People

The Puzey Lab has room for researchers to join!
Email me: jrpuzey@wm.edu

Undergraduate Researchers: I have room for motivated undergraduate students interested in developing projects on plant development, evolution, or genomics. I am looking for students who are willing to be intellectually involved and excited to take ownership of their projects.

Masters students: I am able to accept masters students through the Biology Department. Please contact me if you are interested in working with me. Please click on the following link for more information http://www.wm.edu/as/biology/graduate/index.php.

Postdocs: I am always looking for great post-docs. If you are interested, email me and let's chat.

PI Joshua Puzey
Assistant Prof. of Biology,
College of William and Mary 2014-present

PhD, Harvard University
B.S. Biology, Virginia Tech
B.S. Horticulture, Virginia Tech

PUZEY CV

Post-docs

Jack Boyle, PhD Harvard University
(2017-present)
I am interested in the factors that shape populations of wild organisms, and how population structure in turn affects development, behavior, and interactions with other species. I am also broadly interested in what insects do. For my PhD, I studied the Vachellia drepanolobium ant-plant mutualism, and I did phylogenetic work on lycaenid butterflies. Outside of lab I do super cool-sounding stuff all the time, just trust me! I'm sure I don't just listen to Taylor Swift and think sad thoughts about ecology.

Masters students

Angela Ricono (Fall 2016-present)
I am a second-year master’s student, and am broadly interested in using genomic tools to answer evolution based questions about plant-herbivore interactions. Currently, I am focused on determining large biogeographical patterns of genetic diversity in Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed) using NGS techniques. I am also leading several other projects which include long and short-term patterns of milkweed abundance in response to excess nutrients; characterizing unique genotypes to predict the degree of clonality of milkweed populations; and the application of RNA-sequencing to examine how plant defenses are regulated once herbivory has occurred. While a master’s candidate, I have also become increasingly interested in chemical plant adaptations, and hope to dive deeper into how these toxic plant responses might shape future relationships between plants and specialist herbivores. Overall, I find that plant genomic research captures several of my favorite facets of life: sunshine, dirt, and all things “outdoors-y”; cutting-edge genomic techniques and evolutionary theory; and the opportunity to discover how dynamic affiliations, such as milkweeds and monarchs, have evolved into what we see today.

Undergraduates

CiCi Zheng, W&M 2020, (Spring 2017-present)
Hi, my name is CiCi Zheng. I am a class of 2020 and joined Dr. Puzey’s Lab since in spring 2017. Williamsburg have a very similar vegetation as my hometown. When I first came to this country a year ago, being surrounded by clouds of crepe myrtle and magnolia flowers made me feel less away from home. This summer I am on William and Mary 2017 iGEM team and working on a project on tagged protein degradation in bacteria, and I hope I could apply the bio-engineering skills I learnt to plant biotechnology some day. Outside lab, I am also an amateur barista and head of a distance education student organization (LEEP) on campus.

Hannah Call, W&M 2020, (Spring 2017-present)
Hi, my name is Hannah Call. I’m majoring in biology and minoring in public health. I am interested in genetics and evolution. After college, I plan to become a family practice doctor. Outside of lab, I am a part of the botany club and the knitting club.

Allison Johns W&M Class of 2018 (Spring 2016-present)
Hi! I'm Allison, a biology major/computer science minor. My current research is on Mimulus leaf shape genetics and mechanisms. Agriculture, engineering, and genetics are my passions for the present and future!! Outside of lab I am an avid gardener, member of the WM costuming team, and executive board member of Phi Sigma Pi honor fraternity.

Katie Stahl, W&M 2019, (Spring 2017-present)
Hi! I'm Katie, class of 2019, and I'm a biology and environmental science double major. My current research is focused on the spatial layout of clones in patches of milkweed through use of microsatellites and positioning systems. I love dirt, plants, and farms, so in the future I hope to pursue a career in an agriculture related field. Outside of lab I'm involved with College Partnership for Kids, Student Environmental Action Coalition, Appalachian Music Ensemble, and running.

Scott Teresi, W&M 2019
I am a junior biology student at William & Mary. I particularly find plant genetics and evolution very interesting. I hope to one day pursue a career in the field of either agriculture or genetics. I am currently working on a project aiming to quantify how gene expression differs between wild and domestic strawberry. Outside of the lab, I enjoy mountain biking with my friends and playing on the club water polo team.

Madison Folmer

Amelia Lawrence, W&M 2019 (Spring 2017-present)
I am a junior at William and Mary majoring in biology. I became interested in plants after taking Dr. Puzey’s Integrative Plant Biology class. In lab, I work on the petal spot evolution project and mimulus endosperm methylation. Outside of lab I enjoy volunteering at the W&M greenhous

Elli Cryan, W&M 2019 (Summer 2016-present)
Hello! My name is Elli, and I'm a Mathematical Biology major who loves plants. My current research explores carotenoid synthesis in Mimulus bicolor flowers. Past research I've conducted at the college ranges from analysis of growth rate as a function of circadian rhythm in plants during my time in Puzey lab, to codon optimization of CRISPR/Cas in E. coli as a member of the winning 2015 W&M iGEM Team. Outside of lab, I lead Girl Scout Troop 1004, serve as secretary of Pointe Blank Dance Company, and run a STEM education non-profit called The Salt School.

Yahya Yaziji, W&M 2018 (Spring 2017-present)
Hello!! My name is Yahya and I am a rising senior, graduating in the spring of 2018, with a major in Biology. I am interested in plant ecology and physiology, where I have been working on a large milkweed nutrient allocation project. This project is relevant to agriculture, which is base of my love of botany. Outside of lab, I am a member of the College's Undergraduate Honor Council, I practice yoga and currently working on becoming a certified instructor, and an active member of Lambda Alliance. I cook 99% of my meals, so I spend a lot of my time exploring new recipes and jamming it out in the kitchen!
Also, my spirit plant is Jasmine!

Maddie Brightbill, W&M 2019 (Spring 2017-present)
I am a biology major with an English literature minor graduating in 2019. Post-graduation, I plan to study plant genetics with an agricultural focus so I can learn more about what fascinates me while doing something positive for the world such, as increasing food production. During my time in lab, I have worked on the nutrient allocation and circadian rhythm projects. Much like the milkweed itself, my love for botany has grown. Outside of lab, I am the secretary for Alpha Phi Omega (the service fraternity), a ministry team leader for Reformed University Fellowship, a volunteer at a local youth group, and a podcast enthusiast!

Isabel Eaton, W&M 2019 (Spring 2017-present)
Hello! I am a rising junior at the college, graduating with a Biology degree. I am passionate about working with plants in a wide variety of ways, whether that is out in the field, or in the lab. I am currently working on milkweed, focusing on watching its growth with different nutrient levels. You can find me spending many hours sweating in our wonderful Greenhouse! Outside of lab I am the treasurer for the SEAC Restoration Committee, where we are working on improving the environment of the Crim Dell. I am also active in the William and Mary Bird Club and the Beekeeping Club on campus.

Nora Flynn, W&M 2018 (Spring 2016-present)
Hi! My name is Nora and I’m a Biology major and a Hispanic Studies minor. I’m currently researching pollen tube growth variation in Mimulus guttatus. I’m planning on pursuing a career in the plant sciences, and will soon be applying to graduate programs! Outside of lab, I’m involved in Delta Gamma Fraternity and love to swim.

Mary Bea Halloran, W&M 2020 (Spring 2017-present)
Hi! I’m a member of the class of 2020 and I’m intensely interested in the development of new genetically modified plants to increase yield, mostly inspired by Dr. Puzey’s incredible lectures. During my time in lab, I’ve worked with Logan on mapping anthocyanin distribution in Mimulus petals to determine if it is genetically regulated. Outside of lab, I work in the greenhouse, assist in Model UN media production, and play intramural soccer.

Former Lab Members

Jacob Brammer, B.S. 2017: Currently pursing a M.S. in Biotechnology at Columbia University
Former W&M Life (Spring 2015-2017) --- “Hello! I’m a member of the class of 2017 and a Biology Major here at the College. I’m primarily interested in molecular biology and genetics but the other subdisciplines of the life sciences never fail to fascinate me! My research with Puzey Lab has dealt with the relationship between Common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, and the Monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus. Recently I’ve been investigating the selective sequestration and potential conversion of the milkweed’s anti-herbivory cardenolides in the butterfly’s tissue. I’m also involved with a project dealing with the inducibility of these cardenolides and other chemical defenses in milkweed. I spend a lot of my time outside of lab reading, listening to music and skateboarding."

Hunter Call, B.S. 2017: Planning to pursue a PhD in Biology:
Former W&M Life (2016-2017) -- "I'm a senior biology major here at W&M. While I've been involved in several projects during my time here, my research primarily focuses on the potential contributions of repetitive DNA sequences (micro/mini-satellites, transposons, etc.) to the physiology and evolution of Mimulus. Outside of lab, I am president of Botany Club, an active member of the Student Environmental Action Coalition, and a very amateur chef."

Logan George, B.S. 2017
Currently working at NIH in a confocal microscopy lab. Plans to pursue a PhD. Former W&M Life (2016-2017) -- "I'm a senior biology major here at W&M. While I've been involved in several projects during my time here, my research primarily focuses on the potential contributions of repetitive DNA sequences (micro/mini-satellites, transposons, etc.) to the physiology and evolution of Mimulus. Outside of lab, I am president of Botany Club, an active member of the Student Environmental Action Coalition, and a very amateur chef."

Colleen Flynn, B.S. 2017: Currently working at Dead Horse Point State Park in Moab Utah
Former W&M Life (Spring 2015-2017) --- "Hi everybody! I am a senior here at the College studying biology and marine science. I am primarily interested in the interactions of life and biological processes with the environment. My research in the lab involves the biomechanics of tendril coiling in a variety of species, including cucumbers, peas, Passiflora spp., and others. Using comparative morphology techniques, I hope to further understand what properties drive this movement and create differences in morphology and behavior between species. When I'm not surrounded by my many plants in the lab, I can typically be found in the practice rooms of Ewell Hall playing piano or prepping for another competition with the Ballroom Dance Club here on campus. Go plants!"

Waverly Garner, B.S. 2017: Currently pursuing a Masters in Education with the plan of teaching middle school science
Former W&M Life (Spring 2016-2017) -- "A native of Farmville, Virginia, homeschooler, community college student, and transfer student, my life has taken a lot of twists and turns to end up at The College of William & Mary. In retrospect, I cannot imagine having ended up anywhere else. As a first generation college student, I approach college with thankfulness and awe that I have the opportunity to have a higher education. Motivated by fundamental questions about reality, morality, and spirituality, I have found a home in the biological sciences. Fueled by my passion for literature, philosophy, and public relations, I have made it my goal to facilitate the mindset of science and the current sphere of scientific knowledge to those who have not pursued the hard sciences. I believe perspective grounded in knowledge and in an understanding of that knowledge is the true purpose of a real education – the gateway to living a more purpose-driven and meaningful life. My mission is to facilitate perspective in the context of multiple disciplines – chiefly science – to as many as can be reached in the hopes that my small effort can make a positive impact on the world."

Taliesin Kinser, M.S. 2017: Tal is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Florida
Former W&M Life (Fall 2015-Summer 2017) -- "I am a first year graduate student in the Biology Program. I received a BA in Biology and in Environmental Studies from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. There, my research experience included vocal behavior of the song bird, Painted Bunting, ecology and behavior of Mantled Howler monkeys in the Tropical Dry Forest of Ecuador, and community interactions between small mammals and invertebrates in the Blackland Prairie. Following graduation I worked as a laboratory technician in the Brown and Goldstein lab of the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. There we studied the pathway of cholesterol through the cell. My research interests include evolution, epigenetics, and molecular ecology. Currently I am studying the epigenetic processes that drive speciation through interploidy hybridization of plants (Mimulus sp.). I am additionally a Teaching Assistant for the Introductory Biology courses at William and Mary. "