
University of Virginia Biology Department
Graduate Student Post-doc Association
GSPA Council 2025-2026

Co-President
Ashlyn Crain
I’m a 4th year PhD candidate in the Cox lab, where I study the adaptive significance and genetic basis of sex-biased dispersal in brown anole lizards.
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Co-President
Kira Boyce
Kira is a third year PhD Candidate in the Lu Lab at UVA. She is broadly interested in the mechanisms required for proper development of the inner ear. Outside of research, she is an avid reader, runner, chef, and a professional photographer.

Treasurer
Andrew Croitoru
I'm a 2nd year PhD student in the O'Rourke lab, where I use C. elegans to study the genes and gene regulatory networks underlying obesity and its relationship to aging. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, nature photography, and hiking.

Social Chair
Cheng Yang
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Secretary
Madi Stessman
​I'm a second year PhD student in the Brodie lab where I am studying the associations between fungivorous beetles and their hosts. Outside of the lab I am an avid crafter and farmers market enthusiast.

Media Chair
Madison Karram
I am a 3rd year PhD Candidate in the Brodie Lab on the Ecology and Evolution side of the UVA Bio department. I am interested in investigating the drivers of group living, using a terrestrial isopod model, Porcellio laevis. I love being able to communicate research to a broader audience through graphic design and media.

Post-doc Representative
Abbey Hayes
Dr. Abigail “Abbey” Hayes is an entomologist and postdoctoral research associate working in the Bergland Lab. Their PhD work focused on wing polyphenic development in crickets. Abbey is also passionate about teaching, outreach and DEI.

Post-doc Representative
Antoine Perrier
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