


Jen Moss, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
(she/her/hers)
Jen is a biologist with keen interests in animal behavior, evolutionary biology, population genetics, herpetology, neurobiology, molecular ecology, natural history, thermal physiology, quantitative genetics, and global change biology. Originally from Maryland, she has studied biology in Brazil (gap year), Mississippi (Ph.D.), the Cayman Islands (also Ph.D.), Tasmania (postdoc), Georgia (postdoc), and Illinois (postdoc). She is excited to return to her East Coast/Appalachian mountains roots as an Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech. Outside the lab, Jen enjoys porch sitting, walks in the woods, running, baking, and embracing life's chaos with her kiddo and two lovable mutts. ​

Kevin Moore
Lab Manager
(he/him/his)
Kevin is the manager and research associate for the Moss Lab. A jack-of-all-trades, Kevin is our resident expert on animal husbandry, laboratory protocols, instrumentation, organization, safety, and snacks. Outside the lab, Kevin is a talented cook who enjoys musicals, history podcasts, and travel.


Rowan Ward
PhD Student and NSF GRFP Recipient
(they/them/theirs)
Rowan is a Ph.D. student in the Moss Lab. Originally from Kentucky, they received their B.S. in Biology from the University of Louisville. They are fascinated with animal behavior (especially mating behavior), sexual selection, and global change ecology. They are excited to utilize local Appalachian salamander species to explore their research interests. In their free time, Rowan enjoys crafty hobbies like 3d printing and sewing.
Dylan Bryant
MS Student
(he/him/hers)
Dylan is an MS student in the Moss Lab.


Bella Badon
NSF RaMP Post-Bacc Researcher
(she/her/hers)
Bella is a biologist with interest in herpetology and ecology. Originally from Tennessee she graduated from Presbyterian College with a bachelors in biology. She is looking to further her education with graduate school, but first is joining the Moss lab for a one year research opportunity. Outside of the lab she enjoys the outdoors such as hiking, rock climbing, and caving. But most of her free time is spent sitting outside with her Pug Mops.

Brittany Winter
Research Technician
(she/her/hers)
Brittany is a research technician for the Moss Lab. She received her bachelors of biology from Alma College in Michigan before coming to Blacksburg, Virginia to find research experience. Within the lab, Brittany’s duties include animal husbandry, engaging in experiments with the other lab members, and immersing herself within the biological field to explore her interests, which include evolution, animal behavior, and anthropology. In her free time, Brittany enjoys crocheting, baking, and watching horror movies!

Natalie Nazemie
Undergraduate Researcher
(she/her/hers)
Natalie is a second year undergraduate Biological Sciences student who has a strong passion for animal behavioral patterns. She is aiming to explore and expand on evolutionary research as well as advocate for greater undergraduate involvement in hands-on projects. Natalie has experience in collaborating within a team setting, lab techniques, and leadership. Growing up in Northern Virginia, Natalie enjoys spending her time outdoors and is greatly looking forward to exploring Appalachia and all the organismal knowledge it has to offer.

Rheanna Young
Undergraduate Researcher
(she/her/hers)
Rheanna is a senior undergraduate researcher for the Moss Lab. She is working towards her bachelors of Biology from Virginia Tech, along with an Entomology minor. She is looking to further her experience within the field of research before going to veterinary school. Outside of the lab, she enjoys knitting, taking care of her animals, and spending time in nature.
