I am an assistant professor of biology education research. My research develops and evaluates scalable pedagogical approaches that promote student success in undergraduate biology courses. Prior to starting at UB, I worked as a postdoc in the Ballen Lab of Biology Education Research at Auburn University and completed a PhD in Behavioral Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in the Brodie Lab at the University of Virginia. Outside of my research, I enjoy getting outdoors (hiking, canoeing, running, attending the weekly farmers' market) and relaxing indoors (drinking tea, doing puzzles, participating in book clubs). 

Email: robincos[at]buffalo.edu

Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers

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I'm a postdoc in the Costello Lab, with broad interests within biology education research. Prior to UB, I worked as a postdoc for the Ballen lab with Dr. Cissy Ballen, studying how including role models in curricular materials could increase student engagement, and trying to understand the variety of ways students define success in their future careers. I did a PhD in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota with Prof. Marlene Zuk, where I studied how cricket reproduction adapts to novel and extreme environments. I'm originally from India, where I did an integrated BS-MS at IISER Pune, with my Master's thesis on the behavioral impacts of inbreeding and relatedness in fruit flies in the Population Biology Lab with Prof. Sutirth Dey. When I'm not doing research I love crafting (knitting, crochet, and even occasionally giving myself tattoos!), biking, cooking, and consuming a potentially unhealthy amount of podcasts, movies, TV shows and music!

I am a PhD student in the Costello lab, interested in studying student success and persistence in biology. Before coming to UB, I completed my MS degree in Biology and College STEM Teaching at Florida State University. While at Florida State, I conducted research on rhizobial bacteria and their symbiosis with alfalfa plants, while aslo servince as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA). As a GTA, I had the opportunity teach many undergraduate lab courses, which is when I fell in love with teaching and education. Outside of research, I love crafting (crochet, sewing, quilting), rock climbing, film photography, going to the movies, and drinking way too many caffeinated beverages.

Hi! I’m Macey, a junior in Biochemistry from the Buffalo area. My research interests include the experiences of underrepresented populations in STEM and institutional policies that support these students. I have also been regularly involved as an undergraduate teaching assistant in my time at UB. Outside of academics, I enjoy traveling, language learning, staying active, and spending time with family (including 2 rescue dogs).

Hi! My name is Dominique Dupoux, and I am an undergraduate Biology major at UB, originally from Queens, NY. I have always been passionate about both science and learning, even as a kid when I would pretend to teach my Barbie dolls. Through my experience in informal science education and environmental education, I became espeically curious about what helps student engage with science and develop enough confidence to feel that they belong in STEM. I am very interested in learning more about how different students experience and respond to science education. Outside of acdemics, I enjoy going to the movies, visiting cafes, reading, and long walks with my dog, Fudge.

My name is Kairav Handa, and I am a research assistant in the Costello Lab. I am majoring in Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, and I am originally from Syracuse, NY. My research interests include biology education, student success, and understanding the different factors that can influence students' learning experiences. I am particularly curious about how social interactions and classroom environments can affect student success, especially in the STEM fields. Through my research experience, I hope to learn more about the challenges students face and explore ways to support their success in higher education. In addition to my research interests, I am interested in biology, science, and healthcare. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in medicine and continue learning about the many connections between science, research, education, and healthcare. Outside of school and research, I enjoy reading books, playing video games, and occasionally doing photography. I enjoy photography because it allows me to capture different moments and perspectives. I am also a big fan of Marvel movies and enjoy following the stories and characters in the Marvel universe.

Hi! I’m T, an undergraduate senior from Corning, NY, majoring in Public Health with a minor in Biological Sciences. I plan to pursue a PhD in Biology, focusing on education after I graduate to better support and uplift those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Being in this lab helps me connect my public health, biology, and equity interests all to each other, especially as I prepare for my graduate school career. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing basketball, traveling, thrifting, and spending time with my dog Leia. 

Hi! I’m Dishita, an undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship at UB. As a STEM student myself, I’m interested in understanding why some students feel confident and comfortable in STEM courses while others may start to feel discouraged or unsure of themselves. Through my experiences tutoring and mentoring students, I started noticing how much the way a concept is explained, the support a student receives, and their overall classroom experience can affect how they learn. That made me more curious about STEM education and what can actually help students succeed and feel like they belong in these fields. Through the Costello Lab, I’m excited to learn more about education research and explore these questions from a research perspective. Outside of academics, I enjoy watching movies, going on walks, cooking and trying new dishes, and I’m hoping to get more into baking.

Hello! I’m Nate and I am a REU in the Costello Lab. I am currently a 3rd year undergraduate student and prior to coming to UB I received an A.A.S in biotechnology from SUNY ECC. During my time with the Costello Lab I will primarily be researching the criticisms that undergraduate students anticipate during their STEMM careers. In my free time I like spending time with my wife and daughter, going camping, hiking, building terrariums, and watching movies.

Hi! I’m Al Afif Wasitto. My friends call me “Wasitto,” while my family calls me “Afif,” so feel free to use either! I’m a junior majoring in Biomedical Sciences here at UB. I initially started on the pre-med track but later realized that I find research and the process of discovering new things much more intriguing. I’m especially interested in human biology and enjoy exploring new questions and ideas through research. Outside the classroom, I spend most of my time watching anime, cooking, and spending way too much of my savings on anime figures!