Meet the Team

 Samniqueka Halsey (Primary Investigator)
Assistant Professor, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA

My research stresses the importance of using long-term data sets, GIS, and remote sensing. She uses computational approaches to understand the mechanisms involved in the patterns we see in nature. Most of my work involves using modeling approaches to delineate how spatial and temporal changes in ecological interactions influence a focal species. I hold a particular interest in informing management actions with my models.

I earned my Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology from the University of Illinois-Urbana - Champaign. My dissertation research focused on advancing our understanding of the mechanisms involved int he ecology of Lyme disease through quantitative reviews and building spatially-explicit models depicting tick-pathogen-host interactions. I hold a MS in Biological Sciences from Chicago State University where I aided the continued conservation of Cirsium pitcheri by determining whether restoration efforts improved meta-population viability.

Teaching:
Graduate Emphasis Areas: Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
Undergraduate Emphasis Areas: Natural Resource Science and Management

Courses:
Ecosystem Management (FW 4600)
Ecological Restoration (NATR 8001)
Natural Resource Biometrics (NATR 3110)
Disease Ecology (FW 4810)

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Ashley Nelson
I am a current Freshman attending the University of Missouri and majoring in Natural Resources Science and Management with an emphasis in Fisheries and Wildlife. My research interests encompass the study of wildlife populations and other forms of population ecology. I am currently participating in a project regarding wildlife disease spread.
Fayth Wade
I am a current Junior at the University of Missouri studying Health Science and Business. My research Interest are research topics encompassing and involving the field of epidemiology. In my past research experience I have participated in projects that have direct human impact and would like to continue in the direction of research that involves human, particularly underserved populations. 

Summer Field TechNicians
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Evan Aljundi

I have recently graduated from the University of Missouri with a major in Natural Resources Science and Management with an emphasis in Fisheries and Wildlife. My research interests are conservation and disease ecology surrounding mammals and I would like to soon begin graduate school to pursue a greater knowledge of both topics.
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Claire Gagliano

"I am currently a Senior attending the University of Missouri majoring in Science and Management with an emphasis in Fisheries and Wildlife. My interest is in human/wildlife relationships and management in disturbed habitats. I am currently interning at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Ballwin, MO along with being a member of Dr. Halsey's research Lab."
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Charlie Hipper
I am a current senior at the University of Missouri studying Natural Resource Science and Management with an emphasis in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences. My research interest revolve around the conservation and management of marine wildlife populations and their ecosystems. 
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Shannon McKinley

I am a recent graduate (May 2020) from the University of Missouri. She graduated with a major in Fisheries and Wildlife and a minor in Captive Wild Animal Management.