Lewis Lab Team

James Lewis - Assistant Professor in Genetics and Biochemistry

I am an assistant professor in Genetics and Biochemistry at Clemson University. My lab’s research combines new functional tools with comparative population genomics to understand butterfly evolution and diversification. Our work focuses heavily on mimicry-related wing color patterns as a model for adaptation.

When I am not thinking about evolution, I like gardening, fly fishing, and nature walks.

Learn more about some of our recent work on the Research page. Or see my CV.

Ashly Nussbaum - Ph.D. Graduate Student

I am a graduate student in the Genetics and Biochemistry Department at Clemson University. I am looking to combine functional genomics and population genetics to better understand the underlying transcriptional mechanism behind how butterflies are able to rapidly respond to their environment. My current focus includes heat stress response and innate immune response in different viceroy populations. 
In my free time I enjoy reading, paddleboarding, and going to classical concerts. 

Sriya Pothapragada - Ph.D. Graduate Student

I am a second year Ph.D. student in the Lewis Lab at Clemson University. I  completed my B.S. at the University of Maryland, College Park where I studied BioEngineering! My core skills span data analysis and visualization, which I will be applying these skills to my research focused on probing the evolutionary genetics and population structure that underlie mimicry in butterfly wing patterns.

Norman Hoskins - M.S. Graduate Student

My name is Marshall Alexander Norman Hoskins, however every calls me Norman. I am a master's student getting my degree in Genetics. Before this I had earned my bachelor's degree in biological sciences with a minor in computer science from the University of South Carolina. While there I interned in the research computing department and also was the president of the Carolina Gamers Club.

Karin van der Burg - Postdoc

I'm currently an NSF PRFB funded postdoc at Clemson University. Broadly, I'm interested in how insects cope with seasonal changes in their environment. Currently, I'm working on the genetics, evolution and physiology of eastern spruce budworm diapause. I integrate functional genomic techniques with population genetics and physiological processes to understand how multiple levels of biological organization work together to create a complex phenotype.

In my spare time, I like running, nature walks and making quilts.

Past Lab Members:

Brianna Ports - Postdoctoral Fellow 2023-2024. Current Position: Assistant Professor, Carlow University, Pittsburg, PA.

Rachel O’Dell - Lab Technician 2022-2024. Current Position: Ph.D. Student, Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University.