Current Staff and Students
Principal Investigator
Dr. Michael Lydy
Ph.D. Zoology, Ohio State University
Distinguished Professor
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Dr. Lydy’s areas of research interest include evaluating the effects of chemical mixtures, developing a basic understanding of the chemical and biological factors affecting toxicity, bioavailability and bioaccumulation, remediation of contaminated sites and evaluating the effectiveness of Best Management Practices in reducing pesticide and nutrient loadings into aquatic systems. He have received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, industry and state sources to conduct research in these areas.
Staff
Dr. Kara Huff Hartz
Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, Purdue University
Senior Scientist
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Dr. Huff Hartz is a pivotal member of the toxicology labs at SIU, where she specializes in method development, data analysis, and student mentorship. Her extensive experience and contributions span across all projects within the Lydy lab, making her an invaluable asset and one of the lab’s cherished members. With over 20 years of experience in environmental analytical chemistry, Dr. Huff Hartz has a robust background in both academic and applied research settings.
Dr. S.D.M Chinthaka Sinhapura
Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, Wayne State University
Post-doctoral Researcher
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Chinthaka Sinhapura is currently involved in determining pesticide residues and lipid levels in archived fish and fish from sublethal exposure experiments. The pesticide determination is carried out using a modified QuEChERS method, and lipid determination is carried out by the Vanillin phosphoric acid method. His main professional goal is to explore new knowledge and developments in analytical and environmental chemistry. I aim to acquire operational skills in state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation. Outside of professional work, Chinthaka enjoys cycling and gardening, especially growing vegetables and fruits.
Dr. Hadis Miraly
Ph.D. Environmental Biology, SUNY College of the Environment and Forestry
Post-doctoral Researcher
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Hadis Miraly is currently focusing on the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of pesticides in aquatic ecosystems. Their primary research goal is to develop response spectrum models for the effects of pesticides on Chinook Salmon. Hadis’s professional interests include the study of pesticide impacts on aquatic life and the development of models to predict these effects. Their previous research explored the influence of climate-driven deoxygenation on the bioaccumulation of mercury in fish, showcasing a commitment to understanding how environmental stressors affect aquatic ecosystems. In their free time, Hadis enjoys reading poetry, listening to podcasts, and engaging in yoga and hiking. These activities offer a balance to their scientific pursuits and contribute to their overall well-being.
Xinyan Wu
Ph.D. Candidate, Jinan University
Visiting Scientist
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Xinyan Wu is a visiting researcher from Jinan University in Guangzhou, China, currently spending a one-year academic exchange at SIU. She is a PhD candidate with research focusing on the target and non-target screening of pollutants in aquatic environments. At SIU, Xinyan Wu is conducting research on the quantification of neonicotinoid insecticides in prairie chickens and spruce grouse. Throughout her exchange year, Xinyan Wu looks forward to engaging with researchers from around the world, expanding her academic horizons, and seizing the opportunity to share her research findings. She is also eager to enhance her research capabilities in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, while immersing herself in a diverse academic culture and making the most of this enriching and challenging academic journey.
Nick Hettel
B.S Zoology, Southern Illinois University
Researcher I
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Nick Hettel is currently contributing to the Sacramento Deep Water Ship Channel project, focusing on characterizing pesticide and PAH/PCB concentrations in field-collected Wakasagi. During his undergraduate studies, Nick started working in the lab caring for invertebrate cultures and eventually conducted a research project assessing avoidance behavior of Hyalella azteca when exposed to insecticides. He later went on to officially join the lab after graduation as a researcher, managing the lab’s aquaculture facility while continuing to work on ongoing projects. Outside of work, Nick enjoys indulging in the finer things in life, such as assembling model kits and demolishing lesser specimens in the arena of online combat.
Cristina La
M.S. Southern Illinois University
Research Assistant
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Throughout Cristina’s time here at SIU, they have worked on multiple projects with the overall goal of looking at contaminant partitioning throughout the Sacramento Deep Water Ship Channel to get an understanding of the potential risk of contaminant exposure to aquatic biota and how different resuspension events may impact bioavailability. Cristina’s research interests center around the fate and transport of chemicals in aquatic environments, biomonitoring, and environmental justice. When not binging shows, they love going on bike rides and walks around the campus, cooking egregious amounts of food, and playing games with their fellow lab mates.
Graduate Students
Braden Weaver
B.S Chemistry, University of Wyoming
M.S Candidate
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Braden Weaver is currently working on method development for the detection of neonicotinoid pesticides in chickens. These compounds can enter nontarget animals through various routes of uptake and may cause unintentional adverse health effects within the organism. Braden recently graduated from the University of Wyoming with a B.S in Chemistry and moved to Carbondale where both him and his spouse are enrolled in a graduate program.
Hailee “Hail” Richesin
B.S. Wildlife & Conservation Biology, University of Rhode Island
M.S Candidate
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Hailee graduated magna cum laude from the University of Rhode Island in 2018, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife & Conservation Biology. Since then, they have worked in the across the country, doing everything from conducting electrofishing surveys with the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife to collecting otoliths from spawned Chinook salmon in California with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. Hailee is excited to be experimenting with toxin uptake in daphnia and fish with the Lydy Lab at Southern Illinois University. Outside of their studies, they enjoy aquarium keeping, graphic design, and learning Japanese.
Undergraduates
Santonio Resonno
Zoology Student
Madeline Gustaitis
Zoology student
Jayla Ware
Zoology student, Animal Biology specialization
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Jayla Ware is a senior at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, majoring in Zoology with a specialization in Animal Biology. She previously studied Animal Studies at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Jayla also works in Dr. Heist’s conservation genetics lab, where she assists with research on the population genetics of sturgeon. She also volunteers at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, combining her passion for aquatic life and conservation. Her career goals include working in a zoo or aquarium and pursuing graduate research focused on whale and dolphin populations. On campus, she is actively involved in the University Honors Program, Saluki Reefers Marine Biology Club, SIU Women’s Leadership Council, First Generation Salukis, and TRIO. A native of Carbondale, Illinois, Jayla has trained in ballet for 18 years and is currently a company member at Arabesque Dance Studio.