People | The Hoffman Lab

Andrew Hoffman - Assistant Professor

I am an ecologist and conservation biologist with an interest in wildlife research, education, and outreach. Although I primarily work with amphibians and reptiles, I am broadly interested in studying biodiversity and landscape ecology. In our lab, we study wildlife populations in western New York to better understand the ways in which different species respond to human-altered landscapes.

ahoffman@sjf.edu

585-385-7394

Student Researchers

Alyssa Karsten

I am a senior sustainability and biology dual major studying the populations of various vernal pool-associated amphibians at Mendon Ponds. Outside of population surveys, I have interests in analyzing historic land use, and understanding
evolutionary patterns in amphibians. When I am not in the field, I enjoy exploring nature around Rochester, working with Rochester Ecology Partners, and making art in various mediums. I hope to one day continue my research in graduate and PhD programs, and one day I hope to be a professor or full-time researcher.

Joey Ontl

I am a senior Biology major with minors in biochemistry and psychology. I will graduate in the Spring of 2025. I am interested in conservation biology, sustainable farming, and permaculture. I plan to attend graduate school within the year following graduation. I am currently assessing one of the two remaining populations of Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus) in New York, utilizing the AHDriFT (Adapted Hunt Drift Fence Techniques) technique.

Mason Shute

I am a Senior at St. John Fisher University and currently scheduled to graduate in May 2025 with a B.S in Biology and minor in sustainability. I am deeply passionate about the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems and am pursuing a career in land management and habitat restoration. Over the past year I have used the AHDriFt fence technique to track activity and occupancy of Northern Coal Skinks in western New York. Following graduation, I am pursuing seasonal work as part of an invasive removal team as I seek out graduate school opportunities for the 2026 spring semester.

Sara Miller

I am a sophomore Biology and Sustainability dual major at St. John Fisher. This spring and summer, I will be studying amphibian populations in western New York to find out how water quality affects amphibian biodiversity. I am interested in evolutionary biology and ecology and am hoping to be a professor in the future.

Dayana Gonzalez

I am a junior biology major with a minor in psychology. I am Puerto Rican and speak both English and Spanish! In my biology major I found an interest in ecology and have not looked back! Right now, I’ll be working on research involving spring peepers, which are these tiny tree frogs that make really cool loud calls in the spring. I think they’re super interesting, and honestly, they’re also really cute! I'd love to learn about their behavior and how they interact with their environment. My goal is to better understand them.