Valeria Hernandez Talavera

Valeria joined the Poynton Lab in Fall 2020 and is a currently a fifth year Environmental Science PhD student. Her current research is in environmental risk assessments, specifically community-driven assessment of environmental concerns and health risks in Vieques, Puerto Rico through community participatory research. Her research focuses on linking 60 years of military exercises in Vieques to health threats for the residents on the island from exposed ecosystems. Valeria was born and raised on the west side of Puerto Rico (P.R); and spends her time at the beach, reading good books, and playing with her dogs.

Irina Polunia-Proulx

I joined the Poynton Lab in Fall 2020 and I am a fifth year Marine Science and Technology PhD Candidate. I received her B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science, and a minor in Chemistry from University of Massachusetts Amherst. My current research is in developmental toxicology, specifically developing an embryo toxicity assay using the freshwater invertebrate H. azteca, titled the Crustacean Embryo Toxicity (CET) Assay. I am using the developed assay to test different teratogens and environmentally-relevant samples, such as air pollution. Testing these samples will show the impact of chemical pollution on morphology, gene expression, and neurobehavioral endpoints.

Alyssa Goncalves

I joined the Poynton Lab in 2023 and I am currently a third year Marine Science and Technology PhD Candidate. I received my B.S. in Marine Environmental Science with a minor in Marine Biology from the State University of New York at Maritime College. My current research is in understanding stressors that affect coastal organisms as well as underrepresented communities.

Tyler Kulak

Tyler Kulak joined the lab in 2024 and is a masters student with an expertise in arachnological and entomological identification.