• Dr. Kathryn M. (Katie) Everson

    ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

    Katie is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. Her dissertation research focused on a group of mammals called tenrecs, but her work has since expanded into other natural systems with the goal of understanding how new species and radiations form. She is passionate about science communication.

    Outside of OSU, Katie dabbles in all types of adventure sports including rafting, skiing, scuba, archery, and climbing. She also loves DIY home projects, which often involves woodworking and fiber crafts. She lives with her husband and infant son, and their 2 dogs and 2 cats.

  • Dr. Katherine R. (Katie) Martin

    POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR

    Katie is an evolutionary biologist and started in the lab as a postdoc in January 2025. Her dissertation focused on disease and immune gene evolution in sea turtles. Her postdoc research is on the genomic and evolutionary impacts of hybridization in the brown lemur (Eulemur) radiation. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading, being in nature, and dabbling in ceramics.

    katherinermartin.com

    @katiemartinevo.bsky.social

  • Serena Frazee

    PHD STUDENT

    Serena is interested in how the diversity of life on earth has arisen and how to protect it. In particular, she explores how environment and ecology act as drivers of evolution. Her work in the Everson lab will focus on animals in Madagascar.

  • Kyla Kirkpatrick

    UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER

    Kyla is an undergraduate pursuing an Honors Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is currently working with the “Weird Woodrat Working Group,” who are studying hybridization in Woodrats from Oregon. She is particularly interested in the genetic differences between species and hopes to learn more about genetics through this project. In her free time, Kyla likes to read, spend time with friends, craft, and be outside.

  • Sylvia Burkhart

    UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER

    Sylvia received her Associates in Science from South Puget Sound Community College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in zoology with a minor in biological data science. In the Everson lab, she is currently investigating possible hybridization in woodrats. Outside of academics, she holds officer positions in the gymnastics and integrative biology clubs at OSU.

PAST LAB MEMBERS

  • Brittany Bowling

    MASTERS STUDENT 2023-2026

    Brittany received her bachelor's of science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she researched marmot hair banding patterns in the hopes of aiding with Vancouver Island marmot conservation. She completed a MS project related at OSU related to Canada lynx. In her free time she loves reading, acting, and playing D&D.

  • Josh Reese

    UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER

    Josh was an undergraduate in the OSU Honors College majoring in Zoology and minoring in Statistics and Chemistry. He completed an honors thesis in the Everson Lab examining factors influencing patterns of hybridization in brown lemurs. His main academic interests are evolution, ecology, and conservation. Outside of his research and academic work, Josh enjoys playing D&D, learning about mythologies both ancient and modern, and rewatching episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

  • Eden Davis

    UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER

    Eden is a second-year zoology major at OSU who loves to be involved throughout campus. Her passions outside the lab include volunteering, spending time with friends and taking care of pets. Through STEM Leaders Eden is analyzing DNA and morphological data for woodrat species in Oregon. Her future interests involve animal behavior research and animal welfare.

  • David Sneddon

    POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR 2025-2026