Shaylah Tuttle-Raycraft

When I started college, I had the intention of having a career in animal care, however, after several research-focused courses, my goals changed. My newfound love of research was fostered during my Bachelor’s degree, and I was excited to pursue a graduate degree when I was finished. My PhD thesis is focused on the effects of total suspended solids on the ecophysiology of freshwater mussels, with a particular interest in their distribution. My research interests also include defining habitat requirements for aquatic organisms and understanding organism responses to habitat alteration. As well as pursuing my research interests throughout my PhD, I have been fortunate to develop a passion for teaching throughout the many Graduate Teaching Assistant positions I have held. This passion led me to my current position as an instructor, and I am very excited to pass on my love of biology to the next generation of scientists!