in Alabama, focusing on the ecology and evolution of marine systems under environmental stress. During their Ph.D. in the Davies Lab, they are excited to explore adaptation of corals at the population- and individual-level. If they aren’t in the lab, you’ll find them climbing, playing soccer, frolicking in the waves on the nearest beach, or shopping for a wild pair of socks (you’d be impressed with their collection).
ZOÉ CHAMOT (she/her)
PhD STUDENT
Zoé is originally from France, where she completed a BA in Philosophy and a BSc in Biology at Sorbonne Université, followed by an MSc in Genomics, Ecology, and Evolution at École Normale Supérieure (Paris Sciences & Lettres University). Her research focuses on the intersection of behavioral ecology, genetics, and the evolution of coral reef fish. At BU, Zoé is investigating the genetic mechanisms behind the plasticity of larval dispersal in clownfish, working with the Buston and Davies labs. Outside the lab, she enjoys skiing, snorkeling, and eating good cheese.
KIAN THOMPSON (he/him)
AQUARIUM TECHNICIAN
Kian is a recent Boston University graduate with a BA in Marine Science and a minor in Japanese. He continues to pursue his interest in marine life through working in the Davies Lab, Buston Lab, and the BUMP Lab. He has always loved marine animals and visiting aquariums from a very young age, especially in Japan, and he had marine aquariums at home for a few years. He enjoys cooking, snorkeling in warm places, occasional fishing, and going on drives!
Aden Nagree (he/him)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER/TECHNICIAN
Aden, a sophomore marine science major, is from San Francisco and has been obsessed with all things marine since he can remember. His experiences open water swimming in California’s marine habitats and as marine lab steward at NatureBridge have made him eager to join the Davies lab. In particular he is excited to understand the far reaching effects that environmental stressors have on marine organisms. In his free time he enjoys running, exploring the city for good eats, and chilling with his cat.
Audrey Wong (she/her)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Audrey is currently a sophmore majoring in Marine Science. She is from northern California and has a twin sister who is also attending a university on the east coast. She has always loved animals, but fell in love with marine animals after a research project in fifth grade, regarding the Blue Ring Octopus and Flamboyant Cuttlefish. She hopes to learn more about the underlying mechanisms of marine organisms and how that impacts their response to environmental stressors. She is excited to be a part of the Davies Lab and hopes to gain more research experience. In her free time, she likes to cook, sew, and go on walks.
Emma Francoeur (she/her)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Emma is a junior majoring in Biology with a Specialization in Behavioral Biology and a minor in Earth and Environmental Science. She’s from Manchester, Massachusetts and her love for the ocean started at a very young age as she spent her childhood around the water. She fell in love with marine life, especially this past summer doing a program through the SEA Association where she sailed along the Hawaiian Islands and studied their coral reefs. She’s hoping to gain a better understanding of specific relationships between marine life and how their behaviors are influenced by these complex relationships. She’s incredibly excited to gain more experience by working for the Davies Lab. In her free time she loves playing the ukulele, piano, and drawing.
Kyle S. Toyama (he/him)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Kyle is currently a junior majoring in biology with a minor in marine science. He lived in northern California for over a decade before moving to Japan. As a child he frequently visited aquariums where he developed a fascination for life, especially marine organisms. He is very interested in how life began and is excited to learn about early symbiotic relationships through corals in the Davies Lab. In his free time, he likes to design architecture, hike, and sleep.
Anna Winter (she/her)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Anna is a freshman majoring in Marine Science. She is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama and fell in love with the ocean in middle school. Her trip to Belize when she was younger led her to develop a fascination with coral reefs and the symbiont relationships produced there. She was very eager to join a lab at BU to further understand the ocean and its complexities. She is incredibly excited to be a part of the Davies Lab. In her free time she loves to swim, cook, and exploring.
Ian VanDerhoef (He/Him)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Ian is a Junior studying Biology and a minor in visual arts. Growing up on the beaches of the Puget Sound in Washington, Ian has always been fascinated with the marine environment. His continued studies in Biology helped him realize how much he wants others to be able to experience the beauty and importance of the world’s waters. He is excited and thankful to work in the Davies Lab to gain more lab experience and help others with their research. He is interested specifically in how organisms are learning to react and adapt to the rapid changes in the environment. In his free time he enjoys drawing, spending time with friends, and exploring Boston.
Rayen Gandhi (He/Him)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
My name is Rayen Gandhi, and I am a sophomore studying an Economics major on the Pre-medical track, originally from London, UK. My passion for marine biology began during childhood visits to my ancestral roots along the coastlines of Kenya, where vibrant coral reefs flourish. These annual trips have not only allowed me to appreciate marine biodiversity but also made me aware of the threats posed by climate change through rapid declines in the size of reefs as years go on. Furthermore, my involvement with the Oceans Alive Charity, focused on coral restoration, has deepened my commitment to marine conservation, and I hope to learn more about how research like that of the Davies Lab can be used to counteract these threats and preserve our coral reefs. I am excited about the opportunity to reignite this passion and am grateful for the opportunity to carry out research under the guidance of the Davies lab. In my free time, I enjoy DJing, playing football, and photography.
James Schipfer(He/Him)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
James is a Junior studying Marine Science with a minor in Business Administration on the Pre-Veterinary track. Despite growing up in Kansas City, James has always had a fascination with the water and marine life. He is passionate about environmental conservation and animal science. Additionally, James has developed an interest in the intersection between science and business through his courses and extracurriculars. He is excited to be joining the Davies lab to further understand how corals respond to changing climate conditions and the implications global change has on oceanic health. In his free time, James enjoys swimming, snowboarding, spending time with friends, and trying new restaurants.
Chloe Costa (she/her)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Chloe is currently a junior majoring in marine science with a minor in biology. She has lived in Massachusetts her whole life. She has always had a deep fascination with the ocean and a passion for the environment. She is interested in the complex impacts of climate change on marine life, specifically with corals. She is super excited and thankful to be able to learn more about coral symbiosis and perform research in the Davies Lab. In her free time, she likes to draw, explore, and hang out with her pets.
Cora Skaggs (she/her)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Cora Skaggs is a sophomore from Kansas City, Missouri, and is currently studying Marine Science on the pre-veterinary pathway. Her love for the ocean came from getting her open water diving certification when she was 15 years old, while attending a marine science summer camp. Recently, she spent a semester studying abroad in the Galápagos Islands, gaining hands-on experience assisting with research projects across the islands. While there, she truly uncovered her passion for conservation of ecosystems and endangered species. Cora enjoys anything that relates to the outdoors, exploring new places, and good food! She’s excited to work in the Davies lab to help better understand how corals are responding to our quickly changing planet.
David Ibbett (he/him)
HONORARY MEMBER, MUSIC COMPOSER
Multiverse
WPI
David Ibbett, Ph.D. is a composer, educator and musical advocate for science. Based in Boston, he is a Professor at WPI and directs the Multiverse Concert Series, a project that combines music and science in live performance. His lifelong passion for science began with his father, Dr. Roger Ibbett, who is a research chemist in Nottingham, UK. David and Sarah have been collaborating on Reef Music events since 2018!
DR. CARSTEN GRUPSTRA (he/him)
EXTERNAL COLLABORATOR
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Carsten (Cas) received his PhD from Rice University after receiving his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. He was a Davies Lab postdoctoral researcher focused on determining how selection, plasticity, and dispersal shape coral success under pressure from global climate change. He is now an Assistant Professor at FAU. In his free time, Cas enjoys traveling, running and hiking with his dog, and sampling all kinds of foods and beverages.
DR. HANNAH AICHELMAN (she/her)
CORAL AND SCUBA SPECIALIST
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Hannah completed a B.S. in Environmental Science at UNC Chapel Hill, M.S. in Biology at Old Dominion University in the Barshis Lab, and PhD in the Davies Lab at BU. Her PhD work focused on understanding coral symbiosis under climate change stress across spatial and temporal scales, and utilized both genomic and phenomic tools. As a postdoc, Hannah was co-advised by Sarah Davies and Sean Mullen, and she continued working on coral cryptic diversity and used whole-genome resequencing data to understand adaptive color patterning in butterflies. She is now a Bioinformatics Analyst at the University of Rochester’s Genomics Research Center & Center for Translational Neuromedicine. When she’s not nerding out about science, Hannah enjoys traveling to find delicious food and new breweries.