My name is Morghan McCool (she/her), a PhD student in the Department of Biology at the University of Louisville working in Dr. Linda Fuselier's lab. I earned my Bacher's of Science in Ecology at the University of Louisville. 

My research interests encompass bryophytes, karst landscapes, and anthropogenic disturbances. Bryophytes are a group of land plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. The responses of these organisms to the pressures of global change remain largely unknown. Even more so, knowledge of bryophyte ecology of karst caves remains even more elusive. My current research investigates the role of anthropogenic disturbance on bryophyte community assembly at karst cave entrances. 

In addition to bryology, I am deeply passionate about science education, communication, literacy and pedagogy. I strive to nurture curiosity and passion in students hailing from widely diverse backgrounds, specifically women, LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent students. Outside of the lab and the cave, I am active in science outreach programs, mentorship initiatives, as well as conservation education and volunteering. I aspire to make science tangible for all students and awaken a curiosity that will fuel their future.