Liam Gutierrez (he/him)
Undergraduate Project Management Assistant Honors Thesis Student
Hello, I’m Liam! I’m an undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology as well as Physical Geography. My interest in these fields began as a kid watching Animal Planet, evolving into a deep fascination with animal behavior, decision-making, and the ecological impacts of those choices. I’m particularly curious about how the environment shapes behaviors and the intricate connections within these ecosystems.
Coming from Mexico City, I have witnessed firsthand the environmental challenges our ecosystems face, such as urban pollution and habitat loss, and throughout my studies, there has been a lot of hopelessness surrounding the recovery and protection of these ecosystems. I hope to contribute my research to satisfy my curiosity and advocate for sustainable practices.
When I’m not studying or researching, you can find me outdoors—climbing rocks, running, or playing music. I look forward to continuing my journey in science and exploring the many ways we can better understand and protect our natural world.
Nicholas Montagu (he/him)
Undergraduate Project Management Assistant
Hello, I’m Nicholas. I am an undergraduate at CU Boulder, studying Evolutionary Biology and Ecology. I am interested in the development of animals, how they evolve with their environment, and how they may change in the future. I started my college career studying Computer Science at CU for 2 years. During that time, I would consume information about the evolution of modern life and speculative evolution while working on my CS degree. This eventually led me to realize that I could take what I had already learned in CS and apply that to my hobby to help predict the future of life in a rapidly changing climate. By working with the Gil lab, I get to work on this idea through ecosystem mapping to create predictive models of how fish behaviors will change. This helps to illustrate how a changing world will impact the health of reef ecosystems and the behavior of the fish that live in them.
Gabriel Zinser (he/him)
Undergraduate Project Management Assistant
Hello, I’m Gabe, an undergraduate student at CU in the Gil Lab! I’m majoring in molecular biology in addition to studying computational biology. I value doing research across disciplines as it provides a nuanced understanding of the sciences and gives me a unique perspective. I enjoy the quantitive aspects of research and the ways in which technology aids our understanding of the natural world. The water has always been an important part of my life. I grew up competitively swimming, diving, and playing water polo. In the summers I float around in lakes and walk up and down west coast tide pools. Because of this, researching marine life appealed to me and I am so glad I found the Gil lab. My research interests are broad and I love the way in which different academic areas interact with each other.
Madison McKee (she/her)
Undergraduate Project Management Assistant
Hi I’m Maddie! I am an undergraduate student at CU, studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Despite having lived in Colorado my entire life, with limited exposure to marine life, I have developed a broad interest in marine organisms and the interactions they have within their ever-changing environments. My unique path in science has been driven by a passion for understanding these intricate relationships and the dynamics of ecosystems. My fascination with marine life, combined with my background in data interpretation through various programs, and my enjoyment in uncovering patterns in ecological interactions, have fueled by desire to join this lab. I am excited to continue working with the Gil Lab because it provides a perfect starting opportunity to deepen my understanding and contribute to meaningful research in the field.
Katherine Urban (she/her)
Undergraduate Project Management Assistant
Hi my name is Katherine! I am an undergraduate student at University of Colorado, Boulder pursuing a double major in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies. I am originally from Philadelphia, PA and love to snowboard, bake, and hike in my freetime. I am interested in all things environmental, but specifically marine biology & conservation, environmental justice and sustainability, anthropogenic effects on ecosystems, and terrestrial mammal conservation. My passion for science has been a lifelong one fueled by my need to understand the complexities of nature, but I originally came to CU to study Environmental Engineering but ended up changing my major and joining my current programs “late”. However, since getting more involved in the EBIO program, I have been able to direct that passion to focus my studies on marine conservation. I am so excited to join the Gil Lab & collaborate with other curious individuals on projects and gain a better understanding of specific data collection processes!
Naomi Pearlman (she/her)
Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student
Hello, I’m Naomi! I am an undergraduate student at the University of Colorado, Boulder studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Media Production. Growing up on the East Coast has led me to fall in love with marine biology at such a young age, and I was thrilled to be able to study the ocean in a land locked state through the Gil Lab. I am most interested in how humans are impacting coral reef communities, and have been involved in several projects through the lab. I am currently pursing an undergraduate honors thesis studying social cues and information cascades within garden eels communities. I hope to continue on my education after I graduate, looking at how artificial light is impacting coral reefs and other marine organisms. In my free time I enjoy underwater photography, snowboarding, and filmmaking!
Evelyn Esparza (she/her)
Previous Undergraduate Student, Volunteer
B.A. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, CU Boulder ’23
Hi, I’m Evelyn! During my time at CU Boulder, I found my passion for research in animal behavior and ecology. I have been fortunate to join amazing labs that have granted me the opportunity to study marine ecosystems. These opportunities have included: performing necropsies to study parasitology, conducting fieldwork in Curaçao to study territoriality, and now, working within the Gil Lab to contribute to research in behavioral analysis. I am excited to continue my journey by focusing on the impacts changing environments (from pollution, climate change, etc.) have on social behaviors within marine species. I hope to pursue a master’s in marine ecology in the future. Living in Colorado means that when I’m not working, I am taking advantage of the beautiful outdoors with hikes and runs. I also love to create through fiber arts and read as many books as humanly possible.
Madeline Mancini (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hi I’m Maddie! I am a current undergrad at CU with a double major in Sociology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Creative Technology and Design. I am so lucky and grateful to be a part of the Gil Lab here, and I love combining ecology and sociology to study not only how ecosystems change, but how those changes impact communities. When I am not studying, I love playing lacrosse, hiking, trail running, and being with friends.
Kim Macdonald (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, I’m Kim, an undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Environmental Studies and Psychology, with a minor in Geology! As a member of the lab’s Collective Behavior team, I am fascinated by the way animal behavior can influence species interactions and drive shifts in ecosystem structure. My love for marine science began at a young age when I first encountered horseshoe crabs–remarkable animals that sparked my curiosity and fueled my desire to explore the fascinating creatures of the ocean! Growing up in San Antonio, I had limited exposure to the ocean, so I’ve always made it my goal to find work near the water during the summers. My previous experiences in marine science include working in sea turtle research and rehabilitation in Costa Rica and North Carolina, as well as conducting surveys that monitor eelgrass biodiversity, horseshoe crab spawning, and the prevalence of marine invasive species around Massachusetts. Outside of work, I spend my time traveling, hiking, enjoying live music, and appreciating the great outdoors with friends! I am honored to be part of a team that rethinks the boundaries of studying marine ecosystems, making an impact through innovative research while advancing quantitative behavioral ecology and conservation!
Jayden Miller (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, I’m Jayden. I am an undergraduate at CU Boulder majoring in Environmental Studies and Ecological and Evolutionary Biology. I am from Lakewood, Colorado, where I have enjoyed hobbies such as running, hiking, reading, and skiing. But I have also been passionate about marine biology for as long as I can remember. To pursue these interests, I have volunteered at the Denver Aquarium and interned with the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies to help with research on bottlenose dolphins in the Mississippi Sound. My primary interests are in shark research and conservation but I have discovered a fascination in behavioral ecology as well. In the future, I hope to contribute to research exploring the roles of key marine species in shaping marine ecosystems and how these species are responding to climate change.
Zach Gillings (he/him)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Zach! I am an undergraduate student at CU Boulder studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I was born in Toronto, Canada but have lived in Colorado for most of my life. I have always loved the outdoors and enjoy fishing, skiing, and climbing when I have the time. This, combined with a passion for science led me to pursue biology. After having the opportunity to dive on reefs, I discovered a specific interest in marine biology. My goal for the future is to make a meaningful contribution to knowledge in the field that can be used to inform conservation
efforts and policy to protect valuable marine ecosystems. I have done some individual research on contaminants and stream health, but the Gil Lab is the first real lab I have worked with. Fish
behavior is very interesting to me, and I am excited to contribute to the lab’s research efforts!
Jenna Stapp (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, I’m Jenna! I am an undergraduate student at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I am originally from Littleton, Colorado. I am striving for a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a minor in Journalism. I love to backpack, ski, read, mountain bike, and hike whenever possible. Ever since I was little, I aspired to study wildlife. I analyzed animal tracks on my first camping trip when I was six, and I have since continued to instill my passion for biology. My dream career is to work as a photographer and researcher for National Geographic. I am the only female in my family to pursue a major in biology, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to work with others who feel the same adoration to study marine biology in the Gil Lab.
Brevan Bunch (he/him)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Brevan! I am a CU Boulder student studying double majors in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Cinema Studies. I was lucky enough to travel a lot when I was young, but most recently I lived in North Carolina before coming to Boulder. Zoology, ecology, and animal behavior are all subjects I love to learn more about, and working with the Gil Lab I’ve been able to do just that. I’m deeply committed to my academics, but I also try to squeeze in a hike, bike ride, or some pickleball whenever I can. Whether through research or visual arts (or both), I am excited to see where my passion for science and art takes me in the future.
Kaylen Swindle (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, my name is Kaylen Swindle! I am an undergraduate student at CU Boulder pursuing a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a minor in Sociology. I have known I wanted to pursue animal research since I was a kid, and I am so grateful I get to make that dream come true. My main focus is in animal behavior, specifically with tropical organisms. I want to attend grad school after graduation and continue pursuing research in the field. I am very thankful for the Gil Lab for providing these opportunities!
Rylee Robinson (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Rylee! I’m an undergraduate student studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a research assistant in the Gil Lab, where I work on the behavioral ecology of coral reef fishes. My favorite marine animal is the Southern Resident Killer Whale, and my long-term goal is to become a joint professor–researcher in marine biology. I’m deeply passionate about science communication and about advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within scientific spaces. I strongly believe that clear, inclusive communication leads to stronger science, and sharing my passion for these issues is something I truly value. Outside of the Gil Lab, you’ll find me trying (and often failing) to keep up with my dog on the trails, backcountry skiing, or planning my next dive trip. Above all, I strive to be a lifelong student; always learning from people who are passionate about using research, like the work we do in the Gil Lab, to make the world a better place.
Chloe Lewis (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hey, I’m Chloe and I’m super grateful to be a part of the Gil Lab! I’m an undergraduate at the University of Colorado Boulder double majoring in Environmental Studies and Economics with a minor in Political Science. I grew up in the Catskills in New York where I was constantly surrounded by nature and people who were concerned about the future of the environment. This sparked my interest in environmental conservation, but it wasn’t until high school when my interest for marine conservation started to grow. As a kid I was terrified of the ocean, but I was still always mesmerized by marine animals of all kinds. A few years ago I got my PADI scuba certification and have increasingly become interested in pursuing a career within the realm of marine spatial planning. In order to reach that goal, I plan on pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree after completing my undergraduate studies. But aside from academics, I enjoy weightlifting, skiing, scuba diving, hiking, reading, cooking, and so much more.
Nick Wehmeyer (he/him)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Nick! I am a second year undergraduate student at CU Boulder pursuing a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a minor in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science. I have been passionate about climate action and environmental protection from a young age, which eventually inspired me to pursue a career in science. I am excited to be part of the Gil Lab because I get to help advance research that will guide decisions about restoration in tropical reef ecosystems. When not working on school, I enjoy snowboarding, mountain biking, slacklining, and hiking.
Jack Lacopo (he/him)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Jack! I am an undergraduate student at CU with a major in Environmental Studies and minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I was born close to New Orleans, Louisiana but mostly grew up around Boulder County, where I still enjoy doing pretty much anything outdoors. I am particularly fascinated with apex predator species, their niches and roles within ecosystems, and how they are perceived through the public eye. In 2025, I had the opportunity to intern with a non-profit organization focused on terrestrial invasive predator eradication on an island off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand, and I hope my time and experience with the Gil Lab will help lead towards my dream of working with marine macropredators in the future. I am thrilled to be able to contribute towards coral reef restoration research and gain experience in gathering data this semester!
Mars Ray (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hi- My name is Mars!
I am an undergrad at CU Boulder and a new research assistant in the Gil Lab. I have been an animal advocate my entire life. I value equality & equity for all beings on Earth. I have and always will stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themself. I have a passion for the musical arts & natural sciences. I love to share & receive knowledge, learning about the world around me every day, including learning about all different perspectives on life. I will be reading, playing games, journaling or creating art in my free time! I also enjoy traveling, hiking, camping and exploring nature. The world of scientific research has forever been a realm of inspiration for me and I am so excited to be contributing to this world through the lens of science and learning from my amazing mentors & peers.
Aidan Jiang (he/him)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Aidan! I’m an undergraduate student at CU pursuing a major in Computer Science and a minor in Computational Biology. Living in Colorado my whole life, I’ve grown a great appreciation for forest/plains wildlife. I’m excited to expand my knowledge to the marine field through the Gil Lab! When I’m not doing schoolwork, I love trail running, mountaineering, climbing, backpacking, snowboarding, and all things outdoors. I’m honored to be part of such a large community that makes a real world impact through their ecological research!
Kiersten Braley (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Majoring in Environmental Studies with minors in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Business at CU Boulder, I am thrilled to be a part of the Gil Labs team to use my knowledge for such interesting and impactful work. Being an army brat, I’ve been fortunate to live in different environments and climates. Waterways, specifically marine systems, have been my favorite. I love the water and the secrets it holds! After I finish my undergraduate degree, I plan on working immediately on my graduate degree. My goal is to work for the EPA or a nonprofit to fix the damages done to waterways, marine ecosystems, or coral reefs. When I’m not tracking fish, you’ll find my reading, at the gym, creating, or being outside.
Ivy Vicory (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Ivy! I am an undergraduate at CU Boulder studying Integrative Physiology with minors in Biochemistry and Space. Having lived in Colorado my whole life, I grew up with little exposure to marine life. I was drawn to the Gil Lab because it was a transformative opportunity to apply myself to a completely different environment. I am deeply interested in environmental conservation and this lab highlights the impacts humans have on marine life. I am eager to explore more ecological niches and contribute to our understanding of how we can better live harmoniously with Earth’s diverse habitats.
Ben Scherr (he/him)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, I’m Ben! I am an undergraduate at the University of Colorado Boulder majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology as well as Environmental Studies. I am originally from Potomac, Maryland, and growing up near the Chesapeake Bay played a major role in shaping my love for marine life and the communities connected to it. Being surrounded by water from a young age inspired me to explore both the scientific and policy sides of marine work. I worked for a few years at the National Aquarium, studied for a summer in Acadia National Park, and worked in coral reef conservation as a research scuba diver in Quepos, Costa Rica. While there, I also worked at a dive shop as a divemaster, combining marine science with education and outreach. I am especially grateful to the Gil Lab for the opportunity to meet like-minded people and continue studying the subjects I am passionate about! My primary interests are marine conservation and behavioral science, and I hope to contribute to research and policies that promote sustainable relationships between people and ocean ecosystems.
Chloe Curtin (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Chloe! I am an undergraduate student at CU, and am studying Ecology and Evolutionary biology. I have been fascinated by the ocean and its organisms, especially coral, since 7th grade when I went on a trip to Key West, Florida for marine biology. I am so excited to be part of the Gil Lab, and pursue new critical knowledge about the world and the oceans through lab research. I am currently working on the effect of butterflyfish foraging and disease outbreak! Outside of school, I love to play tennis, hike, spend time with friends and family, play the flute, and listen to music.
Connor Cook (he/him)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Connor! I’m an undergraduate student at CU Boulder studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Media Studies with a minor in Creative Technology and Design. I’m super interested in animal behavior, especially the interactions between humans and animals, and I’m currently spending more time with the sociological side of things in considering how cultural attitudes about both domestic and wild animals have evolved over time. I grew up in Santa Monica, California and have been pulling in kelp from the tide and investigating the organisms living in their holdfasts since I was in elementary school! I’m really excited to be diving (pun intended) back into studying marine life at the Gil Lab, and I hope to learn a lot about both reef systems and the practical sides of scientific research.
Heather Engelhardt (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hi! I’m Heather, and I’m a double major at CU in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Anthropology. I am from New Orleans, Louisiana, where I’ve had a multitude of jobs ranging from working at a bakery all the way to teaching sailing to kids. Some of my hobbies include running, cooking, skiing, and climbing, so I am grateful to be in an environment where these activities are so popular. I have always been drawn to tropical ecology after my family, and I traveled to a few different Caribbean islands and scuba dived and snorkeled above coral reefs. These memories will always be so special to me, so I am excited to see what can be done to help aid these beautiful ecosystems and keep them healthy!
Spade Dieter-Shambaris (she/they)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, I’m Spade! I’m an undergraduate student at CU Boulder studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I’ve found animals interesting since I was a kid. In the future, I hope to have a career working with animals in some way. I’m very excited to work with the Gil Lab and learn more about fish behavior and marine biology, and get the experience to work in a research lab. Outside of work and school I like reading, playing video games, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family and occasionally volunteering at the Museum of Nature and Science.
Ella Thomas (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, I’m Ella! I am an undergraduate student at CU Boulder majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and minoring in Molecular and Cellular Developmental Biology and Women Gender and Sexuality Studies. I am from Lakewood, Colorado where I received my advanced diving certification. I have been fortunate enough to be able to explore underwater which drove my passion for marine biology and conservation. I am particularly interested in coral reef resilience in the face of climate change, hence my excitement on being a part of the Gil lab! I am extremely grateful for this opportunity as I hope to attend graduate school and work on tropical ecosystems in my future. Outside of the lab you can find me teaching country swing dance, scuba diving, reading, painting, crafting and being overall artistic.
Arianna Gomez (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, I’m Ari! I am an undergraduate student at the University of Colorado, Boulder where I am studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I was born in Worcester, Massachusetts but have lived in Littleton, Colorado for most of my life. I have always been very passionate about animals and our environment, but it wasn’t until after the COVID lockdown that I decided to pursue a career in research and animal husbandry. Interning at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver has only furthered my resolve to involve myself as much as possible in the betterment of our world and all it’s inhabitants. My main focus is in animal behavior and I want to learn more about how they are adapting to climate change. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, spending time with my cats, volunteering at the aquarium, and music. I played the mellophone in our Golden Buffalo Marching Band in the spring and continue to play in our CU Basketball Band. I am so excited and grateful to be able to learn and grow at the Gil Lab!
Olivia Lopez (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Olivia! I am an undergraduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder currently majoring in Ecology and Environmental Biology, minoring in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. I grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland, and spent a lot of time along the East Coast, where I was frequently exposed to marine life and coastal environments. This helped grow my love for Marine Biology at a young age and I’ve since had numerous opportunities to snorkel all along the Caribbean as well as the Florida Keys. I’m so excited to be a part of the Gil Lab to help with research on coral reef restoration. I am most interested in the impacts of climate change and how we can restore these marine ecosystems. When not in school, I serve on the executive board of my sorority and enjoy hobbies such as backpacking, skiing/snowboarding, and running.
Megan Semple (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Megan! I am studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology here at Boulder and am on the pre-vet track. Animal behavior has always fascinated me. Because of this interest, I have gained experience working with organizations like the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust and SANCCOB, where I assisted with animal husbandry, veterinary care, and research. Within LWT, I worked in areas such as troop integration and behavioral research on yellow baboons and vervet monkeys. Additionally, at SANCCOB, I assisted with veterinary care for seabirds. However, these organizations primarily worked with land animals, and my passion for scuba diving and marine conservation led me to join the Gil lab. Through this lab, I get to study fish and eel behavior, which not only aligns with my interests, but has also been incredibly interesting. Researching animal cognition is also a deep interest of mine, and I have been able to work more in this area by studying collective behavior in the Gil lab.
Ryan Lingertat (he/him)
Undergraduate Student
Hi, I’m Ryan! I’m an undergrad at CU with a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a minor in Geology. I’m originally from Chicago and spent my time growing up spotting birds in local parks. I got to do a study abroad program studying tropical marine ecology in Turks and Caicos and I became obsessed with it. I was able to scuba dive and swim in the reef, and I’m so glad to continue to learn about that ecosystem and contribute to research on it. Aside from that, I love hiking, snowboarding, live music, and going to nuggets games.
Jayla Cataldi (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, I’m Jayla, an undergrad at CU majoring in environmental studies with a minor in theater. I’m originally from Fortuna, California, which is where my love of marine life was born. Growing up my family would go to the beach, go crabbing, visit fish hatcheries and hike. I also have a love for the arts, costume design, and performing leading to why I minor in theater.
Rebecca Wallace (she/her)
Undergraduate Student
Hello! I am Rebecca, an undergraduate dual majoring in EBIO and Computational Mathematics. I am a research assistant in the Gil lab working with computer vision and an agent based model. My main passion is the intersection between mathematics and the natural world; the process of quantifying seemingly random behavior is fascinating to me. I am also generally excited by animal behavior and conservation. When I am not working in the lab or taking classes, I love card games, hanging out with animals, volunteering and reading.
Rowan Pecson (he/him)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, I’m Rowan! I’m a second year undergraduate student at the University of Colorado, Boulder pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Growing up in Northern California, I’ve spent a lot of time enjoying and falling in love with marine environments. I am excited to be a part of the Gil Lab team because I get to combine this passion for marine ecosystems with new and cool technologies. Outside of academics, I enjoy trail running, hiking, gravel biking, and building things.
Max McGlaun (he/him)
Undergraduate Student
Hello, my name is Max McGlaun. I am currently an undergraduate student at CU Boulder,where I am majoring in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. I grew up in Kansas and spent my childhood catching craw fish, eating wild mulberries, and exploring the woods next to our home. I’ve always loved being in nature, and after receiving an associates degree I decided to pursue outdoor experiences in Colorado.
I have spent the last 8 years working mostly as an outdoor educator and in outdoor recreation. I have been very lucky with the diversity of my experiences. I spent many summers and falls working at a summer camp in the Pike National Forest mentoring youth and young adults. It was there that I found my passion for teaching people about local ecosystems. One winter I lived in Florida, where I got the opportunity to work at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium while also working part-time as a pirate actor onboard a 120 person pirate ship. Most recently I was a mountain tour guide in Winter Park CO, and I loved to make outdoor recreation more accessible for people.
It’s an exciting time for me, to be continuing my education after 8 years away from academia. It has been a privilege working for the Gil Lab. This is my first research experience, and I couldn’t ask for a more welcoming environment or for better mentors. I can’t express how grateful I am for everything I’ve experienced so far, and I am looking forward to all of the experiences I get to create in the future.
Gil Lab 