Team Bio

A cadaver is far from dead when viewed as an ecosystem for living bacteria, insects, and fungi, many of which are obligate and documented only in such a context. We view decomposition as a mosaic system; an intimate association between biotic factors (i.e., the cadaver, intrinsic and extrinsic bacteria and other microbes, and insects) and abiotic factors (i.e., weather, climate, and humidity). Our goal is to understand this interaction in an effort to better help develop models for forensics.

Sibyl Rae Bucheli

As a researcher of entomology, I am particularly interested in systematics of our disappearing planetary biodiversity -- those invertebrate lineages which are numerically the greatest yet remain the least well-understood to science. Systematic studies naturally lend themselves to studies of behavioral and ecological evolution, and are, I believe, the very backbone necessary for such work. My research is multidimensional but united in the commonality of the study of basic biodiversity and evolutionary research. In particular, I am fascinated by the evolution of insect-food preference.

I committed to teaching the scientific method and demonstrating to my students the power they posses through understanding and employing it. In our rapidly changing world, I believe that it is crucial for students to be immersed in nature to gain an appreciation for it. I think that studies of entomology are vital in an undergraduate curriculum because of the profound influence insects have in our daily lives. I feel that the best way for me to teach entomology is to show students that they are a part of nature, not separated from it. I take my students outside for field trips as often as I can. I think entomology is an excellent way to teach students about nature. Insects are ubiquitous. They exhibit behaviors as complicated as a mammal’s. They are present at all times of the year, one just needs to know where to find them. In a half hour tour of my favorite places on campus, we encounter all varieties of insect life, conducting business as though they were in the middle of an untouched forest, from leaf-cutter bees nesting in the ground next to the library to whirly-gig beetles hunting on the surface of a pond. To be a good teacher, I believe I must be willing to learn along with my students. Nature is dynamic and is as much a learning experience for me as it is for my class. I am as excited as my students when we discover something new; perhaps sometimes more so.

Aaron Lynne

I'm a microbiologist by training and am fascinated by bacteria. Currently, my primary area of research is how bacteria can be useful in forensic science. Working with numerous collaborators, we have begun investigating the bacteria associated with stages of human decomposition to determine if these microorganisms can be useful in determining the post-mortem interval.

Historically, my research has focused on understanding the distribution of enteric pathogens (mainly E. coli and Salmonella) and their virulence and antimicrobial resistance factors. I am primarily interested in plasmid mediated antimicrobial resistance and virulence of these bacteria. Areas of interest include characterization of resistance phenotypes and genotypes in Salmonella isolates from human and animal sources, sequencing large plasmids to study their evolution, and determining the prevalence and distribution of these plasmids among Salmonella.

Just as my advisor exposed me to research and started me on my career, I feel it is my job to train the next generation of biologists and believe the best way to learn about biology is to actually do biology. I integrate undergraduate and graduate students into all aspects of my research projects, from data collection to publication. Students typically attend national meetings, give oral and poster presentations, author publications in peer-reviewed journals, co-author book chapters, and participate in local and branch societies. I am always very proud of all my students when the graduate and either continue their education or enter the workforce as a young biologist.

James R. Willett

I am an undergraduate student at SHSU, and currently pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in criminal justice. I have been doing research with Dr. Bucheli and Dr. Lynne for about 5 years

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a scientist, but I became interested in this research when I first met Dr. Bucheli and her graduate students during my freshman year. There I learned more about the important role insects play in forensic investigations, and became especially interested in coffin flies (Diptera: Phoridae).

My favorite thing about this project is that it will allow us to test how the microecosystem of decomposition is affected by enclosure, and what, if any, differences exist between enclosed and exposed dipteran succession. My future goals are to continue researching different forensically significant flies, and to further our understanding of the part that the smaller, often overlooked fly species have on human decomposition.

Jacquelyn Vasquez

I am an undergraduate student at SHSU. I have been doing research with Dr. Bucheli and Dr. Lynne for two years. My majors are Forensic Chemistry and Criminal Justice with a minor in Biology. I became interested in this research when I was taking a forensic anthropology class at STAFS. After going out to the facility a few times, I began to develop an interest in how microbiology and entomology were being used to find an estimated time of death. My favorite thing about this project is collecting the data at the facility. I also enjoy working with the data once it is sequenced. My future goals are to work as a forensic microbiologist for either the FBI or CIA. I like being a part of a team and working with different individuals in a research setting. This will further my growth in the research field and I will be able to apply the knowledge I have gained in the work field.