Professor: UNC Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences and UNC Environment, Ecology and Energy Program

Ph.D. Marine Sciences, University of South Carolina
M.S. Marine Sciences, University of South Carolina
B.S. Biology and Unified Sciences Education, Southeast Missouri State University

PhD Student: UNC Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences
M.S. Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.S. Marine and Environmental Science, Hampton University

My research focuses on coral species resilience, coral reef infrastructure shifts, and coral management techniques in the Caribbean. I am also interested in conservation, restoration, and ocean science communication. As I am passionate about outreach and programming, I am a graduate research assistant for the graduate school and involved in my nonprofit MahoganyMermaids, the UNC chapters of Shadow A Scientist, and SciRen. Outside work, I love hanging out with friends, traveling with my dog, and painting.

PhD Student: UNC Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program
B.A. Biology and Studio Art, Carleton College

I am interested in marine ecophysiology, microbial ecology, and conservation. My PhD focuses on understanding how organisms are able to mediate stress responses through physiological and molecular mechanisms. At UNC I’m involved in the Climate Crisis Committee and STEM Pride. Outside of the lab I love playing ultimate frisbee, being outside, and doing ceramics and other art.

PhD Student: UNC Department of Biology
B.S. Chemistry and Cell Molecular Biology, University of South Florida

My research focuses on understanding the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis at multiple scales, from the cellular to organismal level. I am also interested in coral resilience to global change stressors, namely temperature, and using genetic manipulation to reveal molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena. At UNC, I am involved in the Biology Graduate Student Association and development of undergraduate research-based course curriculum.

Year: Junior
Majors: Biology, Statistics and Analytics
Minor: Marine Sciences

I’m interested in coral-algal symbioses under climate change. My research explores this topic using a variety of genetic, physiological, and quantitative methods. At UNC, I’m involved with the Office for Undergraduate Research and the Biology Department as an ambassador and peer instructor. Outside academics, I enjoy cooking, getting active, and learning new hobbies!

Jamie Long

Year: Senior
Major: Biology
Minors: Marine Sciences, Environmental Science

My research is focused on understanding seasonal physiological responses in the temperate, facultatively symbiotic coral, Oculina arbuscula. I joined the Castillo Lab in Summer 2023 as a lab tech and began research during the fall semester. Outside of academics I enjoy drawing & playing video games. I am also on the Carolina Jump Rope team!

Rachel Geyer

Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Science
Minors: Journalism, Geology

I joined the Castillo Lab in Fall 2023 and have been helping with various research projects. I’m interested in coral reef conservation ecology and wish to create a better understanding of behavioral and physiological interactions in the ecosystem so that we can mitigate the unintended consequences of conservation efforts. Outside of the lab and academics, I love being outside, reading, and doing crafts!

Helen Bewick

Year: Sophomore
Major: Biology
Minor: Marine Sciences

I joined the Castillo lab in fall of 2023 and have helped lab members with processing their research and samples. Outside of academics I enjoy being outdoors, snowboarding and making pottery!

Ander Naugle

Year: Sophomore
Major: Biology
Minors: Marine Sciences, Chemistry

I joined the Castillo lab in the Spring of 2024 for my Biology Undergraduate Research course. My project aims to assess how coral transplantation in Curaçao from a favorable fringing reef to an extreme inland bay environment affects coral symbionts, and if these symbionts support coral acclimatization to extreme conditions. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, hiking, backpacking, and cooking!