Charvat, Kalkstein, and Rheubert have joined forces to develop the Organismal and Integrative Laboratory for Evolutionary Research. This joint collaborative efforts blends their areas of expertise to develop holistic projects that encompass numerous areas of biology. Not only does this provide opportunities for high caliber research, the integration provides a holistic learning expertise for undergraduate students.
Undergraduate students working in the OILER lab gain experience in field biology working with Rheubert, molecular techniques working with Kalkstein, and microbial and aseptic techniques working with Charvat. This level of involvement and experience makes students better prepared for a future in biology and science as a whole.
Robert A. Charvat, Ph.D. 
Microbiologist
Dr. Robert A. Charvat is a microbiologist with expertise in molecular virology and parasitology. A major focus of his research aims to understand the mechanisms and prevalence of antibiotic resistance. A complementary aspect of his laboratory is to investigate novel sources of antimicrobial compounds, bolstered by an interdisciplinary collaboration with the College of Pharmacy at the University of Findlay. Charvat has mentored multiple student researchers that are now working their field of choice or are attending professional/graduate school.
Previous research involved investigating the mechanisms of drug resistance in the globally distributed parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This work revealed novel proteins involved in mitochondrial remodeling following drug challenge and opened avenues for continued investigations. Through this and subsequent research endeavors, Charvat has been successful in securing funding for multiple projects, including from the American Heart Association. Charvat’s research has been featured in Virology, Scientific Reports, and Molecular Microbiology.
Abby L. Kalkstein, Ph.D.
Molecular evolutionary biologist, virologist
Dr. Abby L. Kalkstein is a molecular and evolutionary biologist whose research with viral populations infecting invertebrates aims to understand the phylodynamics of RNA viruses and the mechanisms by which RNA viruses jump species boundaries to emerge in animals. Previous work has centered on RNA virus prevalence and emergence in managed honeybees. Kalkstein’s research on viral evolution has been published in leading journals including Science, Journal of Virology, and PLOS One. In addition to peer-reviewed publications Kalkstein has communicated information to the general public regarding the decline in the pollinator populations via appearances in and facilitation of filming national and international news segments and documentaries including the 2007 Peabody Award winning documentary NATURE: Silence of the Bees (PBS).
Currently, her research at the University of Findlay focuses on several RNA viruses vectored by tick species to humans and other animals. Kalkstein’s laboratory is made up of several undergraduate students with majors including Animal Science, Pharmacy, and Biology. In her laboratory, students gain meaningful, hands on experience in performing and presenting research.
Justin Rheubert, M.Sc.
Herpetologist, evolutionary biologist, comparative anatomist, histologist
Justin Rheubert is a herpetologist and evolutionary biologist who aims to understand diversity in the reproductive system as well as evolution of amphibians and reptiles using morphological characters (at both a gross and microscopic level). Rheubert's work has been used to test various hypotheses concerning morphological evolution including but not limited to: sperm competition theory, speciation, and phylogenetics.
Rheubert is a successful researcher with more than 50 publications including multiple book chapters and serving as an editor of “Reproductive Biology and Phylogeny of Lizards and Tuatara.” Rheubert has a passion for working with undergraduate students and preparing them for graduate and professional school as well as the industry. Rheubert has mentored numerous students that have presented at national and international conferences as well as served as authors of peer reviewed manuscripts.