Lab Members

Kirsty Ballard: Ph.D. Student, Fisheries, Wildilfe, and Conservation Sciences

Broadly, my research will investigate how behavioral and physiological mechanisms of a mesopredator, the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), effect reproductive success under thermally intensive environments. I’ll be using a combination of physiological biomarkers, ultrasonography and novel telemetry techniques to characterize maternal movements throughout gestation, investigate how temperature affects gestation, parturition, and habitat use, and investigate the consequences of reproductive behavior and maternal health on neonate survival (i.e., do thermally insensitive mothers produce fitter offspring?). In the face of a changing climate, knowledge of adaptive (or maladaptive) capabilities in blacktip reef sharks could provide imperative information to effectively manage and conserve reef-associated predators globally. 

Lauren Horstmyer: M.Sc. Student, Fisheries, Wildilfe, and Conservation Sciences

My research focuses on studying the interactions between sharks and fisheries, with an emphasis on assessing the post-release mortality of scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) incidentally caught by fishermen. By equipping sharks with satellite tags, we can gather data on their vertical and horizontal movement patterns, as well as assess any capture induced mortality. My research aims to contribute towards policy for both shark conservation and sustainable fishing practices.

Beckah Campbell: M.Sc. Student, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences (2025)

I am interested in studying the life history characteristics of elasmobranch species to better inform conservation and management efforts. Elasmobranchs are important to the health of our oceans. Understanding how life processes, such as reproduction, dietary habits, growth, and movement, intertwine is critical to conservation. I am interested in utilizing reproduction, trophic ecology, and movement to better understand how these different life processes affect individuals and populations of specifically the Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezi). Discernment of movement patterns and how they contribute to biological processes can provide insight into the ecology and population dynamics of this important species and aid in conservation by providing more knowledge on how this species interacts with its environment.

Marie Schlaf: B.Sc. Student, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences (2025)

My project aims to quantify Post-Release Mortality in Scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini) within pelagic-longline fisheries. In collaboration with a commercial tuna fishery, our team deployed 35 tags to determine the survival of Scalloped hammerheads after their release from a longline. The information gathered from this project will allow fishery managers to make informed decisions regarding policies that affect not only the hammerheads but also the fisheries around the bay.

Ellie Ekelund: B.Sc. Student, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences (2025)

I am a fourth-year Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences student with a specialization in Marine Ecology and Fisheries Conservation. As a whole, sharks are extremely misunderstood and under-studied animals. My project intends to examine the reproductive conditions of Dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus) and Sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus) in the eastern Mediterranean. By evaluating hormone concentrations, the data can be used to gain a better understanding of critical habitats such as nurseries or feeding grounds and aid managers in making informed decisions to protect these animals.

Taylor Bacon: B.Sc. Student, Biology (with a Marine Biology concentration) (2025)

I am a fourth year Biology student with a concentration in Marine Biology. Although I am not currently committed to a specific project in the Sulikowski Big Fish Lab, one thing I am interested in learning more about is shark reproduction habits and using our understanding to raise awareness to conserve shark populations and their habitats. Sharks are vital to understanding the health of the ocean ecosystem and are a species that without which the ocean would be subjected to large change. Unfortunately, they are heavily misunderstood. By working to understand their reproductive habits and the habitats they use, we can better conservation efforts and I am hopeful that a better message can be spread about these animals. 

Lucy Heine-Van Fossen: B.Sc. Student, Oceanography (2026)

As an undergraduate majoring in Oceanography with a minor in Fisheries and Wildlife, I enjoy the unique perspective my studies provide on shark research. This upcoming school year, I will embark on an undergraduate thesis under the guidance of Dr. Sulikowski. Although the specific topic has not yet been decided, I look forward to delving deeper into the intriguing world of shark reproduction. While I love being involved in various types of shark research, my primary interest lies in studying Sand Tiger Sharks (Carcharias taurus). Not only do they have a beautiful smile, but they also have a fascinating reproductive process called intrauterine cannibalism, which I find particularly intriguing.

Ava Ivy: B.Sc. Student, Biology (with Marine Biology concentration) (2026)

As an undergraduate assistant for the lab, I am incredibly passionate about shark biological and physiological research efforts as it relates to efforts in the field of Marine Biology. My interests in the field extend to conservation, aiming to protect shark populations and ensure their survival for future generations. This relates to the lab’s interests of studying reproductive behavior. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my research as a graduate student and expand my efforts in shark conservation. My goal is to develop innovative strategies to mitigate human impact on shark habitats and promote sustainable coexistence. 

Grace Emanuelson: B.Sc. Student, Biology (with Marine Biology concentration) (2027)

I am interested in researching elasmobranch physiology and understanding their evolutionary paths to help better identify possible conservation tactics, improve the public view of elasmobranchs, and provide a better understanding of how they function. Though I currently am not committed to a specific project but will soon be choosing my thesis topic, the Big Fish Lab will help me reach my research goals by helping me improve my understanding of the process of researching sharks. I am excited to be a part of this lab and I hope the information and experience I gain will help me in my goal to learn about and subsequently protect elasmobranchs.

Isabella Garvin: B.Sc. Student, Biology (with Marine Biology concentration) (2027)

I am an undergraduate lab assistant and my interests are in shark conservation and ensuring the future for sharks as we face changes in climate. Sharks are a critical part of the ocean ecosystem and offer a lot of insight into the health of the ocean. I’ve always been interested in shark reproduction as it is an integral part in securing a healthy ecosystem. Working at the lab has helped me better understand the steps I need to take in order to continue my goals working in shark research. I am very excited to be continue at the Big Fish Lab as the knowledge and skills I gain will help me to accomplish my goals in shark research.

Brooke Anderson: Environmental Life Science, Ph.D., 2024 

I am a Ph.D. student studying various aspects of porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) ecology. The porbeagle shark is overfished in the Northwest Atlantic and information on the species movement, reproduction, and interactions with fisheries will be critical to creating effective management of this vulnerable population. To help with research and management needs, I study the survival of porbeagle sharks that are captured and released as bycatch in rod-and-reel fisheries. I also use a combination of satellite tagging technologies, ultrasonography, and reproductive hormone analysis to understand how porbeagle shark habitat use and physiology varies with life stage and pregnancy. This information has important ramifications for establishing protected areas and/or capture avoidance strategies for important life stages such as pregnant females and juveniles. Overall, my research aims to improve the management and conservation of the porbeagle shark.

Kiki Kappos: B.Sc. Student, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences (2024)

My research project aims to determine if the concentrations of muscle steroid hormones (progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol) are related to size, maturity, or reproductive stage in shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus). We follow radioimmunoassay protocols to analyze frozen muscle tissue samples harvested with non-lethal methods, which have been made available with metadata by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). By evaluating the cyclical patterns of reproductive hormones, we will generate new insights into the relationship between hormone concentrations, sexual maturity, and reproductive stage in mako sharks. Such results can offer important information regarding their reproductive life history traits to conservation and management decisions. 

Stephanie Noel Cassel: Biological Data Science, M.S., 2021

I am a Master’s student interested in analyzing big data sets utilizing data science through statistical modeling. I am working on fish abundance data from the Gulf of Mexico in partnership with NOAA to assess populations pre and post-oil spills. I will also be looking at fish abundance data from local freshwater sites around Phoenix, AZ as a measure of population and ecosystem health. Overall, I hope to provide data and analysis that can lead to changes in conservation practices and policies to promote marine and freshwater conservation globally.

Sarika Sawant: Medical Studies, 2023

I am currently majoring Medical Studies and minoring in Dance. I am working on my honors thesis that establishes a correlation between dance and different ocean issues such as microplastics and animal extinction. I am interested in marine research and hope to pursue a career in the medical field.

Juliana Kaloczi: Conservation Biology and Ecology, 2023

I am a conservation biology and ecology major and I am very passionate about conservation efforts in the ocean. I plan to earn a Masters degree in conservation biology and work in the field of marine biology, specifically pertaining to sharks.

Bridget Krause: Conservation Biology and Ecology, 2023

I am a conservation biology and ecology major minoring in political science. I plan to dental school after graduation, but is working in our lab studying her other passion, conservation in wildlife.

Morgan Cleary: Conservation Biology and Photography, 2022

I am Junior double majoring in Conservation Biology and Photography and minoring in Sustainability. I plan on continuing my education to my PhD and focus on marine research, primarily with the shark species. I plan on using my knowledge in both photography and biology to help with conservation research.

Deion Sebion: Biology, 2023

I am currently a sophomore studying biology. I am expanding my knowledge in biology and looking forward to studying marine life. I love the outdoors along with all the wildlife and I am very excited to be working in the Sulikowski lab. After graduating, I plan on starting a career in marine biology.

Courtney Holden: Volunteer

I am a volunteer in the Sulikowski Lab. I have a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a Minor in Chemistry. Recently, I worked at OdySea Aquarium in the Animal Health Department in charge of running water quality and diagnostics as well as assisting with veterinary procedures. I plan to get my Masters in Biology with an emphasis on shark biology and conservation.

Linda Donaldson: Medical Studies

I am a non traditional (and mom) senior working towards my medical studies degree then I plan on continuing my education to obtain a PhD in research. This is my second semester volunteering in the Sulikowski lab aiding in extracting hormones from porbeagle shark muscles; using non-lethal techniques to better understand their reproductive biology.

Remie Loudy: Conservation Biology and Ecology

I am a nontraditional senior (and a mom) studying conservation biology and ecology with a specific interest in elasmobranch movement/population ecology and marine science. I am hoping to continue my education after graduation studying endangered species and learning how to increase participation in conservation as well protecting marine biodiversity.

Salomae Mulder