Dusty Prater he/him (PhD student)

Born and raised in Notchy Creek, Tennessee, my love for the natural world and all life forms was instilled in me from a young age. That love has led me to study biology at Roane State Community College and then Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville as an undergraduate, finishing in Spring 2023. During that time, I became fascinated by plants—specifically ferns—and their dispersal mechanisms. This fascination has led me to pursue a masters degree in the BotanEE lab studying the evolution and ecophysiology of the Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) across it's latitudinal range in North America. When I am not studying ferns, you can find me tutoring students, hanging out with friends, reading a good novel, or volunteering with local nonprofits. 

Email: dprater6@vols.utk.edu  Website link

Cassie Edmonds she/her (Masters student)

Growing up surrounded by the alligators, pines, and mangroves of North Florida, I learned how much I loved seeing patterns in the way organisms specialize for their environment and the constraints that their development puts on that specialization. Plants provide a beautiful and often underappreciated model to study these phenomena. I hope to use plants to answer questions about the internal and external pressures that create these patterns through my research. Outside of research, I enjoy fiber arts, going on hikes, and learning new languages. You’re most likely to find me reading or crocheting in a coffee shop downtown or spending a day in the smokies.

Email: dedmon11@vols.utk.edu 

Justyn Koenig he/him (Research Associate and Laboratory Manager)

I have been hooked on plants since I was a child. My love and curiosity of the botanical world led me to getting my B.S. in Plant Sciences and Biological Sciences from the University of Rhode Island. My interest in pteridophyte ecology and evolution was sparked during that time and ultimately led to me joining the BotanEE lab. When I am not in the lab you can find me outside looking for ferns and lycophytes, hunting for fossils, or reading about the prairie. 

Email: jkoenig6@utk.edu 

Aiyana Renee Hamlin (Renee) she/her (Undergraduate research intern Ecology & Evolutionary Biology / Russian Studies) 

I’ve always been a curious person and the natural world provides an endless amount of things to question. Growing up in Columbia, Tennessee with a grandmother who loves to garden, I’ve always had an interest in plants. That interest grew as I did and ultimately influenced my decision to study Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I am endlessly fascinated by plants (and fungi!). When I am not studying, you can find me crocheting, reading, or planning meetings for the Bee Enthusiasts Club. 

Blake Califf he/him (Undergraduate research intern Ecology & Evolutionary Biology) 

Since a young age, I have been fascinated by the natural world. I enjoy studying biology because it proves there is always an answer to questions regarding our planet. I plan to take what I learn as a member of the BotanEE lab and apply it when I eventually pursue a postgraduate degree. When I am not in the lab or out doing fieldwork, I am on the soccer pitch, exploring the city of Knoxville, or cheering on my fellow Vols at sporting events.

Faith Kestner she/her (Undergraduate research intern Ecology & Evolutionary Biology) 

Nature has always been a big part of my life growing up in Southern Appalachia. I have always loved to hike, kayak, camp, garden, and forage. I spend almost every moment I can outdoors. Nature is an endless source of curiosity for me. I have always been partial to plants and fungi. I am particularly interested in the application of mathematics in ecology and conservation. In the future I am hoping to pursue a PhD in EEB here at the university of Tennessee.