Camille R. Walsh-Antzak
PhD student in Integrative Biology and Ecology, Evolution, & Behavior
Michigan State University // W.K. Kellogg Biological Station
About me
Hello! My name is Camille (she/her) and I am a 1st year PhD student in Dr. Alisha Shah's lab where I am researching the effect of heat and drought on species interactions within plant-insect communities.I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. I got my AS in general studies from Brightpoint Community College, and I graduated with my BS in biology from the University of Richmond in 2024. I started my PhD in Integrative Biology and Ecology, Evolution & Behavior at Michigan State University in August 2024.Alongside my research, I am passionate about scientific outreach and fostering inclusive spaces in biology education with a focus on supporting LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. I also enjoy art, and have worked on numerous scientific illustration projects!Outside of research, I enjoy playing video games with my friends, weightlifting, watching cartoons, and hiking with my pup Finn!
Research
PhD research (2024-present):
My dissertation will broadly examine the effects of heat and drought on tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima) and its interacting species, the goldenrod gall fly (Eurosta solidaginis) and its specialized parasitoid (Eurytoma gigantea). I have three primary research questions:
1) How does early spring warming and drought impact gall formation and physiology in S. altissima?
2) How do climate-mediated changes in the plant experienced in the spring impact the overwintering survival of E. solidaginis?
3) How do changes in gall or prey traits influence the strength and direction of stabilizing selection imposed by parasitoids and avian predators on E. solidaginis?
To answer these questions, I will simulate a period of heat and drought using open-top chambers and rainout shelters in the early spring when E. solidaginis induce gall formation in S. altissima to examine potential bottom-up effects throughout the season.
Undergraduate research (2023-2024)
During my time at the University of Richmond, I worked in the Erickson lab where I researched the effects of parasitoids on the competition dynamics of an invasive drosophilid species.
Read about my undergraduate research experience here!
Publications
Published
2. Gray, WJ, Rakes, LR, Cole, C, Gunter, A, He, G, Morgan, S, Walsh-Antzak, CR, Yates, JA, and PA Erickson. Rapid wing size evolution in African fig flies (Zaprionus indianus) following temperate colonization. Evolution (2025). https://doi-org.proxy1.cl.msu.edu/10.1093/evolut/qpaf102
1. Walsh-Antzak, CR, Erickson, PA. Strength of enemy release from parasitoids is context-dependent in the invasive African Fig Fly, Zaprionus indianus. Ecology & Evolution (2025). 10.1002/ece3.70754ft
Outreach, Education, and SCIART
I am committed to making biology education accessible and inclusive for all communities! I have volunteered with various programs and organizations to share my love for science with the general public and youth. I believe in strengthening interdisciplinarity in science communication and love to use human-made art as a tool for sharing science with others.
I am also interested in advancing biology higher-education with a focus on undergraduate students. I plan on developing, adapting, and promoting non-traditional curriciulums (e.g., flipped-learning, self-regulated learning, evidence based grading, etc) to not only create a more accessible environment, but to also foster self-agency and empower students to grow as independent researchers.
Contact me!
Feel free to reach out to me if you want to discuss research, outreach, navigating academia, or other related topics! :-)
[email protected]
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