ABS Student Leadership
Danial Nayeri
Student leader
RWFM
Advisor: Gerard Kyle
Danial Nayeri is a Ph.D. student in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Lab at Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management department under the direction of Dr. Gerard Kyle. His research will utilize principles and theories of conservation psychology to better understand human-wildlife relationships with an aim to promote coexistence.
Grace Ann Peters
Anthropology
Advisor: Sharon Gursky
Grace Ann Peters is a PhD student at Texas A&M University in the Department of Anthropology under the direction of Dr. Sharon Gursky. Her B.S. degree is from The Ohio State University in Anthropological Sciences with a minor in Zoology. Her M.S. degree is in Conservation Medicine from The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Most of her research experience is with non-human primates, ranging from working in a sanctuary to studying museum specimens to researching wild lemurs in Madagascar. Her research interests are in One Health and non-human primate conservation, hoping to focus on human and non-human primate interactions and disease transmission.
Pourya Sardari
RWFM
He is a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University. His is interdisciplinary, integrating multiple fields to support the conservation of endangered species. He applies principles of conservation psychology to explore human–wildlife interactions, with a particular focus on wildlife trade and consumption.
Jaelen (Jayy) M. Harris
ECCB
Advisor: Michelle Lawing
J.M. (Jayy) Harris is a second-year Ph.D. student in the ECCB program at Texas A&M University and a member of the Lawing Lab. Jayy’s dissertation focuses on the evolutionary dynamics between sensory morphology and neuroendocrinology within the genus Sceloporus. This integrative research investigates how these systems co-evolve and subsequently influence communication strategies and behavior. Jayy’s primary fields of interest include neuroethology, neurobiology, behavioral evolution, behavioral ecology, and the application of evolved biological strategies through biomimicry.
Fabrice Kentatchime
ECCB
Advisor: Katy Gonder
Fabrice Kentatchime, a Ph.D. candidate at Texas A&M University, is supervised by Dr. Mary Katherine Gonder and specializes in Ecology and Conservation Biology, with a focus on conservation genomics and wildlife forensics, particularly concerning wild chimpanzees in Cameroon. His dissertation employs non-invasive DNA samples to trace the origins of rescued chimpanzees in Cameroonian sanctuaries. Kentatchime holds an M.Sc. in Biological Sciences from Drexel University, where he served as a Teaching Fellow and contributed to Molecular Biology and Biochemistry courses. Before beginning his doctoral studies, he managed field research stations and led international study abroad programs at the Cameroon Biodiversity Protection Program. Kentatchime has received notable fellowships and awards, including the Drexel University Graduate Teaching Fellowship, and has published research in peer-reviewed journals on climate change vulnerability, habitat differentiation, and the dietary ecology of chimpanzees. Skilled in statistical analysis, bioinformatics, GIS, and fieldwork, he co-founded the Mbakaou Wildlife Education Center for educational outreach. Fluent in French and English, Kentatchime is dedicated to advancing ecological knowledge and conservation efforts.
Michael Bliss
EEB
Advisor: Katy Gonder
Website
Michael Bliss is a first-year PhD student and Merit Fellow in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Interdisciplinary Program, working under the advisement of Dr. Katy Gonder. As a conservation biologist, his focus is on protecting Earth’s biodiversity and natural habitats, particularly those most vulnerable—such as islands and insular systems like forest fragments. While not limited to a single taxon, his work often centers on primate-rich regions, using primates as flagship species to safeguard broader ecosystems.
Much of his research is based across the southeastern Madagascar rainforest escarpment, where he contributes to species assessments, the design of both short- and long-term conservation plans, and initiatives that strengthen community engagement and local capacity. These efforts are aimed at producing conservation strategies that are both effective and locally grounded.
By joining the Applied Biodiversity Science team, Michael looks forward to expanding his conservation expertise and collaborating with a diverse group of scholars. His goal is to help shape initiatives across the program, department, and university that lead to real, measurable conservation outcomes.
Meredith Anderson, DVM
EEB
Advisor: Hamer
Website
Otshabile Bahetoleng
ECCB
Advisor: Amanda Stronza
Website
Office Number: WFES 217
Skai Peterson
EEB
Advisor: Helms
Website
Amir Poudel
ECCB
Advisor: Amanda Stronza
Website
Alberth Rojas Carranza
ECCB
Advisor: Fitzgerald
Website
Breann Richey
EEB
Advisor: Lawing
Website
Nicole Stevens
EEB
Advisor: Fitzgerald
Website
Co-Directors
Program Coordinator
Kevin Njabo
Senior Research Scientist
Research focus: Influence of mosquito vectors on the evolution and ecology of avian malaria parasites, human-induced habitat alteration, epidemiological risk factors of COVID-19 in Africa, and conservation biology for more sustainable and equitable global development
Email • Website
Participating Faculty
DONALD BRIGHTSMITH
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Veterinary Pathobiology
Director, Tambopata Macaw Project
Research Focus: Comparative avian and mammalian immunology and the evolution of the immune system; Avian diseases; Avian phylogeny; role of infectious diseases in wild and endangered bird populations
Email • Website
MICHELLE LAWING
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Ecology and Conservation Biology Research Focus: Using methods and models from modern ecology and evolutionary biology, combined with evidence from the fossil record, to inform our understanding of how species and communities respond to environmental change through time
Email • Website
In Memoriam
Gary Varner Professor, Dept. of Philosophy
Research Focus: Theories of environmental ethics and animal welfare & animal rights, and their implications for conservation and wildlife management.
