Celebrating Excellence: Kirby Wilcox and Lainey Kirshberger Inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society

We’re delighted to share that two undergraduate members of the Castilla Lab, Kirby Wilcox and Lainey Kirshberger, have been inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society! This prestigious recognition highlights their exceptional academic achievement, dedication, and passion for learning — qualities that shine through in their research and daily contributions to our lab.​

The Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society honors students who exemplify excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Membership in this distinguished national organization is awarded to those who consistently demonstrate integrity, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to both personal and professional growth.

Kirby Wilcox is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Honors Degree, American Sign Language Minor, and Pre-Medical Professional Concentration. Kirby contributes to our USGS-funded project that integrates remote sensing and environmental DNA to enhance early detection of aquatic invasive plant species in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. His enthusiasm for research and thoughtful approach to scientific challenges make him an invaluable member of our team.
Lainey Kirshberger, majoring in Zoology, Plant Biology, and Biology with an Environmental Biology concentration, has been involved in multiple Castilla Lab projects. She first collaborated with former student Lana Daniels on the analysis of genetic admixture within populations of the endangered oak Quercus welshii. Currently, she is completing her Honors thesis as part of our International Oak Society–funded project, which examines epigenetic variation in the critically endangered Quercus hinckleyi. Lainey’s curiosity, initiative, and commitment to conservation embody both the mission of our lab and the values celebrated by the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.
 
Reflections from Kirby and Lainey: What does this recognition mean to you?
This recognition means a great deal to me because it reflects countless hours of hard work, collaboration, and overall curiosity that have shaped my undergraduate experience. I’ve always been driven by a love for science and discovery, and being inducted into Phi Beta Kappa is inspiring. It reminds me how far I have come and how much more there is to explore as I continue my journey toward a career in dentistry. - Kirby
Receiving this recognition is super validating of all the hard work I’ve put into making sure my undergraduate studies prepare me for success in the future. Phi Beta Kappa’s mission to support lifelong learning is something I hope to embody, both by continuing my own education and by passing it on to others through outreach and engagement in my conservation career. - Lainey

We are incredibly proud of Kirby and Lainey for this well-deserved honor. Their accomplishments reflect the dedication, creativity, and scientific curiosity that define our lab community. Congratulations to both on this outstanding achievement!