Lab Members

Dr. Cory Elowe (PI)

Cory received his B.A. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Bowdoin College in 2011, with a brief stint studying in Costa Rica with the Organization for Tropical Studies, followed by two years in the field with a Conservation and Land Management Internship with the Bureau of Land Management in Cedar City, Utah, The Nature Conservancy in Maine, and Bird Research Northwest on the Columbia River in Washington.

Cory conducted his Master’s research with Dr. Lars Tomanek the Environmental Proteomics Lab at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo studying how environmental rhythms alter the gill tissue proteins in intertidal mussels, followed by a Ph.D. with Dr. Alex Gerson at UMass Amherst researching the physiology of long-distance migration in birds. Finally, he enjoyed a great postdoctoral research position with Dr. Maria Stager where his research focused on seasonal acclimatization to temperature in songbirds.

Now, you can find Cory setting up his new lab at Northern Michigan University in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan!

On his own time you can still find Cory out looking for birds, usually with his birding buddy Teddy patiently waiting alongside!

Lexi Bryan (MS student)

Lexi received their B.A. in Fisheries and Wildlife with an emphasis in Wildlife from the University of Georgia in 2023. While at school, Lexi worked primarily with birds and herps in the field. Before coming to Northern to get their Master’s degree in Biology, Lexi worked at a bakery in Georgia!

Lexi joined Cory’s lab this year to pursue their Master’s research on the diet preference of birds during migration recovery. They expect to graduate in the spring of 2027. In their free time, Lexi enjoys watching horror movies, making coffee, and traveling. As a lifetime Georgia resident, Lexi is both excited and terrified for the infamous Upper Peninsula snow!

Dani Toyras (undergrad)

Dani is a first-year biology major with a concentration in physiology, expects to graduate in the winter of 2029. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, dancing in the studio, and spending time in nature. She is fascinated by how body systems work together to create a functioning organism! Thanks to this, she will be involved in all sorts of research, from molecular work to helping with the birds!

Mattea Muscat (undergrad)

Mattea is a second-year biology major with a concentration in ecology, and expects to graduate in the fall of 2027. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, spending time with family, and petting moss. She is excited to work with Dr. Elowe, be surrounded by cool bird people, and learn more about bird physiology!

Layne Kime (undergrad)

Layne is a United States Coast Guard veteran and second-year biology major with a concentration in ecology, expecting to graduate in 2028. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, reading, environmental advocacy, political activism and spending time with his girlfriend and two (strictly indoor) cats. On top of doing research for Dr. Elowe, he is also a leader in the campus’s Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter. Layne is excited to learn more about bird physiology and the applications of it in their migratory habits.

Ollie Galati (undergrad)

Ollie is a third-year biology student concentrating in zoology, expecting to graduate in spring of 2027. Outside of school, they enjoy trying new hobbies (the latest being running and learning the banjo), but their oldest and deepest passion is horses! They can often be found at the barn taking care of their horse, Cosmo. Ollie also loves birding, herping, making art, and reading. They are excited to learn more about bird physiology and help out in the lab!

Owen VanAntwerpen (undergrad)

Owen is a third-year biology student with a concentration in ecology. His primary interests include avian ecology, community science, and museum science. When not working in the lab or the field, he enjoys trail running, backpacking, birding, and nature observation of all kinds.

Sophia Kashenider  (undergrad)

Sophia is a 4th year biology major with a concentration in physiology, expects to graduate in May of 2027. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, ice skating or watching hockey, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with her three-legged kitty, Nebula! She is excited to work with Dr Elowe and get experience in a lab setting!