Lab Manager

Natale Urquhart

Natale Urquhart is the lab manager in Stacy Endriss’s lab. After graduating with a degree in Environmental Science from Cal Poly Humboldt, she spent four years monitoring endangered salmonid species throughout freshwater systems in California. After moving to Blacksburg, she continued her passion for aquatic ecology and conservation biology through working with Eastern Hellbenders in the Hopkins Lab at Virginia Tech. In her role as lab manager in Stacy’s lab, she is excited to broaden her knowledge and expand her capabilities as an ecologist, while helping make science more accessible to the general public.

PhD Student

Taylor Darnell

Taylor Darnell is a PhD student working with the invasive knotweed complex. Taylor’s background in Weed Science (University of Florida—Masters of Science) and in Agronomic Chemistry (Ferrum College—Bachelor’s) has well prepared him for both basic and applied science problems. He has also spent time working for NC Cooperative Extension as well as being an Invasive/Aquatic Plant Manager and consultant. From Taylor’s perspective on research: “basic science develops the stepping stones that our applied colleagues can use to develop hands-on solutions for the common good.” Outside of the lab and field Taylor can be found hiking and mountain biking on any trail, travelling (at any opportunity), or running swim meets for both NCAA and USA Swimming.

Master's Student

Andrea Lopez

Andrea Lopez is a master's student in Entomology co-advised by Stacy Endriss and Daniel Frank. Andrea is interested in plant-insect interactions in invasive plant systems and is currently researching distribution patterns of spotted lanternflies between vineyards and forest edges. Andrea graduated from Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 2023 with a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Modern Languages with a Spanish emphasis. During her time at NAU, Andrea discovered her passion for science communication and gained experience working in youth formal and informal education. She has a strong interest in extension and hopes to work with land managers and local communities throughout her master’s program to better understand and address invasive species concerns.  

Undergraduate Assistant

AJ Corelli​
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AJ is an accelerated BSPH/MPH student at Virginia Tech, specializing in infectious disease epidemiology. AJ’s background is in the field of environmental health, where he previously worked in environmental pathogen monitoring and water quality research for the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. His research background and interests center around pathogen transmission and its relationship to dispersal ecology of insects.  ​

Undergraduate Assistant

Clara King

As an undergraduate studying Biochemistry in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, Clara King loves expanding her understanding of the natural world.  As a member of Virginia Tech’s selective Integrated Science Curriculum, Clara enjoys exploring how biology, chemistry, math and physics all intertwine with each other.  Currently Clara is preparing for a career in medicine, with an interest toward dentistry or orthodontics, however she remains open to other potential career paths if they inspire her. She is especially interested in learning new ways that biological and biochemical interactions take place and how they affect plant and animal life. Outside the lab, Clara is an accomplished equestrian who also loves Jane Austen, crocheting and spending time with her loved ones. 

Undergraduate Assistant

Bailey Brethren

Bailey Brethren is an undergraduate double-majoring in Ecological Restoration and Crop and Soil Science within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She hopes to pursue a career in agriculture, supporting farmers in an era of constant climate change and challenges. This summer, she is leading her own project on spotted lanternflies as an extension of master's student Andrea Lopez’s research. Beyond the lab, Bailey is a member of Virginia Tech’s soil judging team, helping lead them to their 3rd straight regional win and 8th all-time national championship as their president in the 2024-25 school year. She can often be seen around campus and Blacksburg hanging in her hammock, spending time with her friends, and volunteering with her service fraternity, Lambda Iota Mu.   

Undergraduate Assistant

Alexandria Swenson

Ally is an undergraduate at James Madison University. She is rising sophomore pursuing a double degree in biology with a concentration in ecology/environmental sciences (B.S.) and pre-law political science (B.A.) with a legal studies minor. She plans to create a career in conservation and environmental law and has a deep passion and interest in understanding the lasting effects of human actions and climate change on species populations, especially starting on a local and regional level. Previously, Ally worked for over three years with the Virginia Tech ID Lab as a lab and research assistant under Mr. Eric Day and Dr. Tree Dellinger. She is thrice published and enjoys ecology fieldwork and experimentation. Outside of the lab and academics, Ally is a life-long competing equestrian, enjoys watching F1, and spending time with friends.

Undergraduate Assistant

Mitchell Keller

Mitchell is an undergraduate studying Biomedical Sciences in the College of Science at Virginia Tech. He is a rising Junior with plans to later apply to physician assistant school in post-grad. He intends to use this lab opportunity to further expand his knowledge on lab work and working with living organisms. He loves to further his understanding of the world around him and apply what he knows in real life scenarios. Outside of the lab, Mitchell is the Director of Campus Initiative and Advocacy for the IFC and also holds a position of the Undergraduate Student Senate.