Jennifer Funk - Principal Investigator

Jennifer received her B.A. from University of California, Berkeley and PhD from Stony Brook University (with Manuel Lerdau). She did her postdoctoral work at Stanford University (with Peter Vitousek), and joined Chapman in 2007. Jen's research interests include plant ecophysiology, invasion biology and restoration ecology. You can contact her at jlfunk at chapman dot edu.

Lori Glenwinkel - Research Technician

Lori received her BS in Molecular and Cell Biology from CSULB in 2008 with a minor in Chemistry. She is developing methods to examine inter-specific differences in leaf nitrogen biochemistry to better understand the mechanisms of invasive species success. She is interested in evolutionary and developmental biology research including genetic and biochemical analysis of plants. Lori enjoys programming, riding her bicycle, and playing the piano in her free time. You can contact her at glenwink at chapman dot edu.

Kim Cyphers - Undergraduate Researcher

Kim is a Biology major, GLBT Studies minor at Chapman University (Class of 2010). She is studying how litter chemistry influences decomposition. Aside from research, Kim serves as Co-VP of Finance for Chapman's Queer Straight Alliance. In the spring of 2009, she spent a semester studying at the Stellenbosch University in South Africa. After graduation Kim plans on attending graduate school to continue studies in environmental education and sociology. Kim enjoys spending her free time reading, hanging out with her friends, visiting Disneyland, and watching reruns of CSI.

Brittany Hickok - Undergraduate Researcher

Brittany is a Biology major, Chemistry minor at Chapman University (Class of 2010). She is studying how species differences in biochemistry contribute to biological invasion. After graduating from Chapman University, Brittany plans on attending veterinary school to fulfill her goal of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Brittany likes spending her free time doing yoga, reading, and spending time with her friends.

Savannah Lane - Undergraduate Researcher

Savannah is a Biology major at Chapman University (Class of 2010). She is studying the biochemical mechanisms associated with nitrogen resorption from leaves. After graduating from Chapman University, Savannah plans to... Savannah likes spending her free time...

Franklin Parmar - Undergraduate Researcher

Franklin is a Biology major, Religious Studies minor at Chapman University (Class of 2010). He is studying how litter chemistry influences decomposition. Aside from research, Franklin is President of the Newman Catholic Fellowship and is a Representative on Chapman’s Interfaith Council. After graduation, Franklin plans to obtain a teaching credential and also attend graduate school to further his studies in biology and religion. Franklin loves to travel and experience different peoples and cultures. In his free time he likes to read, write and spend time with friends.

Cynthia Neben - Undergraduate Researcher

Cynthia Neben is a biological sciences major, history minor at Chapman University (Class of 2010). She is developing biochemical assays to elucidate how species differ in leaf alkaloid content. Aside from research, Cynthia serves on the executive board of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and is a member of Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society. After graduation she plans on attending graduate school to continue studies in biology and education. Cynthia likes to spend her free time running, reading, singing, and simply being with her family and friends.