Who we are
Interested in joining the lab? Find more information here.
ALEXANDRA BENTZ
Principal Investigator
Professional Appointments
2021 - present: Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma
2019 - 2021: NIH Postdoctoral Trainee, Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana Univ.
2017 - 2019: Postdoctoral researcher, Rosvall Lab, Department of Biology, Indiana University
Education
PhD: 2017, University of Georgia (Advisor: Dr. Kristen Navara)
MS: 2012, Appalachian State University (Advisor: Dr. Lynn Siefferman)
BS: 2010, Appalachian State University
Pronouns: she/her
Email: abentz@ou.edu
Google Scholar
Amber is broadly interested in how maternal hormones impact behavior and fitness, particularly in systems with no maternal care. Prior to attending OU, Amber received her BS in Biology from the University of Tulsa.
Pronouns: she/her
Email: Amber.I.Restivo-1@ou.edu
AMBER RESTIVO
PhD Student
Jasmeen's work explores how maternal hormones shape behavior and create genomic changes across time. Prior to attending OU, Jasmeen received her BS in Biology from Indiana University.
Pronouns: she/her
Email: jkaur@ou.edu
JASMEEN KAUR
PhD Student
Anna's work currently explores the different environmental factors and life-history traits (such as breeding system, developmental mode, and nest type) that affect yolk testosterone deposition. Prior to attending OU, Anna received her BA in Biology from The College of Wooster.
Pronouns: she/her
Email: ajames@ou.edu
ANNA JAMES
PhD Student
Shae's work focuses on how maternal hormones impact development, behavior, and fitness in songbirds. More broadly, she's interested in urban ecology and human impact. Prior to attending OU, she graduated with a BA in Biology from Hope College.
Pronouns: she/her
Email: Shae.R.Johnston-1@ou.edu
SHAE JOHNSTON
PhD Student
Sarah is interested in the genetic determinants of avian behavior and their consequences for life-history traits, with a prospective focus on the potential role of personality in disease transmission. Prior to working at OU, Sarah received her MS in Biology from Appalachian State University (Advisor: Dr. Lynn Siefferman), and her BS in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Pronouns: she/her
Email: Sarah.D.Hill-1@ou.edu
SARAH HILL
Research Technician
Undergraduate HN Thesis Students
Robert Dollins, Undergraduate Honors Thesis (2025-present)
Lab Alumni
Noah Osterhoudt, MS Thesis (2026).
Sanika Navalkar, Undergraduate Honors Thesis (2026).
Emma Singletary, Undergraduate Honors Thesis (2025).
Leigh Bailey, MS Thesis (2024).
Kendall Terry, Undergraduate Honors Thesis (2024).
Cameron Nixon, Undergraduate Honors Thesis (2023).