Mariah Donohue - Department of Ecology and Evolution
I am a Master's Candidate in Stony Brook's Ecology and Evolution program, where I am co-advised by Dr. Patricia Wright and Dr. Sharon Pochron.
Research Interests: I am interested in studying the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on endangered species and ecosystems. Describing the damage inflicted by human encroachment will help streamline conservation initiatives--but to really save these species, we need a lot more than just data. Often, our most precious ecological systems are found juxtaposed against extreme human poverty. By improving regional education and health care, researchers can (and do!) inspire pro-environmental change in local villages. This can alleviate threats from farming and bushmeat hunting, but I also hope to work with government agencies/private industries to prevent wide-scale deforestation and pollution.
Current Research: With funding from National Geographic's Young Explorers Grant, I will be conducting field work from May to August (2016) to examine the relationship between lemur gut microbial composition and forest quality in Southeastern Madagascar. I also work with Dr. Sharon Pochron in Stony Brook's Ecotoxicology Lab studying the effects of herbicides and heavy metals on earthworm health.