Our Team
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment where learning, collaboration, and scientific innovation thrive. Are you a prospective undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral researcher who is interested in joining our team? Send an email with your resume/CV and a letter of interest to [email protected].
Dr. Brenna Levine (she/her) principal investigator Dr. Levine earned her B.S in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University and her Master's and Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Arkansas. She then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in urban evolution and entomology at The University of Tulsa. Dr. Levine is currently an Assistant Professor of Biology at Kean University. Brenna specializes in reproductive and invasive species ecology. |
Nicolas Largotta LEAD UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT Nicolas Largotta is a senior undergraduate student at Kean University majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Nick joined the Levine Lab in January 2023 and is leading the lab work of our spotted lanternfly evolution project. Nick will join the Levine Lab as a Graduate Research Assistant in Fall 2024. |
Luke Frankenfield graduate research assistant Luke Frankenfield joined the Levine Lab in September 2023 as a graduate research assistant as he pursues a Master's in Biotechnology at Kean University. When he graduates, Luke is interested in working in laboratory research and development. Luke is primarily working on our NSF-funded spotted lanternfly evolution project. |
Ayush Patel Undergraduate research assistant Ayush Patel joined the Levine lab in October 2023. He is a junior who is majoring in Biology Health Professions. Ayush is trilingual, works as a peer tutor for Kean's Biology department, and is working towards becoming a Physicians Assistant. In the Levine Lab, he is leading our work on studying spotted lanternfly mating dynamics. |
Alyssa Moffitt Undergraduate research assistant Alyssa Moffitt is a junior undergraduate student at Kean University majoring in Biology Health Professions. Alyssa joined the Levine Lab in January 2022. Her other research experience includes a publication in a scientific journal on the anti-tumor effects of cannabinoids on cancer. With experience as an emergency medical technician and dental assistant, she plans to continue giving back in a healthcare career. Alyssa is leading our work on spotted lanternfly morphology. |
Renato Mendez undergraduate research assistant Renato Mendez is a Junior undergraduate student at Kean university majoring in Environmental Science. He joined the Levine Lab in Spring 2024. Renato is working on our spotted lanternfly morphology project, and is our point-person for all geospatial information systems (GIS) work. Upon graduation Renato aspires to have a career in environmental and/or wildlife conservation. |
Former Levine Lab Members:
Irene Owusu-Ansah - Project: Spotted lanternfly mating ecology
Sneha Patil (2021 - 2022) - Project: Spotted lanternfly body size in rural and urban environments
Lloyd Crawford (2021 - 2022) - Spotted lanternfly urban and rural field biology
Tamara Rivera (2021 - 2022) - Spotted lanternfly urban and rural field biology
Claudia Gonzalez (2021 - 2022) - Spotted lanternfly urban and rural field biology
Irene Owusu-Ansah - Project: Spotted lanternfly mating ecology
Sneha Patil (2021 - 2022) - Project: Spotted lanternfly body size in rural and urban environments
Lloyd Crawford (2021 - 2022) - Spotted lanternfly urban and rural field biology
Tamara Rivera (2021 - 2022) - Spotted lanternfly urban and rural field biology
Claudia Gonzalez (2021 - 2022) - Spotted lanternfly urban and rural field biology