Current Staff and Students
Principal Investigator
Dr. Michael Lydy
Ph.D. Zoology, Ohio State University
Distinguished Professor
See Biography
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.
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, watching horror movies, and reading Sci-Fi novels.
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 Major
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Santonio Resonno Jr. is a senior at Southern Illinois University majoring in Zoology, with minors in Geographic Information Systems and Environmental Studies. Throughout his undergraduate career, he has participated in a variety of research experiences and has been a member of the Lydy Lab since his freshman year. Currently, he is working on a project examining how temperature affects the toxicity of a binary mixture of pesticides. Santonio plans to attend graduate school to study large mammal movement or the effects of management strategies on avian communities. Outside of work, he enjoys birding, hiking, gaming, and watching anime.
Juan Valencia-Tun
Zoology Major
See Biography
Juan Valencia-Tun is a junior at SIUC majoring in Zoology and minoring in English. His area of interest is the use of captive breeding as a means of conservation of species that are in danger of being, or already are, extinct in the wild. He is also interested in scientific divulgation with respect to educating the public on the importance of conservation, especially concerning “unwanted” or “unpopular” species, such as reptiles and invertebrates. In his free time he enjoys hiking, fishing, cooking, and herpetoculture.
Cecilia Castillo
Zoology Major, Animal Science Minor
See Biography
Cecilia Castillo is a senior at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, majoring in zoology and minoring in animal science. Before transferring, she finished her associate’s degree studying bioscience at Lake Land College. Cecilia’s passions revolve around animal care, ranging from the smallest animals to livestock. Her hobbies include herpetoculture, with Cecilia finding special interest in varied breeding genetics of the Kenyan sand boa.