The Team
Who Are We?
The ZomBeetles Lab brings together people from across disciplines to study how neuroparasitic fungi alter beetle behavior and to develop more effective biology education practices.
William C. Beckerson
Assistant Professor
William is an interdisciplinary teacher and researcher. He is classically trained in molecular genetics and involved in discipline-based education research in biology. As a recent research fellow with both the National Science Foundation (PRFB) and Horizon Europe (MSCA), he focused on characterizing biomolecules used by Ophiocordyceps fungi to infect and manipulate zombie ants. He has also explored how student social personality affects performance in active learning settings, and is currently using technology like virtual reality to bring fun and engaging science education to the public.
Teaching Certifications
Contact Information
Zora Kleinmann
Undergraduate Researcher
Zora is an undergraduate studying Biology and Spanish, driven by a deep curiosity about microbiology and how invisible things shape the world. In exploring the intersections between her research interest and commitment to restorative justice, she has come to believe that change works the way fungi do — spreading quietly beneath the surface, crossing borders, and reshaping systems from the ground up.
Sierra Lewis
Undergraduate Researcher
Sierra is an undergraduate majoring in Biology and Environmental Science with a minor in Studio Art. She is driven by a deep interest in how humans and nature interact. Her academic journey has been shaped by her interest in the evolution of diversity and complexity in plants, fueling her passion to pursue research into the climate crisis. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, playing guitar, and drawing, which keep her grounded and inspired.
Associates
Isabel Yee '28
Graphic Designer/Illustrator
Alumni
Brendan J. Miller '26
Master's in Game Design
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Our Team?
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Lake Forest College