AUM students, faculty showcase biology research at Evolution 2025 conference

Students and two faculty members from Auburn University at Montgomery’s Department of Biology and Environmental Science recently showcased their research at Evolution 2025, a premier international conference focused on evolutionary biology research.

Student Isabella Soto, alongside faculty mentor Dr. Vanessa Koelling, presented their project titled “Development of Genetic Tools for the Study of the Evolution in the Southeastern Azaleas.” Their research explores genetic approaches to better understand the evolution of this complex group of plants known for rapid diversification and hybridization.

Student Ryan McMichael, working with faculty mentor Dr. Flor Breitman, presented the team’s biomechanics research, “Quantifying Arm Swimming in Muusoctopus robustus,” which uses data from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute to analyze octopus movement. Breitman also presented her education research on the redesign of BIOL 1020 lab courses to foster evolutionary thinking through inquiry-based learning.

In addition to mentoring students, Koelling served as Chair of the Society for the Study of Evolution’s Education and Outreach Committee, playing a key role in organizing conference programs and events.

Held June 20-25 in Athens, Georgia, the five-day Evolution 2025 conference featured plenary lectures from three leading societies — American Society of Naturalists, Society of Systematic Biologists and the Society for the Study of Evolution — along with poster sessions, workshops, and networking events.