Eric Riddell, Principal Investigator (eriddell@iastate.edu)
My name is Eric, and I am joining the faculty of the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology at Iowa State University. After college, I  abandoned my ambition of becoming a dentist and moved to the Galapagos Islands. I spent several months working at hotels and teaching English, but then I got an opportunity to work on a deserted island studying a colony of Nazca boobies. In graduate school, I dove headfirst into the field of environmental and ecological physiology, and I haven't looked back. I love what I do, and I also love spending time with my family, friends, and fishing.
Kevin Cortes, PhD Student
I joined the Ecophysiology lab after completing my Masters at North Dakota State University, where I studied the migratory ecology and functional morphology of temperate bat species in the Great Plains. I consider myself a field biologist who is strongly motivated by conservation, but with a passion for investigating broad ecological and evolutionary questions through field work, experimentation, and lab work. In the Ecophysiology lab, I will be working on bird physiology. More specifically, my research interests are focused on understanding the evolution and physiological ecology of organisms, with emphasis on comparative physiology and the underlying mechanisms in a constantly changing world environment.
Colton Poore, Master's Student
I’m coming to Iowa State and the Ecophysiology lab after finishing my undergrad at Cornell University, where I studied plant fossils from Argentina and medieval literature. A transformative field work experience and an inspiring mentor motivated me to pursue graduate school in ecology and evolutionary biology, and to continue learning new things about the world. My project will investigate bumble bee physiology, and I am excited to work with living (non-fossilized) organisms. In my spare time, you can find me reading novels, exploring the outdoors with my friends, and caring for my growing legion of houseplants. ​
Paige Hollenberg, Undergraduate Researcher
I decided to join the Ecophysiology lab the beginning of my sophomore year, as I was very intrigued by the approach the lab took when tackling global climate change. As an Animal Ecology major student with a minor in Entomology, the lab seemed both relevant to my interests and excitedly new as well. In this lab, I am aiming to learn how to conduct my own research on the physiology of salamanders. I plan on working with Plethodontid salamanders this semester while creating my own experiment as well! In my spare time, I like to spend time with family, play video games, write stories, and play trombone. 
Alejandro Medina-Valencia, Undergraduate Researcher
​I am originally from Waterloo, Iowa but have also lived in Mexico for a couple years of my life giving me wonderful experiences in different ecosystems. I come to the Ecophysiology Lab to help work with thermoregulation in bumble bees and develop my own project in the near future. I am looking forward to pursuing graduate school after my bachelors in Biology in the field of Conservation Biology or Marine Biology. I personally enjoy taking the time to go out on walks in local parks as well as play board games with anyone who wishes to learn.