Mackenzie Gerringer, PhD
Mackenzie Gerringer (she/her/hers) is an Assistant 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
Abisage Sekarore
Abisage Sekarore (‘25) is from Syracuse, NY and graduated from Manlius Pebble Hill school. During her time at Manlius Pebble Hill, she was a part of the volleyball team, soccer team, and was a facilitator for a Community Wide Dialogue club. At Geneseo she is a Biology Major and participates in African Student Association. After graduating, Abisage hopes to pursue a career in biology or continue her education in medicine.
Emily Spina
Emily Spina 24’ is from Bloomfield, NY and graduated from Bloomfield Central School. At Geneseo, she is earning a B.S. in Biology with a microcredential in Aquatic Biology. Emily is also a part of the women’s club LAX team and Great Outdoors Club. After college, Emily plans to continue onto grad school to further pursue wildlife biology and research CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) in wildlife out west.
Jacob Calus
Jake Calus ‘25, is from Rochester, NY and graduated from Churchville-Chili High School. At Churchville, Jake was a 2-time All-American diver as well as a member of the volleyball team and National Honor Society. At Geneseo, he is a Biology Major and continues to dive. After college, Jake wants to pursue a career in marine biology, with a focus on conservation.
Ledis Coronna
Ledis Coronna ’25 is from Long Island, NY and graduated from Northport Hight School. At Northport, Ledis participated in track and field, she was the president of the Environmental club, president of the Multicultural club and she was one of the presidents from a humanitarian club called Students for 60,000. At Geneseo, she is earning her B.S. in Biology, and she is a GOLD mentor. After graduating, Ledis plans to pursue further education at a college of Veterinary Medicine.
Tristin Rose-Morley
Tristin Rose-Morley ’24 is from Watkins Glen, NY and graduated from Watkins Glen High School. At Geneseo she is earning her B.S. in Biology with a Minor in Human Development and is a member of the pre-veterinary club. After graduating, Tristin plans to attend veterinary school and focus on large and production animal medicine.
Previous Lab Members
Ryan Bohen ’22
Kara Burke ’21
Arline Camilo Hernandez ’21
Kayla Cannon ’21
Julia Cappiello ’22
Kiersten Coates ’21
Alice Bea Dipzinski ’20
Patrick Flannery ’21
Lydia Fregosi ’21
Nikki Fuller ’22
Franchesca Gonzales ’21
Yumna Ismail ’21
Emily McMahon ’23
Allison North ’23
Jessica Palmeri ’21
Erin Patton ’22
AJ Petty ’23
Taylor Oleyourryk ’21
Gabriel Rosado ’22
Samantha Shepard ’23
Sarah Suplicz ’23
Omar Suri ‘20
Chryssanthi Tzetzis ’23
Brett Woodworth ’22