Ava is a Ph.D. candidate in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, which she also studied as an undergraduate at Yale College. Her research in fish phylogenetics and evolution primarily aims to answer how diversification is differentially impacted by freshwater and marine habitats. Research aside, she is passionate about mental health awareness and combating ableism in academia.
Ava grew up in the Central Coast region of California, but having lived in New Haven since 2010, she considers the city her second home! When not in lab, she spends her time hiking, experimenting with plant-based recipes, ironically (or unironically?) watching The Bachelor franchise, and spoiling her fluffy orange cat. Feel free to reach out to her at ava.ghezelayagh@yale.edu if you’d like to chat about absolutely anything!