People

Lauren is an evolutionary biologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of BioSciences at Rice University. She uses genomic tools to study how divergence, hybridization, and adaptation shapes genetic and phenotypic variation in animals. Her work often integrates large genomic datasets with ecological and phenotypic data investigate phylogenetic relationships among species, genomic diversity, and adaptation across the genome using modern and historical samples. She completed a B.S. at University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Ph.D at University of California, Davis. She is also interested in the application of genomic tools to conservation management and decision making.

Gabe is a Ph.D. student in the EEB program at Rice University who studying the evolutionary history of the dhole (Cuon alpinus), an endangered canid native to south and southeast Asia. He will use ancient DNA from museum specimens and fossils to study changes in the dhole’s genetic structure, level of genetic diversity, and population size across time and space. He completed his B.S. at Louisiana State University. He is passionate about natural history collections, endangered species conservation, and working with international collaborators.

Gabe Monahan, Ph.D Student

Annamika is an undergraduate student at Rice University studying Biosciences and Anthropology. She joined the Hennelly Lab in spring 2026, and is interested in how we can use genomic tools to learn about the evolutionary history of canids and to inform conservation for endangered species. This semester, she looks forward to opportunities to practice science communication and gain first-hand experience with wildlife research.