People

Amy Kinsley, DVM, PhD

Principal Investigator

Amy Kinsley, DVM, PhD, is an assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, research fellow with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, and associate with the Institute on the Environment. Dr. Kinsley and her research team use network modeling, disease modeling, fieldwork, and optimization techniques to understand how aquatic invasive species and infectious diseases spread in aquatic environments and design effective and efficient prevention and mitigation strategies. With a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Kinsley leads research projects that integrate disciplines such as epidemiology, ecology, social sciences, civil engineering, and computer science, while incorporating substantial stakeholder and community engagement to advance aquatic ecosystem health.

Before becoming faculty, Dr. Kinsley spent a year as a Research Associate for the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, working to mitigate infectious diseases in marine aquaculture. She completed her DVM and PhD at the University of Minnesota, supported by the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD) Career Development Fellowship (2014-2018). Prior to her veterinary education, she completed a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida and worked on land development projects off the coast of Florida.

Molly Tilsen

Masters Student, Graduate Research Assistant

Molly is a Master's student in Water Resources Science and a MAISRC Graduate Fellow at the University of Minnesota. With a multidisciplinary background in ecology, evolution, behavior, and water resources, she addresses anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecology. Molly combines her organizational skills with scientific training to develop innovative solutions for mitigating human-induced harm to water resources.

As a graduate student, Molly actively contributes to cutting-edge research initiatives aimed at tackling the pressing challenges of aquatic invasive species. She embraces the opportunity to bridge the gap between science and society by effectively communicating scientific findings in accessible and engaging ways. Molly's dedication to creating meaningful connections between researchers, policymakers, and the general public enables her to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions and take active steps toward safeguarding our precious aquatic ecosystems.

Galia Modabbernia, DVM, PhD

Researcher

Galia holds a DVM and a PhD in Parasitology from the University of Tehran. Now based at the University of Minnesota, her research focuses on the dynamics of infectious diseases, including in amphibian populations. She applies modeling techniques to predict disease distribution and assess risks, aiming to develop effective disease monitoring and control strategies. Her work combines veterinary expertise and ecological knowledge to support conservation and disease prevention efforts.

Jared Langer

Masters Student, Graduate Research Assistant

Jared is a Master’s student in Conservation Sciences at the University of Minnesota and a Graduate Fellow at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center. His research focuses on developing innovative strategies to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Minnesota. His current project uses motion-activated trail cameras to monitor watercraft traffic at public boat launches, aiming to better understand boater behavior and peak visitation patterns to inform AIS prevention efforts.

Jared brings a strong background in aquatic ecology and environmental resource management, with prior experience as an Environmental Resource Specialist for Ramsey County, Minnesota, and as an Invasive Species Project Manager at PLM Lake & Land Management. He holds dual B.S. degrees in Environmental Studies and Aquatic Biology from Bemidji State University, with a minor in Wetland Ecology.

Outside of research, Jared serves on multiple advisory committees, including the MN DNR’s Statewide AIS Advisory Committee, and is actively involved in local watershed and lake advocacy initiatives.

Emily Banks

DVM Student, Research Assistant

Emily Banks is a DVM student in the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2027. She has a BS in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Emily is passionate about wildlife conservation and exploring concepts in disease and population medicine. Emily looks forward to continuing her fascination with wildlife research working with Chytrid fungi: Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal).

Momo ZumBahlen

Undergraduate Lab Assistant

Momo is an undergraduate student studying Biology, with minors in Statistics and Chemistry. She is interested in quantitative methods of studying the spread of aquatic invasive species and wildlife diseases, and is currently working on our amphibian surveillance project.

Lab Alumni

Alex Bajcz

Alex Bajcz, PhD is currently a Quantitative Ecologist with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Resarch Center (MAISRC).

Aidan Neher

PhD Student

Aidan Neher is a PhD student in the Bistatistics program in School of Public Health.

Sydney Johnson

DVM/MPH Student, Student Researcher

Sydney will be a resident at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, California.

Whitney Smith

DVM/MPH Student and DVM Summer Scholar Student (2022, 2023)

Whitney is excited to start her Veterinary Intership at Angell West in Waltham, MA .

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