
Meet The Team

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

Masters Student
Katelyn Fox
Katelyn is a graduate of Lees-McRae College, where she earned her Bachelor's in Wildlife Biology with a concentration in Field Biology. Although all aspects of biology are appealing to her, she is especially interested in animal behavior, ecology, and conservation. Her research at ETSU focuses on bumblebee behavior within the colony in response to psychoactive alkaloids found in flowering plants. Outside of the lab, she is a wildlife rehabilitator, a music lover, and the owner of a strange little cat named Fig.

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 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
Morgan Cary
Morgan’s research interests focus on insect learning and memory, particularly across metamorphosis in Lepidoptera, as well as how insects respond to plant alkaloids. She is completing her undergraduate degree in biology at ETSU and plans to continue on to dental school, pursuing a career as a pediatric dentistry. Outside of academics, Morgan enjoys hands-on, creative pursuits such as glass blowing, pottery, sewing, and horseback riding, all of which reflect her love of both artistry and precision.

Undergraduate Researcher
Brent McNutt
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Alumni
Previous members of the lab

Master's Student
Skylar Mathieson
Skylar completed her undergraduate degree at UVA-Wise and received her Master's degree from ETSU in 2025. Coming from Southwest Virginia, Skylar's roots have influenced her passion in Appalachian ethnobotany, specifically in the realm of medicinal plants. Her Master's thesis investigated the role of floral alkaloids on bumblebee survival and foraging preferences. Congratulations Skylar!



