LAB MEMBERS

Lotanna Micah Nneji, PhD (He/His)
Assistant Professor
I am an interdisciplinary scientist interested in understanding the diversity, ecology, population genetics and distribution patterns of animals such as invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. My research incorporates natural (ecology, genetics and evolution), physical (climate) and social sciences to understand the African wildlife ecology and improve wildlife conservation. I am also interested in communicating science to the public through outreach programmes and storytelling.
Read More
https://profiles.howard.edu/lotanna-micah-nneji;
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=0VfYPgcAAAAJ&hl=en

Segun Olayinka Oladipo, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
I am a zoologist with interest in ecology, genetics and conservation of West and Central Africa fishes and other vertebrates. I hold a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, a master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. My research focuses on taxonomy, biodiversity science and ecological studies of wildlife using morphological and DNA-based assessment to understand how best organisms respond to varying environmental conditions.

Ikegwu Chukwudi M
PhD Student
Ikegwu Chukwudi is a PhD student in the NEGEC Lab, Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington DC. His research focuses on the elevational distribution and diversity patterns and conservation genomics of amphibians and reptiles from the Nigeria-Cameroon montane regions. He holds a Distinction in MSc in Biology (Biodiversity and Bioconservation) from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Indonesia, and a First Class Honors in BSc in Applied Biology from Ebonyi State University, Nigeria. Mr Chukwudi is dedicated to the conservation of threatened animal species, with a particular emphasis on herpetofauna. He is an active member of the British Ecological Society and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. Aside from science, he spends time on creative writing.

Olabisi Atofarati
PhD Student
Olabisi Atofarati is a PhD student in the NEGEC Lab, Department of Biology, Howard University, Washington DC. Her research focuses on understanding the diet compositions and microbiomes in the gut contents of freshwater and marine fishes from African aquatic ecosystems. She graduated from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, with a First Class Honors in BS in Zoology. She also graduated with a Distinction in MS in Environmental Biology from the University of Abuja, Nigeria. She is keen on understanding how anthropogenic activities threaten ecosystems and how climate change impacts biodiversity. Outside the lab, Ms Olabisi loves spending time with my family and cooking.

Amaya Everett
Undergraduate student
Amaya Everett is a first-year Biology major and intended Chemistry minor from St. Louis, Missouri. Actively involved in her academic journey, she is a member of the Women In Pre-Med Howard Chapter and Health Professions Society. In the spring semester of 2024, she commenced her role as an undergraduate research assistant within the Department of Biology, focusing on DNA extraction and PCR amplification. Beyond her academic pursuits, she enjoys playing golf and dedicates her time to volunteering at soup kitchens and healthcare facilities. With aspirations of attending medical school to pursue an MD upon graduation, Amaya is driven to make a difference in the field of medicine.

Kennedy Kristianna Smith
Undergraduate student
I am a junior undergraduate student from Chicago, Illinois. I am a member of the sixth cohort of the Karsh STEM Scholar Program double-majoring in biology and chemistry. My ultimate academic goal is to attend graduate school to earn my PhD and become a wildlife biologist. My passion lies in uncovering the intricacies of animal behavior and their interactions with other organisms as well as their environment. Through my research, I hope to improve human-animal interactions through education, understanding, and compassion. Additionally, research will fulfill my desire for exploration, discovery, and a life of learning.

Maame Kobe Asiamah
Undergraduate student
I am a senior undergraduate student from Hurst, Texas, by way of Bekwai, Ghana, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. In the NEGEC lab, I am keen to learn molecular laboratory tools for biodiversity studies. Upon graduation, I plan to pursue an PHD program with an interest in Microbiology. This interest arises from my participation in the lab on the DNA extractions from the microbiomes of fishes, and also my interest in biomedical research. I’m passionate in making a difference in people’s lives and helping my community. I also have passion for exploring the unknown and gaining knowledge through research. Outside academics, I enjoy volunteering at the hospital, food pantries or other community service events hosted by many school organizations, such as the HPS/MAPS Howard Chapter.

Paul Jones
Undergraduate student
Paul Jones is a senior Honors Biology major, Chemistry minor, from Saint Ann Jamaica with the intention of attending medical school upon the completion of his undergraduate degree. He is actively involved in his academic sojourn at the Howard University, being a member of the Howard University Medical Mentorship Program and the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program. Mr. Jones plans to specialize in Cardiology and Nephrology and has an interest in the field of Oncology research. He has a passion for changing lives through medical skills and research, and endeavors to feed that passion with the knowledge and experiences garnered in the NEGEC lab through informed and reproducible experimental research. Outside of his academic interests, he loves to travel to new countries and to spend time with his family.
Field Consultants/Field Assistants

Dr. Kehinde Moruf Adelakun
Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Nigeria

Mr. Kelechi Precious Ilobi
Federal Polytechnic Oko, Nigeria.

John Usongo
Benue State, Nigeria

Godswill Patrick Ekpe
Cross River, Nigeria
Lab Alumni
Janae’ Wooten (2024), Undergraduate Student
Keshawn Ross (2023 - 2024), Graduate Student
Tiffany Connor (2024), Undergraduate Student