Meet The IC EcoTox Crew!

Dr. Susan Allen is the professor for the lab and Principal Investigator on various local toxicology projects. She received her PhD from Oregon State University in Toxicology, and has worked on projects in far away places such as the Arctic and the Amazon. She now spends most of her time studying pharmaceuticals and microplastics in Cayuga Lake. Susan spends her free time outdoors, and is especially fond of being on lakes or on her bike. Her sidekick is Cayo, a sweet golden retriever.  Learn more about Susan's teaching and experience here.

Grace Mattson is a senior with a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Biology. She started working in the IC EcoiTox Lab at the beginning of her sophomore year after taking an elective course with Dr. Susan Allen called The Environmental Crisis. Grace enjoys working in the lab due to the diverse experience she can get in the lab, in the field, and with community outreach. In her free time, she likes hanging out with Susan's dog Cayo.

Amelia is a third year student studying Environmental Science as a major with a minor in Biology. She originally became interested in microplastics and tire wear particles when Susan gave a talk about the Ecotox lab to one of her classes. Now Amelia is increasingly interested in ecotoxicology. In her free time, Amelia likes to spend time working out, going on hikes, or simply spending time relaxing outdoors.

Charlie Stearns is a junior majoring in both Environmental Science and Biology.  He enjoys the technical learning curves, fieldwork, and ecological aspects of the study. He hopes to document studies and ecosystems for public outreach using digital media and documentaries. Charlie enjoys hiking, camping, and photography in his free time!

Josh Kirtley is a sophomore with a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Writing. Josh joined the lab in the spring semester of their freshman year. Josh enjoys the camaraderie within the lab as well as having hands-on experience in Ecotoxicology. In their free time, they can be found reading, napping, or pestering their friends to go on hikes.

Bridget Altland is a junior with a major in Environmental Science.  She started working in the IC EcoTox Lab at the start of the spring semester of her sophomore year after she visited the lab in one of her classes, Environmental Science and Technology. Bridget enjoys working in the lab and in the field. In her free time she likes to play volleyball and spend time with friends

Sam Funk is a rising junior at Ithaca College with a major in Environmental Science. This is going to be her first semester with the IC Tox Lab team. She is excited for the lab experience and to learn more about microplastics’ effect on aquatic health and ways to combat their spread in waterways. And, of course, to spend time with Cayo and fellow lab members! In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, cooking, and being by the lake!

Julian Champlin is a junior with a major in Environmental Science and a Minor in Biology. He’s beginning in the Fall of 2024 with the EcoTox Lab after taking Critical Skills in Environmental Science with Susan but has been doing research with Dr. Anne Stork on hemp since the Fall of 2023. Julian is excited to join the lab and help with the research projects going on, and is excited to see how he fits into the team. In his free time, Julian enjoys Backcountry skiing, hiking, and going to farmers markets. Thats my Bio

Joseph Napolitano is a sophomore majoring in Biology and Environmental Science. He joined the lab because he is interested in how microplastics and PFAS impact the world around him. He also enjoys getting to do hands on research. He is also a part of the track team and enjoys reading or snowboarding when he has the chance.

Cayo can often be found lounging around in the lab, hoping that someone will scratch him behind the ears, share their lunch with him, take him for a walk, or drive him crazy with the laser pointer.