Principal Investigator
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Antonio R. CastillaDr. Antonio R. Castilla has served as an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution at Oklahoma State University since 2023. His research spans plant ecology, molecular ecology, and evolutionary biology. Dr. Castilla's program focuses on (i) understanding how past climate changes and landscape heterogeneity shape the genetic structure of plant populations, and (ii) assessing the evolutionary capacity of these populations to adapt to future environmental changes. Learn more about him in his OSU CAS Faculty Spotlight profile
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Graduate students
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Ryan SilverRyan is a PhD student studying local adaptive genetic variation in shinnery oak (Quercus havardii) along an environmental gradient. His research combines genomics, fieldwork, experimental studies, and modeling. Ryan aspires to continue his research career and leads his research lab. He spends his free time reading, writing music, and doing film photography.
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Claire HenleyClaire is a PhD student working on our USGS-funded project that combines environmental DNA and remote sensing to improve the early detection of aquatic invasive plants in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. She collaborates closely with USGS scientists and teams at OSU and the University of Montana to create more effective ways to detect and track these species before they spread. Outside of research, Claire enjoys hiking with her dog, relaxing with her two cats, baking, and embroidering—often sharing her creations with friends and family. Her long-term goal is to work at a university while partnering with government agencies to share knowledge and develop tools that help protect our ecosystems. She also dreams of one day hiking the entire Appalachian Trail.
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Undergraduate students
Lainey Kirshberger
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Lainey is conducting genomic analyses to investigate potential hybridization between Quercus welshii and several other oak species, including Q. gambelii and Q. turbinella. She aspires to a career in conservation, where she hopes to educate the public about the history and sustainable use of natural resources. In her free time, she enjoys rowing, reading, and photography.
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Jorin Stockebrand
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Jorin is a Plant Biology major with a deep fascination for plants, especially microscopic structures and their role in species identification. His research project focuses on leaf trichomes in different oak species of the Quercus x undulata complex, exploring their potential for distinguishing species and hybrids. When he is not in the lab, he loves spending time outdoors with his wife, hiking whenever he gets the chance. At home, he is all about good music and being a proud cat dad.
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Kirby Wilcox
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Kirby is pursuing bachelor's degrees in Biochemistry and Microbiology, with a minor in American Sign Language. He plans to become a dentist and has a strong interest in data-driven research. Kirby is conducting data analysis to optimize plant biodiversity monitoring, focusing on improving sampling methods for environmental DNA. Outside of research, he enjoys exploring nature, especially aquatic environments, and is actively involved in volunteering and leadership roles.
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Rosie Scott
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Rosie is currently pursuing degrees in Pre-Veterinary Zoology and Pre-Med Biology. Her long term goal is to become a zoom or wildlife veterinarian specializing in zoonotic disease research. She also has a strong interest in history and media analysis, particularly in how conservation and wildlife management are represented across cultures through mythology. In our lab, Rosie is learning image analysis techniques to characterize variation leaf morphology of shinnery oak.
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Former students
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Isabelle Hudson
Lana Daniels
Gemini Hoffman
Cade Seabolt |