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

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I am a postdoc in Dr. Robin Costello’s group studying the impacts of unexpected research outcomes and relatable role models on trainees in the biological sciences. Prior to UB, I received my PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan, where I studied plant defense evolution in the Weber Lab group. I received my BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University. Outside of research, I love reading mystery and fantasy novels, camping, playing DnD, and starting way too many craft projects.

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I’m a Research Associate in the Costello Lab and an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at UB. With the Costello Lab and collaborators at Auburn University, I’m looking at structural mechanisms of attrition of STEM students in their first two years of undergraduate schooling, with a particular focus on barriers underrepresented minority students (URM) face in high-enrollment courses required for STEM degrees. Before moving to Buffalo, I taught and developed CUREs (Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences) at the University of Redlands, California, and at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). In 2022, I received my Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at UCR (Rafferty Lab), where I studied the effects of climate change, particularly drought, on multitrophic mutualisms in the Rocky Mountains (RMBL) and URM STEM retention in the UCR Teaching Program. I received my B.S. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (focus on aquatic biogeochemistry, botany – Finlay Lab) from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Beyond teaching and research, I love hanging out with my pets, searching the woods for cool plants & fungi, reading lots of books, catching wild bees with UB Bees, and crocheting.

I am a graduate student in the Costello lab pursuing master's degrees in Biology and Biology Education. My research interests include developing curricular materials to promote student retention and equity in biology courses. Prior to enrolling at UB, I studied at Eastern Illinois University and completed bachelor's degrees in Biology, Psychology, and Neuroscience and minored in Health Communications. During my time at EIU, I engaged in undergraduate research as a member of the Oluoch lab. I also competed for the EIU Women's Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Outside of academics, I enjoy watching anime, playing video games, painting, making jewelry, and hanging out with my 3 cats. To get outdoors, I enjoy running, gardening, and volunteering as a team manager for the Niagara University tennis team.

I am an undergraduate senior majoring in Biological Sciences (concentration in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology), and minoring in Environmental Studies. I am interested in biology education and communication, especially informal education available to the public at places such as parks, museums, and aquariums. Outside of research and schoolwork, I love baking, writing, photography, entomology, and being outdoors.

Hi, I’m Dee! I’m currently majoring in Biological Sciences, and minoring in both English and Creative Writing, with a concentration in poetry. I’m really interested in studying the biological sciences through a critical framework of feminist theory and creating more interdisciplinary, humanized understandings of science. I’m extremely passionate about improving equity in science communication and education, within academia as well as in global contexts and communities. Outside of school, I love writing poetry, reading, baking (I’m currently going through a focaccia phase!), being active (in nature or at the gym), and exploring local coffeeshops!

My name is Justin Uralil and I am a research assistant in the Costello Lab. I am majoring in Biological Sciences, and I am from Long Island, NY. My research interests include anything regarding education and/or microbiology. Outside of school, I spend my time playing basketball and hanging out with friends and family.