Amelia Lindsey (she/her)

Associate Professor, Department of Entomology
Postdoc, Indiana University
PhD, University of California Riverside
BA, San José State University
alindsey [at] umn [dot] edu

I am broadly interested in transitions in reproductive biology, and the microbial symbionts that interact with reproduction. I try to understand the biology of these systems across different scales by connecting genomic and evolutionary data to molecular mechanisms and cell biology. Wolbachia in particular has grabbed my attention due to the context-dependent nature of its interaction with insects, and the seemingly endless ways it affects insect biology.

Team Wolbachia:

Laura Fricke-Nessim (she/her)

PhD Candidate, Entomology
USDA NIFA Predoctoral Fellow
UMN DOVE Fellow and Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellow
BS, Augsburg University, summa cum laude

Laura graduated from Augsburg University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in studio art. She is interested in comparative genomics as well as evolutionary developmental biology. Outside of the lab she may be found watercolor painting the natural world.

Michael Gelaw (he/him)

Researcher
BS, St. Cloud State University, summa cum laude

Michael graduated from St. Cloud State in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He is interested in foundational cell biology, molecular biology, and epigenetics. Outside of the lab Michael enjoys learning languages and watching documentaries.

Joshua Jones (he/him)

Postdoctoral Researcher
PhD, Indiana University – Bloomington
BS, University of Missouri – Columbia

Josh graduated in 2025 with a PhD in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior. His dissertation focused on the ways in which dung beetles may rely on their inherited microbial communities to deal with their difficult diets across their complex life cycle. To further explore his interests in host-microbe interactions, he is studying Wolbachia genome evolution. Beyond research, Josh enjoys cultivating plants, playing video games, and trying new foods.

Megan Jones (she/her)

PhD Candidate, Entomology
Entomology Excellence and Sping Ying-ngoh Lin Fellow
BS, Iowa State University, magna cum laude

Megan graduated from Iowa State University in 2020 with a BS in microbiology. Megan’s research interests include Wolbachia genetics, gene regulation, and interaction with host insects. She is also interested in fluorescent imaging and microscopy. Her activities outside of the lab include nature photography, jewelry making, mountain biking, and tending to her tropical vivariums.

JOSÉ VÁSQUEZ (he/him)

PhD Student, Ecology Evolution and Behavior
BS, University of Houston

José graduated from the University of Houston in 2021 with a B.S. in Biology and a double minor in Chemistry and Mathematics. His research interests include sexual selection, animal behavior, and comparative genomics. Outside of the lab, he enjoys hiking in Minnesota’s many parks, trying new delicious food, and reading fiction and poetry.

Matt Villalta (he/him)

PhD Student, Entomology
BS, DePaul University, summa cum laude

Matt graduated from DePaul University in 2024 with a BS in biology. His interests include comparative genomics, bioinformatics, and neat bugs. Matt enjoys cross country skiing, ultimate frisbee, tabletop games and miniature painting, and he has a french bulldog named Walter.

Anna Worden (she/her)

Undergraduate Student Researcher
BS Student in Plant Science, Minor in Insect Science
Supported by RISE

Anna is a current undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota, obtaining a BS in Plant Science and a minor in Insect Science. She is interested in microbial ecology, developmental biology, and biological controls. Outside of the lab, she enjoys art, hiking, insect keeping, and caring for her plants.

Koch Lab Co-advisees:

Drs. Amelia Lindsey and Bob Koch have several projects together that focus on bringing functional genomics to soybean insects. Dr. Lindsey’s contributions are primarily related to molecular screening, genetics and genomics, and parasitoid biology, and mentees integrate these approaches into their more applied projects carried out with the Koch Lab.

Sarah von Gries (née Lisak; she/her)

PhD Student, Entomology (Co-advised with Dr. Bob Koch)
BA, Augustana College, magna cum laude

Sarah graduated Augustana College in 2020 with a BA in Biology and Environmental Studies and a minor in Music. She is interested in insect interactions in food systems. Her research is focused on beginning implementation of biological control for soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima), a new pest of soybean. Sarah is performing molecular assays to quantify and assess predation and parasitism on soybean gall midge. Outside of the lab, she enjoys playing her flute, cooking, gardening and exploring the great outdoors.

Regina Stacke (she/her)

Technician (Joint with Dr. Bob Koch)
MS, Federal University of Santa Maria
BA, Federal University of Santa Maria

Regina is an international scholar from Brazil. She graduated from the Federal University of Santa Maria in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and in 2021 with a master’s degree in Agronomy (Plant Production). She is interested in integrated pest management (IPM), mainly in the biological control of pest populations in crops. Outside the lab, she enjoys watching TV shows, spending time with friends in Brazilian barbecues and reading books.

Alumni: