Kimberly D Gwinn
Explore BiGG Data Program Director
Dr. Gwinn is the Program Director for the Explore BiGG Data REEU. She is responsible for overall program management, including coordinating the efforts of the co-PIs and overseeing the work of the students in the summer. Dr. Gwinn provides programming on Research Ethics and Compliance.
Zane Smith
Explore BiGG Data Program Manager
Zane Smith is the Program Manager for the Explore BiGG Data REEU, and a doctoral student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the Herbert College of Agriculture. As Program Manager, he is responsible for scheduling, event coordination, and scholar/faculty program support. Zane’s research is focused on generating and utilizing genomic resources to answer questions about genetic diversity, evolutionary history, and adaptation to conserve and restore native ash trees.
Melissa Cregger
Explore BiGG Data Biology Mentor
Dr. Cregger is a biology mentor for the Explore BiGG Data REEU. She is an ecosystem ecologist and research scientist in the Biosciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She also holds a joint appointment as an Assistant Professor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Cregger’s research is focused on understanding how plant-microbe interactions alter plant health and ecosystem function.
Corey Day
Explore BiGG Data Graduate Student Mentor
Corey is a PhD candidate in the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology and graduate student mentor for the Explore BiGG Data REEU. He researches the ecology of Aedes mosquitoes and the spatial epidemiology of La Crosse virus disease with the goal of identifying patterns and predictors of La Crosse virus transmission.
Allyson Dekovich
Explore BiGG Data Graduate Student Mentor
Allyson Dekovich is a PhD student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology and graduate student mentor for the Explore BiGG Data REEU. She uses genomics and bioinformatics tools to study reproductive isolation and local adaptation in two pest fire ant species, Solenopsis invicta and S. richteri. She was awarded her master’s degree in May 2022, and her project aimed to investigate the life history and biology of ant social parasite Solenopsis daguerrei using population genetics.
Joseph L Donaldson
Explore BiGG Data Program Evaluator
Dr. Donaldson is the Program Evaluator for the Explore BiGG Data REEU. He directs all evaluation data collection, analysis, and reporting including acquiring and managing the psychometric instruments used in the program. Dr. Donaldson is a teacher, scholar, program evaluator, and researcher at North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences where he coordinates the undergraduate major and minor in Extension Education.
Scott Emrich
Explore BiGG Bioinformatics Mentor
Dr. Emrich is one of two Bioinformatics Mentors for the Explore BiGG Data REEU. He is responsible for providing training and advice for the Fellows in appropriate software and bioinformatics analysis methods. Dr. Emrich is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the Tickle College of Engineering with formal appointments in UT interdisciplinary graduate programs and less formal links with Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (UT) and Entomology (UTIA).
Denita Hadziabdic-Guerry
Explore BiGG Data Faculty Mentor
Dr. Hadziabdic-Guerry is the Faculty Member for the Explore BiGG Data REEU. She studies population genetics of fungal plant pathogens, population biology, forest health, forest pathology, and diversity and conservation efforts of native plants. Her program’s main goal is to utilize novel genetic and genomic tools to integrate molecular data into pragmatic management decisions and provide solutions for preservation of biodiversity, conservation of native species and overall tree improvement programs.
Aaron Onufrak
Explore BiGG Data Graduate Student Mentor
Aaron is a PhD candidate and lab manager for the Hadziabdic Lab in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. His research focuses on using applied microbial ecology and bioinformatics tools to answer questions related to plant pathology and fungal ecology amongst Geosmithia species and the biological and chemical control of Thousand Cankers Disease.
Bonnie H Ownley
Explore BiGG Data Research Mentor
Dr. Ownley, a plant pathologist specializing in biology-based control of plant pathogens, will provide guidance for the collection of data for a future Explore BiGG Data Research Program. Her research program integrates biological and cultural control of soilborne plant pathogens, microbial ecology of beneficial plant bacteria and fungi, and mechanisms of microbial biological control.
Shelli Rampold
Explore BiGG Data Communications Mentor
Dr. Shelli Rampold is an assistant professor of agricultural communications in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications at The University of Tennessee. She will coordinate and deliver science communication training for the Explore BiGG scholars. Dr. Rampold’s program is focused on communicating scientific information to diverse audiences and addressing complex issues in agricultural and life sciences.
Margaret Staton
Explore BiGG Data Computational Genomics Mentor
Dr. Staton is a computational genomics mentor for the Explore BiGG Data REEU. She is responsible for providing training and advice for the fellows in appropriate software and bioinformatics analysis methods. Dr. Staton is an Associate Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the Herbert College of Agriculture with broad interest in many ‘omics’ technologies as applied to plant and microbial ecosystems and agricultural systems.
Carrie Ann Stephens
Explore BiGG Data Leadership Educator
Dr. Stephens is a professor and leadership educator in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications at The University of Tennessee. She will coordinate and deliver leadership training for the Explore BiGG scholars. Dr. Stephens is KAI certified, as well as a Strengths Finder Coach. Her research and teaching focus areas are women in leadership, teaching and learning (as it relates to leadership), and leadership development in higher education.
Becky Trout Fryxell
Explore BiGG Data Research Mentor
Dr. Trout Fryxell, a medical veterinary entomologist, will serve as the biology-based Research Mentor for projects based on insects and arachnids. Her research program integrates vector management and control, describes vector life histories, delineates risk factors for pathogen and vectors, and characterizes vector populations using genetics (microbial, population, and landscape).
