People

Lab Members

Bradley B. Tolar, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Biology & Marine Biology

Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Georgia
B.Sc., Microbiology, Louisiana State University

Dr. Tolar (he/him) is a microbiologist trained in oceanography who is interested in how microorganisms interact with and adapt to changes in their environment, whether seasonal or sudden. His research focuses on nitrogen-cycling and other archaea in coastal systems, the open ocean, and floodplains. Outside the lab, you can find him exploring a trail, checking out the local farmer’s market, or reading a book on the beach.

For more information about Bradley, check here.

Melanie Cohn

Postdoctoral Researcher
cohnm -at- uncw.edu

Ph.D., Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
B.Sc., Chemistry and Environmental Science, Heidelberg University

Mel’s (she/her) research includes microbial metabolism, microbial ecology, and the impact of these tiny organisms on biogeochemical cycles. She is a postdoctoral researcher on the TEAL-SHIPS project where she will synthesize the microbial component with many other aspects to characterize the marine environment between NC’s coast to the Gulf Stream.

Parker Lawrence

Ph.D. Student – Integrative, Comparative, & Marine Biology

B.Sc., Biochemistry, Louisiana State University

Parker (he/they) is currently working along the North Carolina coast, investigating seasoning archaeal population dynamics.

Grace Kennedy

Ph.D. Student – Integrative, Comparative, & Marine Biology

M.Sc. Marine Biology ’24
B.Sc., Biology, George Mason University

Grace (she/her) is interested in studying marine microbes involved in nutrient cycling. Her upcoming research will focus on archaeal symbionts present in the microbiome of other marine organisms. Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending time with her rabbit, reading, and being in the sunny outdoors. 

Céilidh Christie

M.Sc. Student – Marine Biology (co-advised by Dr. Lori Sutter, Wetland Ecology Lab, UNCW)

B.Sc., Biology, Indiana University Bloomington

Céilidh (she/her) is fascinated with how marine microbial communities are affected by climate change. She is excited to pursue a research project on microbial contributions to methane emissions across a wetland salinity gradient within the Cape Fear River. Outside of the lab, she loves to dance, bake sweet treats, and spend time by the ocean! 

Samantha “Sam” Zullo

M.Sc. Student – Marine Biology (co-advised by Dr. Lori Sutter, Wetland Ecology Lab, UNCW)

B.Sc., Biology, University of Dayton

Sam’s (she/her) focus inside the lab is on evaluating the restoration success of depressional wetlands that were mined for heavy metals (titanium), including changes in microbial communities. Her interests outside of the lab include reading, listening to music, and running. Her

Lauren Allie Sells

M.Sc. Student – Biology

Undergraduate Honors Student (2022-2025)
Thesis: “Comparative Analysis of the Activity and Ultrastructures of Diverse Archaeal Cultures using Electron Microscopy”
B.Sc., Marine Biology ’25, UNCW

Allie (she/her) is a marine biology student graduating in 2025. She is interested in pursuing a career in environmental ecology. Allie’s honors project explores the integration of advanced microscopy and imaging techniques to characterize diverse archaeal cultures from marine environments. Some of her hobbies are making music, and playing with a microscope.

  • Clementina Astorga, B.Sc. Biology (expected Spring 2026)
  • Christina James, B.Sc. Marine Biology (expected Spring 2026)
  • Oliver Deller, B.Sc. Marine Biology (expected Spring 2028)

Coming soon!

Future lab member

Coming soon!

Future lab member

Previous Lab Members

Mazzy Morrison

Undergraduate Honors Student (2023-2025)
Thesis: “Seasonal Variation in Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea (AOA) Distribution around Topsail Island, NC”
B.Sc., Marine Biology ’25, with Minors in History, Oceanography, and Geospatial Technologies

Mazzy is continuing her education at UNCW in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences starting her Master’s degree in Fall 2025! She is interested in all things that have to do with the ocean and marine ecosystems.

Amaya Pitts

Undergraduate Student (2024)
B.Sc. Biology ’24

Amaya is working toward veterinary school and a career with animals, after gaining extensive practice working with marine animals and learning molecular techniques during her directed independent study.

Anthony Woodruff

Undergraduate Honors Student (2022-2023)
Thesis: “Thaumarchaeota in the Cape Fear River and Greater Wilmington Area Tidal Creeks: A Spatial Analysis and Chemical Preservation Experiment”
B.Sc., Environmental Science (Biology Concentration) ’23

After graduation, Anthony plans to pursue medical school and/or medical research, using his molecular experiences from his honors thesis.

Grayson Hirtz

Undergraduate Student (2022-2023)
B.Sc., Marine Biology ’23

Grayson plans to pursue graduate school for Marine Biology and work in marine research after graduating.

  • Jamie Montalban Petatan, B.Sc., Marine Biology ’25 – Directed Independent Study (2024-2025)
  • Duncan Wall, B.Sc., Biology ’25 – Directed Independent Study (2025)
  • Alex Nice, B.Sc., Biology (expected Fall 2025) – Directed Independent Study (2025)
  • Julia Grzeskiewicz, B.Sc., Biology ’24 – Directed Independent Study (2024)
  • Jacob McLellan, B.Sc., Marine Biology – Research Assistant (2023)
  • Abby Smith, Louisiana Tech University – Summer REU Student (2023)