The Whitaker Lab is Recruiting!

The Whitaker Lab at ETSU is recruiting two Master's students, one starting Fall 2025 and the other starting Spring 2026. Applicants should have finished their undergraduate studies in Biology, Ecology, or similar field. Desirable areas of experience and expertise include any aspect of pollinator biology, robotics, animal behavior, or insect ecology. Specific research projects will be discussed and selected collaboratively with Dr. Whitaker and could include lab work, field work, and/or behavioral studies depending on student interest.

Interested students can apply here.

There are also open slots for undergraduate researchers in the 2025-2026 school year. Current ETSU undergrads can contact Dr. Whitaker for more information.

Meet The Team

Melissa Whitaker

Melissa is a bug lover, a world traveller, a yoga fiend, and an insufferable foodie.

Masters Student

Skylar Mathieson

Skylar completed her undergraduate degree at UVA-Wise and is continuing as a master's student at ETSU. Coming from Southwest Virginia, Skylar's roots have influenced her passion in Appalachian ethnobotany, specifically in the realm of medicinal plants. Skylar's interests include plant biology, conservation biology, evolutionary biology, chemical ecology, and plant-insect interactions. Skylar's main research focus here is exploring the complex world of plant-insect interactions, bee behavior, and potential addiction. Skylar hit the ground running with her research and presentation skills. Outside of the lab, Skylar loves to spend time reading, hiking, or with her cats!

Master's Student

Josh Foley

Josh has a large variety of interests, including but not limited to: biomimicry, biodegradation, chemical ecology, pretty bugs, and his pet ferrets. Josh is excited to complete his degree and begin a career in biological research. Outside of the lab, he is a jack of all trades. He is particularly fond of jiu jitsu, tai chi, miniature painting, 3D printing, and hiking. The lab especially thanks him for taking care of the roach intrusion.

Undergraduate Researcher

Adrienne Holtsclaw

Adrienne Holtsclaw is currently in her second semester of a research-oriented course. This course focuses on understanding what makes up a good research project and presentation. She is interested in interactions among flora and fauna, such as predator and prey interactions and chemical defense. She loves the mountains and everything in them. She loves to go kayaking and hammocking. She spends most of her free time trying to learn new things that pique her interest.

Undergraduate Researcher

James Moreland

James Moreland is currently a second-year honors in discipline student who is majoring in biology alongside taking both synthetic biology and brewing and distillation minors. The HID program aims to give undergraduate students experience in a research setting and in running a project. He is interested in the chemical interactions of fungi, plants, and the herbivores that prey upon them. Outside the lab, he is a proud member of the Marching Bucs and most of his hobbies revolve around spending time outside in nature, be that backpacking through Appalachia or collecting samples to build terrariums with.

Undergraduate Researcher

Sierra Walker

Sierra Walker is a senior at ETSU majoring in biology and chemistry. She hopes to one day work as an environmental chemist to help correct chemical imbalances in various ecosystems caused by human interaction. Sierra takes great interest in the chemical processes that occur in various environments, such as forests, oceans, and space. Outside of schooling and the lab, she spends a majority of her time knitting and crocheting.