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 Tilsen is a University of Minnesota Water Resources Science master's student. Her graduate research leverages training in aquatic biology, modeling, and laboratory-based experiments to explore questions involving aquatic invasive species and human dimensions through data-driven, stakeholder-engaged research. Her undergraduate degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior provides a strong background in ecosystem dynamics, statistical and mathematical techniques, and a passion for freshwater health and creative approaches to address today’s challenges. She currently serves as co-president of the WRS graduate student group, and values fostering community on campus. As a graduate student, she is a Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) Graduate Fellow. She was awarded Best Student Presentation at the 2024 American Fisheries Society Minnesota Chapter Meeting, and the people’s choice Best Communicates Science for her submission to the Art as a Voice for Science art show during the 2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference.

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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