People

Dr. James “Jimmy” Bernot (Principal Investigator)

^he/him
Jimmy is an Assistant Professor of Integrative Organismal Biology of Invertebrates in the EEB Department at UConn. Prior to joining UConn, he completed an NSF postdoc fellowship on parasitic copepod evolution and spent one year each at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, the Senckenberg German Center for Marine Biodiversity Research, and the Natural History Museum, London. He completed his PhD in Genomics & Bioinformatics at George Washington University working on crustacean genomics and parasitic copepod evolution with Keith Crandall. Prior to that, he completed a MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a BS in Biology at UConn working with Janine Caira on the taxonomy, systematics, and host associations of tapeworms of triakid sharks. You can find more details on his CV. Jimmy is passionate about science outreach and engagement, you follow him on Twitter and Instagram @JimmyBernot for the latest updates. Jimmy also enjoys growing orchids, playing volleyball and racquetball, and reading sci-fi/fantasy books.

Felix Javier “Javi” Berrios Ortega (PhD student)

^he/him
Javi is a PhD student in the Bernot Lab and is interested in studying the evolution of parasitic copepods using morphological, molecular, and computational methods. He is currently working on the taxonomy and systematics of the genus Lepeophtheirus and is interested in developing new tools and keys to facilitate copepod taxonomic research and to lower barriers of entry into this field. He earned his BS in Wildlife Management from the University of Puerto Rico - Humacao and is currently an NSF Fellow. Javi is also heavily involved in efforts to make the STEM field more inclusive to scientists from underrepresented backgrounds. He was the Founding President of the SACNAS UPRH Chapter and has served on the UNIDE Student Advisory Board. Javi also founded and co-hosted a podcast aimed towards highlighting LGBTQ+ scientists. Through his work with the LGBTQ+ STEM Cast, Científico Latino, SACNAS and other mentorship initiatives, he strives to reduce barriers that have limited diversity in the sciences. Outside of the lab, you can usually find Javi playing Stardew Valley, binge-watching Drag Race, or caring for his plants. Learn more about Javi at his website and feel free to connect with him on Twitter and Instagram @felixjberrios.

Netanya Williams (Masters student)

^she/her
Netanya is a Masters student in the Bernot lab where she is studying the taxonomy of Pseudotaeniacanthus, a group of parasitic copepods of marine eels. She is working to describe new species and examine the phylogenetic relationships of the genus. Prior to joining the Bernot Lab, Netanya earned her BA in Biological Sciences at the University of Connecticut in 2023 and worked for 2 years doing research on the taxonomy and host associations of tapeworms of carcharhinid sharks and rays with Janine Caira. In the Bernot Lab, Netanya is applying her skills in microscopy, morphological methods, parasitology, and specimen curation to parasitic copepod systematics. She is also interested in scientific communication & outreach and has participated in community outreach events like Parasite Day and UConn’s Bug Week. Outside of the lab, Netanya enjoys sci-fi books/podcasts, baking, and doing arts and crafts. Feel free to contact her on twitter @NetanyaAW

Interested in joining the team?

The Bernot Lab is based in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB) at UConn. Learn more about UConn EEB.

For graduate students:

If you are interested in joining the lab, get in touch with Dr. Bernot at james.bernot@uconn.edu. In your email, it would be helpful to include:

• Background information on yourself:
  • Your preparation for graduate school (e.g., undergraduate education, research experience, etc.)
  • Your research interests
  • Why you think the Bernot Lab would be a good place for your graduate research
  • If known, some ideas for potential research projects
• A copy of your CV

You can find step-by-step application guide for the EEB graduate program and a related FAQ.

For undergrads:

Undergraduates interested in research in the lab are highly encouraged to take one of Dr. Bernot’s courses: Invertebrate Zoology (EEB 4275) and/or Introduction to Animal Parasitology (EEB 4274). It takes a while to learn techniques and complete a research project. To join the lab, undergraduates should commit to at least 9 hours/week in the lab (3+ independent study credits).