Ben Stone, Ph.D.
Ben started as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Mississippi State University in the Fall of 2025. Previously, he was an NSF Postdoctoral Fellow (Plant Genomes Research Program) working with Dr. Carrie Wessinger at the University of South Carolina. Ben received his BS in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University, and stayed at OSU to work with Dr. Andi Wolfe for his PhD, where he studied comparative phylogeography and systematics in the shrubby Penstemons (Penstemon subgenus Dasanthera). Ben doesn't have any spare time because he has twin infants, but if he did, he would enjoy using it to play music and video games.
Sara Wuerstl
Sara completed her B.S. in Biology from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri in 2025. During this time, she was a member of Kyra Krakos' lab with Missouri Botanical Garden where she did work on Nymphaea odorata and Iris virginica. From 2022-2025, Sara was a member of the team on the USDA urban orchard project with Maryville University, Webster University, University of Missouri St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the St. Louis Zoo. Most of Sara's undergraduate research has focused on pollination studies and overall reproductive success of plant species. Her PhD work will focus on ecological, evolutionary, and genetic aspects of nectar production in Physostegia species.
Samuel Earnest
Sam completed his B.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of Idaho in 2026, and joined the lab in August 2026. Sam is co-advised with Dr. Megan Smith. His project will focus on conservation genomics in Penstemon newberryi.
Will McFarland
Bio coming soon!
Katie Hutchinson
Katie is a junior Biological Science major with a pre-vet concentration from Nashville, TN. She is interested in learning more about genetics and has a passion for both animals and plants. In her free time, she enjoys travelling.
Katelyn Moore
Katelyn is a Junior from Byhalia, MS majoring in Biological Sciences on a Pre-Dental track. She enjoys playing pickleball and eating sweet treats.
Gracie Kringen
Gracie is a sophomore from Knoxville, TN. She is majoring in Biological Sciences on a Pre-Dental track. She enjoys scrapbooking and walks with friends.