Mackenzie Gerringer, PhD
Mackenzie Gerringer (she/her/hers) is an Associate Professor at the State University of New York at Geneseo. Her research centers on the physiology and ecology of deep-sea animals, including the planet’s deepest-living fishes.
She earned her PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Hawaii in 2017 before working as a postdoctoral researcher at Friday Harbor Labs, University of Washington. As a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, she studied drivers of depth zonation in the hadal zone, depths ranging 6,000–11,000 meters, and the notable success of hadal snailfishes (family Liparidae).
Her research explores how fishes are adapted to life in the amazing pressures, cold temperatures, and eternal darkness of the deep-sea using comparative techniques in taxonomy, functional morphology, cellular physiology, energetics, age and growth studies, and diet analysis.
She has spent over 200 days at sea exploring the ocean’s depths with free-vehicle landers, ROVs, and submersibles. Her work has been covered by Science Magazine, National Geographic, Atlas Obscura, and a David Attenborough-narrated documentary by Japan’s national broadcasting company, NHK.
Dr. Gerringer is committed to education and science outreach, including through experience teaching as a Fulbright Fellow in Bremen, Germany and serving as an onboard scientist on NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer, narrating telepresence-enabled exploration of the deep sea.
At SUNY Geneseo, she teaches Animal Physiology, Marine Biology, and Science Communication.
Curriculum Vitae
Amanda Byer, PhD
Chloe Kirgan
Chloe Kirgan is from Voorheesville, New York, and graduated from Clayton A. Bouton (Voorheesville High School). She is pursuing a double major in Biology (B.A.) and Adolescent Education with a minor in Sustainability Studies. Chloe is also on the Geneseo cross country and indoor-outdoor track teams and the biology mentorship program. She plans on pursuing a graduate degree in ecology centered around climate change and eventually teaching middle school and AP biology.
Jennifer Aguilera-Fonseca
Jennifer Aguilera-Fonseca is from Williamson, New York, and graduated from Williamson Senior High School. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at SUNY Geneseo. On campus, Jennifer is an active member of the McNair Scholars Program, Spanish Club, the Biome Mentor Program, and TRIO Student Support Services. With a deep passion for marine life, she is especially interested in exploring the field of marine biology through her academic work and experience in the lab.
Louie D’Ambro
Louie D’Ambro ‘27 is from New Hartford, NY, and graduated from New Hartford Central Schools. At Geneseo, he is earning a B.A in Biology – Adolescent Education. Louie is also a part of Elementary and Secondary Education Association, and Outdoors club. After College, Louie plans to continue onto grad school to further his studies in education, and hopefully become a high school biology teacher.
Rowan Considine
Rowan Considine is a part of the deep-sea biology research lab, and she is currently working on the proteins under pressure project. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she would like to go to Osteopathic Medical school and potentially continue her education in bioethics.
Samantha Canter
Samantha Canter ‘25 is from Saratoga Springs, NY and graduated from Saratoga Springs High School. At SUNY Geneseo, she is pursuing a B.A. in Biology with a minor in Anthropology. She is an active member within the SUNY Geneseo Student Association, having served on the 2024-2025 Executive Board and several subcommittees. She’s passionate about the conservation of marine ecosystems and advocating for animal enrichment in aquariums.
Zebulun Soper
Zebulun Soper is from Candor, New York. He is pursuing a B.S. in Biology and is working to become a chiropractor. He enjoys exploring nature and learning about the deep sea environment. He loves working in the lab environment and learning about the bone structure of the deep-sea fishes. In the future he wants to become a chiropractor and live somewhere in the woods.
Previous Lab Members
Stephanie Billharz ’24
Ryan Bohen ’22
Kara Burke ’21
Jake Calus ’25
Arline Camilo Hernandez ’21
Kayla Cannon ’21
Julia Cappiello ’22
Kiersten Coates ’21
Ledis Coronna ’25
Ashleigh Cummings ’23
Alice Bea Dipzinski ’20
Patrick Flannery ’21
Lydia Fregosi ’21
Nikki Fuller ’22
Franchesca Gonzales ’21
Madeline Kinsella ’23
Yumna Ismail ’21
Emily McMahon ’23
Griffin Meyer ’24
Allison North ’23
Jessica Palmeri ’21
Erin Patton ’22
AJ Petty ’23
Taylor Oleyourryk ’21
Gabriel Rosado ’22
Tristin Rose-Morley ’24
Abisage Sekarore ’24
Samantha Shepard ’23
Emily Spina ’24
Emily Wynne ’25
Sarah Suplicz ’23
Omar Suri ‘20
Chryssanthi Tzetzis ’23
Brett Woodworth ’22