People

Dr. Marketa Zimova, Assistant Professor

My research program focuses on quantifying consequences of climate change for wild populations and understanding the potential for evolutionary change to facilitate adaptation to climate change-related stressors. My work integrates a broad range of tools and approaches including intensive field surveys, museum specimens, high-resolution climate and environmental data, and advanced statistical modeling. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the great outdoors with my husband and son.

CV, Google Scholar

Jenifer Mallinoff, MSc Student

Jen received a BS in Wildlife Ecology and Management and a BA in Spanish from the University of Maryland. Since graduating, she spent years in the field working with a diverse array of wildlife species. More recently, Jen has become a wildland firefighter and participates in controlled burns in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is currently pursuing an MS at Appalachian State University investigating the distribution of mammals in Southern Appalachia and how climate change may impact these communities in the future. When she’s not out working in the woods, Jen enjoys trail running, rock climbing, and playing in the mountains.

Jeremy Fuller, MSc Student

After completing his BS in Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Biology at North Carolina State University, Jeremy has worked with a range of species including giant salamanders, upland game birds, desert tortoises, and owls. He is currently working towards his MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Ohio University styudying snowshoe hares and seasonal camouflage mismatch in the Northeastern US. When off the clock, he can be found backpacking the great outdoors, reading, or playing basketball in the gym.

Chase Hetrick, Undergraduate Student

Chase is broadly interested in the adaptations that species develop to withstand climate change. Chase is pursuing a degree in biological sciences from Ohio University and plans to continue his education after graduating. He is currently studying the molt phenology of weasel populations along the east coast of the United States. When he has free time, he enjoys hiking, gardening, and playing music with his band. 

This Could Be You, Graduate Student

I’m always interested in hearing from prospective PhD and MS students. The ideal candidate has previous research experience and demonstrated writing ability. If you think you are interested in joining our research lab, please send me an email detailing you research interests, why you want to join our lab, your CV and unofficial transcripts. More information about the OU graduate program can be found on the departmental website and information about scholarships on the Graduate school website.

This Could Be You, Undergraduate Student

Undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience with us should get in touch. Please email me a brief description of your research interests, why you want to join our lab, and your CV. There are multiple ways students can become involved with our research, but commonly start as volunteers. After demonstrating good work ethic, motivated students might be invited to register for research credit or honor’s thesis.

Former Lab Members

Amber R. Parker, Undergraduate Student

Amber has a keen interest in wildlife conservation, specifically in understanding how the effects of climate change affect diversity across North America. Current projects Amber is involved with include organizing the vertebrate collections at App and analyzing camera trap data from multiple projects in western NC. She is currently pursuing a BS in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology and has an internship for the Conservation Aquaculture Center in Marion, NC.

Josh Smith, Undergraduate Student

Josh is interested in mammal population distributions and how they change over time. He is pursuing a BS in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, a minor in Geography, and working towards a GIS certificate at App. When he graduates, he would like to work for an environmental consulting company or a GIS firm leading field surveys and making maps. When he’s not setting up remote camera traps, he enjoys learning Spanish, doing flips, rollerblading, and little side projects like building roller skis.

Tyler Cummings, Undergraduate Student

Tyler is studying how human-induced climate change impacts the biodiversity of the southeastern United States. She is currently working with museum specimens at the App State’s vertebrate collections to understand recent morphological changes in small mammals. She is pursuing a BS in Environmental Science, with a certificate in GIS. Her non-academic interests include hiking, camping and outdoor volunteer work. 


Undergraduate Researchers and Volunteers

2023-2024 (OU)

  • Arianna Ault

  • Abigal Besselman

  • Brenna Chaya

  • Sydney Gardner

  • Tanner Hammond

  • Maria Henderson

  • Chase Hetrick

  • Rebecca Kaminski

  • Makayla Lipps

  • Mikayla Timbrook

  • Jillian Zeigler

2022-2023 (ASU)

  • Lanna Bruce

  • Morgan Craig

  • Tyler Cummings

  • Lilli Herring

  • Carson Scott

  • Chloe Sieg

  • Josh Smith

  • Paige Spencer

  • Jenna Tullis

2021-2022 (ASU)

  • Maddy Babb

  • Tyler Cummings

  • Amelia Gallina

  • Stuart Hemmer-Skidmore

  • Adrianna Nelson

  • Amber Parker

  • Rosie Ronca

  • Josh Smith

  • Elyssa Winterton

  • Ashley Zimmerman