Carolyn Graham

I am currently a postdoc in the department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo. In my postdoc position, I am working on a multi-institutional project to evaluate the effectiveness of role model interventions and data literacy activities to increase metrics of success (e.g. motivation, self-efficacy, intent to pursue STEM careers) of undergraduates in biology classrooms. In particular, I am interested in developing methods for modeling adaptive coping strategies for obtaining unexpected results (i.e. results that are in contrast with a study's predictions) in undergraduate classrooms. I am passionate about science mentorship inside and outside the classroom.

I received my PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan in May of 2025. My dissertation research focused on plant-insect interactions and correlated trait evolution in the wild grape genus, Vitis. As sessile organisms, plants cannot run away or evade animals that want to eat them. As a result, plants have evolved a diverse array of strategies to deter herbivory.  I am particularly interested in studying indirect plant defenses that recruit mutualist bodyguards, such as mite domatia and food bodies, as well as less-known physical defense traits like calcium oxalate phytoliths. 

My research program seeks to intertwine education research on authentic scientific practices in classrooms, with evolution research on the patterns and drivers of this defense trait diversity using field, laboratory, and collections studies.