Education
Brooke Hagans – Florida State University News
“FSU’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration aligns perfectly with my aspirations.”
Brooke Hagans was drawn to Florida State University because of the university’s support for undergraduate research and academic strength in the biological sciences. Now a biological science major, Hagans is involved with several labs conducting high-level research on animal behavior and marine ecology.
As a 2025 IDEA Grant recipient, she is investigating how parasitic accumulation contributes to physiological stress and energy expenditure in Atlantic stingrays during pregnancy — a project she developed after observing high parasite prevalence while working at the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory. Hagans also works within Professor Emily DuVal’s lab, where she analyzes 26 years of behavioral data to map the social networks and male status dynamics of lance-tailed manakins.
Beyond the laboratory, Hagans supports the FSU and Tallahassee communities by volunteering with the FSU Animal Society and walking dogs for Champs Chance, local organizations that prioritize animal well-being and conservation outreach. After she completes her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a doctoral degree at Auburn University in Alabama under the supervision of Professor Geoffrey Hill and become a research professor.
Why did you choose FSU?
I chose Florida State University because of its strong commitment to fostering academic excellence and hands-on research experiences. FSU’s research opportunities, particularly in the biological sciences, stood out to me. Additionally, FSU’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration aligns perfectly with my aspirations to bridge animal behavior with ecological research.
I was also drawn to FSU’s vibrant community of researchers and the resources available to help students grow both academically and professionally. I knew that this university would provide an ideal environment for me to pursue my academic and career goals.
What academic achievements are you most proud of?
I initially joined a project under the mentorship of Dean Grubbs, associate director of research at the Coastal and Marine laboratory and doctoral candidate Annais Muschett-Bonilla to investigate the energy expenditure of Atlantic stingrays during gestation. While working on this project, I noticed a high prevalence of parasites in the controlled environment, which sparked my curiosity about how parasites might affect the stingrays’ health and energy use. This led me to apply for the FSU IDEA Grant, where I now study how parasitic accumulation during pregnancy contributes to physiological stress in these rays.
I then joined Professor Emily DuVal’s lab to assist with a project that helps build social networks for each year of a bird called Lance-Tailed Manakins using 26 years of behavioral data. The primary goal of this work was to track and map the interactions between individuals over time, analyzing how social networks evolve within this species. My research focuses on understanding the role of social interactions in male status dynamics. This study represents an initial step toward understanding these relationships, with future research aimed at determining whether the frequency and nature of these interactions influence status changes over time.
How have you served the FSU and Tallahassee communities?
I volunteer with the FSU Animal Society, where I assist with caring for farm animals and other activities. This club has given me the opportunity to directly contribute to animal welfare and support the FSU community in a meaningful way. Through my involvement, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for hands-on animal care and have been able to share my passion for animals with others.
I also walk dogs for Champs Chance, a local organization dedicated to animal welfare. This experience allows me to contribute to the well-being of animals in need and helps provide dogs with the exercise and socialization they need while awaiting adoption. It’s a rewarding experience that combines my love for animals with community service.
My work has positively contributed to FSU and the Tallahassee communities by combining my academic research with a commitment to animal welfare, conservation and education outreach. Through these efforts, I aim to make a lasting impact both at FSU and in the Tallahassee area.
