EMILY KANE
Assistant Professor
Emily grew up in Maryland and pursued her BS at Long Island University in Marine Science. She then pursued a MS at Texas A&M University with Dr. Chris Marshall and a PhD at the University of California, Riverside with Dr. Tim Higham. She did postdoctoral work at Colorado State University with Dr. Cameron Ghalambor and was supported by a NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship. Outside of work, Emily likes photography, spending time outdoors (kayaking, hiking, etc.), and riding her motorcycle. Emily is female and a first-generation PhD/academic. Pronouns: she/her
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SHUBHAM YADAV
Graduate student, PhD
Shubham grew up in Mumbai, India, and pursued his BS in Zoology at the University of Mumbai. He then pursued his MS in Wildlife Conservation Action at Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education & Research. After his MS, he worked at the Bombay Natural History Society where he studied the taxonomy of gobies. His research interests include Taxonomy, Evolution, Conservation, Riverine and Marine Ecology. In his free time, he enjoys underwater photography, hiking, birding, and riding his motorbike.
Pronouns: He/him
GRACE CAVOUTI
Graduate student, PhD
STARTING FALL 2025!
JONATHAN CHAPMAN
Graduate student, MS
Jonathan received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where he earned a BA in Marine Science. After completing his degree, Jonathan worked a couple of summers for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and has also performed research at Friday Harbor Labs and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Jonathan’s research interests include Behavioral Ecology, Predator-Prey Interactions, and Coastal Ecology. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys traveling, snorkeling, bicycling, and exploring new places in and around Lafayette. Pronouns: He/him
ARPAN PAUL
Graduate student, MS
Arpan grew up in Kolkata, India, and traveled overseas to achieve his BS in Environmental Science from Manchester University in Indiana. After graduating he moved to Arkansas and joined Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a wildlife sanctuary for rescued exotic animals. After that, he joined Ozark Natural Science Center where he worked as a teacher, hiking guide, and camp counselor to various school groups and local communities. He is excited to join the Kane Lab, explore multiple research opportunities, and follow his passion in ecology, physiology, and biomechanics. In his free time, he enjoys driving, traveling, cooking and exploring different food and culture. "There's a lot of darkness in this world, and it's not possible to get rid of it all; what we can do is be that constant source of light against it – in the forms of literacy, education, and awareness and spread it across as much as possible for a better brighter future!"
KOURTLAND FUSILIER
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Kourtland is a participant in the Louis Stokes-Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) Program at UL Lafayette. He helped us design and test bivalve heart rate sensors for eventual use in the General Physiology course and is now working with sculpins.
EMALIE ABSHIRE
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Emalie is assisting with sculpin-related projects in the lab and is supported on a Louisiana Board of Regents grant.
MEREDITH GUIDROZ
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Meredith is a Biology major with a concentration in medical and allied health sciences, and plans to attend Medical School after college to pursue dermatology. She is a part of the honors program and Kappa Delta sorority, is very involved at Our Lady of Wisdom, and enjoys staying active. Meredith loves spending her afternoons in the Kane Lab, observing Sculpin behavior and taking care of feeding and cleaning the fish.
DOMINIC MUGUIRA
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Dominic Muguira is a Biology Major with a concentration in ecology. He aspires to attend grad school following his time in undergraduate and attain a PhD in Herpetology. He loves working with the various research animals in the Kane lab, and is so grateful to be in such a lovely and encouraging workplace! He is also involved at Our Lady of Wisdom, he cantors at St. Margaret Queen of Scotland, and, on breaks, is a part time electrical helper at Blanchard Construction Company. Dominic is also involved in outreach with Louisiana Amphibian and Reptile Enthusiasts and runs a small educational YouTube channel called Louisiana Herps. In his free time, Dominic is either fishing, herping, hiking, or indulging some other random artistic passion.
MACI LOQUE
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Maci is majoring in marine biology and wants to specialize in mollusks. She’s been interested in marine life since she was a child and loves to do research on various organisms. She wants to conduct her own research projects someday in the future and is eager to get as much experience as she can. In her free time, she loves to read and write on various topics. Pronouns: she/her
CLAUDIO PENA
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
TBD