Fall 2024 Lab Members:
Maria Pisciotta (’25). Maria is an Animal Behavior major who spent a field season on Middleton Island, AK in the summer of 2024 collecting data on black-legged kittiwakes and learning about different species of seabirds. She is working on her honors thesis about predictors of siblicide in kittiwakes. She loves to spend time outdoors, skiing and hiking, and also loves to cook.
Amelia (“Mia”) Ruck (’25). Mia is an Animal Behavior major with minors in Environmental Studies and Creative Writing who joined the lab in the Fall of 2024. She is unsure of her goals beyond graduation but is open to suggestions. Outside academics, Mia works at Bucknell’s rock wall and challenge course and volunteers as a Buckwild and Outdoor Education Leadership (OEL) Adventure Trip leader. Mia loves to spend as much time outdoors as possible; whether hiking, snowboarding, bouldering, wake surfing, fishing, or sailing, she loves it all.
Travis Stanitis (’26). Travis is a biology major and biochemistry minor at Bucknell University who joined Dr. Benowitz-Fredericks’ lab in the Fall of 2024. He hopes to attend medical school post undergraduate. In addition to research and academics, he’s on the Bucknell Mens Crew team and involved in Greek Life. He’s a beach lifeguard over the summer, and enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active.
Justley Sharp (’27). Justley is a Biology major at Bucknell University who joined the lab in Fall 2024. In addition to her academics, she is also on the track team at Bucknell where she throws shot put and discus. Outside of academics and athletics, she loves to read and bake.
Tyler McMasters (’27). Tyler joined the lab in Fall 2024 to get first hand experience into what scientific research looks like. Tyler is a Biology major who is currently undecided on post graduation plans. In his free time, he performs in Bucknell Theatre and Dance productions, and loves to travel.