People
David Ensminger, Assistant Professor
I am a broadly trained biologist and my interests are in how challenges in the environment can alter the traits, phenotypes, and behaviors of organisms across vertebrate taxa. My goal is to help students to think critically and creatively about the natural phenomena occurring around them, the impacts that challenges and organisms have on each-other, and to facilitate students' growth as they acquire the tools needed to support themselves both in the lab and outside the lab.
2019 Ph.D. Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Pennsylvania State University-State College, PA 2014 M.S. Biology, Sonoma State University-Rohnert Park, CA 2012 B.S. Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz-Santa Cruz, CA |
Lab Members
Amber Singh
[email protected] I am a master’s student and herpetologist working on a degree in Ecology and Evolution here at SJSU. I moved here from Gainesville FL, where I earned a double B.S. degree in Zoology, and Anthropology, with a minor in 3D Studio Art. My research interests mainly focus on the behavior and ecology of lizards, though all other reptiles and amphibians hold a special place in my heart. My goal is to be a mentor to students and facilitate their growth in and out of the classroom. I firmly believe in making herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians, accessible to everyone. Outside of research, my hobbies include knitting, hiking, and watching videos with my cats. |
Tess McIntyre (she/her)
[email protected] I graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in environmental management and wildlife biology in 2023, and I'm now working towards my master's in physiology here at SJSU! I love studying the physiology ecology of reptiles, and I also have experience with elephant seals and desert mammals. My main research goal is to learn how changing environments impact species' survivability. Outside of school I enjoy needlecrafts, coffee shops, and going to the beach! |
Joseph Nguyen
B.S. Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration; Minor in Biological Sciences Expected Graduation: Fall 2023 [email protected] I am a pre-dental student, but I enjoy exploring and learning about new things outside of my comfort zone; thus, participating in a research lab is a good starting point. I look forward to working and communicating with my lab team collaboratively and cooperatively. Aside from school and lab related work, I enjoy getting boba and hanging out with my friends. My favorite boba drink is matcha with soy milk. |
Jasmeen Kaur Biological Science major I am majoring in Biological Science. Physiology, cancer biology, and neurology are among my scientific interests. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I intend to get a master's degree and work in the healthcare field. My major goal is to make a difference in healthcare institutions, particularly within the underserved communities and minorities. |
Noemi Bautista
B.A. Biology, Minor in Chemistry -Graduated: Fall 2022, Post Bac Volunteer [email protected] I am a Biology student currently applying for Veterinary school. I am very passionate about helping animals and hope to one day become a DVM specializing in Radiology. I also enjoy hands-on experience and being a part of this research team will expand and help expand my education even further. I hope to use the experience I have gained in the classroom and use it in this research lab. Besides being passionate about animals and school, I enjoy hanging out with friends and watching movies. |
Tony Vo
[email protected] Hi everyone, I am a Freshman pursuing a Marine BIology major. I joined the lab to have a chance to work with animals in a research setting and hoping to gain a lot of experience from this. After college I hope to find a stable job and maybe even do more school to become a veterinarian if I feel up to the challenge. In my free time I listen to music and play video games. I am looking forward to working with my new team. |
Emma Wen
I am an undergraduate student majoring in marine biology. While I don't know what I want to do in the future, I do love working with animals and hope to do so in the future. I joined the lab to gain some hands-on experience, but mainly because it interested me. In my free time I like to play video games and make art. I am excited to work with everyone in the future! |
Harshmeet Singh
Major: Molecular Biology Concentration: Chemistry and Bioinformatics Expected Graduation: Spring 2024 I am hoping to get a career in Bioinformatics but would like to expand my experience to more than just numbers and genetics, I hope to gain a better understanding of different studies and am looking forward to collaborating with other people in this lab. Other than my love for Biology, I am a huge fan of Panda Express and Taco Bell and love going on road trips with friends. |
Mohamed Ali Wone
Bio major and Science enthusiast from 🇸🇳; passionate about learning in all domains of life and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. My hobbies are football (the real one), Gaming, and different mediums of art. I love science because it impacts every aspect of our lives, I think it is a great vehicle to help people and make the world a better place. "To develop a complete mind: Study the science of art; Study the art of science. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else." -Leonardo Da Vinci |
Ivan Ko
Ecology and Evolution Major I'm currently a Junior and would ideally like to work in fields related to conservation or climate change after college. But for now I'm just trying to enjoy life exploring new things from music, movies, anime, to walking through San Jose and seeing what's out there with friends. I'm passionate about creative outlets like music and video production and learning new things in general, especially in history and philosophy. Oh and also formulating more dumb fun ideas in my downtime. |
Rochelle Sanidad
B.S. Biology, Systems Physiology Concentration I’m hoping to pursue an MD after graduation, possibly in Prev. Med or a related specialty. Nothing is set in stone, and opportunities are limitless is what I believe. I enjoy learning about hematology and other physiological systems, especially through hands-on work with others. Outside of it, I love anime, playing my guitar when I’m alone, and games with friends. |
Sandra Khalaf
I'm currently an undergraduate student majoring in Biology, concentration Systems Physiology. I really love learning about anatomy and how the human body works. I plan on working in the health industry after I graduate, and possibly attending graduate school. I joined this research lab to get some experience in working at a research lab, and also because the aim of this lab is really interesting to me. During my free time, I like to watch shows/movies on Netflix, and hangout with friends somewhere outdoors :) |
Tanushri Rana
B.S. Systems Physiology, Concentration in Chemistry [email protected] Hi! I'm currently a third-year pre-dental student at SJSU, majoring in Systems Physiology with a concentration in Chemistry. I recently joined the lab and I'm really enjoying it as there's a lot of hands-on experience. I'm highly interested in scientific topics such as marine biology, paleontology, ecology/evolution, anatomy, physiology, astronomy, and many more! Besides academics, I've always loved animals and have been into art since I was little. I also enjoy listening to music--K-pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, Dance-Pop, and Soft Rock are some of my favorite genres! I look forward to meeting and working with everyone in the future! |
Suhai Velasquez Acosta
Hello! I’m an undergraduate student majoring in Biology with a concentration in Systems Physiology. After graduation I plan to pursue Vet school to become a GP Veterinarian. I'm currently a vet-assistant at an animal hospital where I work with small animals, like dogs and cats. Separate from my academic interests, I enjoy going to concerts, spending time with my family/friends, and road trips. During my short time in this lab, I have already learned so much regarding maternal stress and am excited to see what else is in store. |
Lab Alumni
Hi! My name is Yvette Javier and I am a BA Biology Major. My goal after school is to pursue a Clinical Laboratory Science License and would love to help physicians in hospitals with samples and to do lab work. I am given the opportunity to work along the side of Dr. Ensminger and my peers in this research lab. I am most excited to learn about how the different ways stress will affect these organisms' physiology. I am also excited to learn different techniques in the lab setting. |
Katie Audrey Le
B.S Forensic Science Concentration in Biology, Expected Graduated Winter 2023 [email protected] I am a undergrad student at San Jose State University majoring in forensic science. I have a passion for biology because they benefit the world in so many ways from helping people to solving cases. Even though my major is forensic science I am also interested in other fields of biology such as physiology or medicine. After graduation, my goal is to work for a crime lab to help the justice system solve cases, and or work in a biotechnology lab to create new products like medicine/vaccines. I am choosing to participate in this research lab to gain my experience working in lab and to build my skills for my future goals. I look forward to creating new connections with my lab team and to be able to step foot in the world of biology. |
Reem Al Makki
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biology with a concentration in Systems Physiology. I am also a pre-med student and plan to pursue medical school after graduation. I joined Dr. Ensminger's research lab in Fall 2021 and have been working on the physiological response to ecological stressors research project. My time working with Dr. Ensminger is a rich experience that is helping in enhancing my research writing skills and the ability to analyze experimental results. |
Kristen Lam
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry. I hope to earn a master's degree and to assist work within the science field in the future. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as making coffee. |
Mohamed Moustafa
B.A. General Biology [email protected] I am an undergraduate student with a huge passion for animals and I love to explore and learn new things about them when I can. I’m hoping to graduate in spring 2023 and as for my career choice, it is between becoming a veterinarian or work in a research lab similar to Dr. Ensminger. In my free time, I enjoy watching various animes and going out with my friends to viewpoints or explore new food spots. I look forward to this research and what we can accomplish in this lab as a team. |
Johnny Hoang
B.S. Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration [email protected] I am an undergraduate student looking to expand my horizons as I progress in college. Though I am uncertain about what exactly I will do after college, I am currently considering going into the dental field. I joined this research lab in hopes that I may discover other options that I can pursue post-graduation, and also because I just enjoy biology-related work. I look forward to working with the team! Outside of school, I like to kill time by playing video games, hanging out with my friends, or even doing nothing at all - I find it oddly therapeutic. |
Angela Chun
I graduated with a B.Sc in Marine Biology from SJSU. I am interested in physiological ecology and life history patterns. I have been part of the deVries' ecology lab since my undergraduate, co-leading a project that analyzes video footage to research the ecology of cryptic coral reefs. However, my main interest lies in the energetic reproductive trade-offs of marine mammals. My goal is to continue my education and I hope to contribute to the research and conservation of marine mammals. My hobbies include reading, cooking, and finding the best food spots in SJ!