The Team
Marcelo Jorge
Assistant Professor
Marcelo Jorge is a wildlife ecologist with a strong focus on applied habitat and wildlife management, particularly within fire‐shaped (pyric) southeastern U.S. landscapes. His research explores predator–prey dynamics and community ecology to inform practical strategies for managing big game and other wildlife. His PhD centered on chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Arkansas deer, combining passive and active sampling to guide management recommendations for state wildlife agencies.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Raquel Francisco, DVM, PH.D.
Post Doctoral Researcher
Dr. Raquel Francisco is a wildlife veterinarian and postdoctoral researcher with the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, where she works under Drs. Marcelo Jorge and Michael Yabsley. Her doctoral research focused on sarcoptic mange in American black bears, integrating disease epidemiology, parasite genetics, treatment outcomes, and wildlife agency and stakeholder responses. She is now developing collaborative postdoctoral research projects to improve mange surveillance and management across the eastern United States. Her broader interests include wildlife disease ecology, applied disease management, and communication among researchers, agencies, and the public.
Students
Madalyn Rhoades
Masters Student
Mady Rhoades grew up in Edgewater, Maryland. She earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries management with a minor in forestry from West Virginia University. During her undergraduate program she worked in the wildlife genomics laboratory assisting on projects with brook trout, lake sturgeons and river otters. She spent a summer in Burns, Oregon working for the USDA conducing sagebrush research. She also spent a summer at Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary in Maryland conducting aquatic salamander surveys to determine abundance and diversity. Through her undergraduate studies, Mady found a passion in genetics work and a love of conducting research. Mady is a master’s student advised by Marcelo Jorge. Her research is investigating the genetic variation of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Specifically, she is looking at why older individuals remain CWD negative and how genetic traits are passed from parent to offspring.
Alexandra Anderson
MNR Student
Alexandra Anderson grew up in Dunwoody, Georgia, where her love of animals and the outdoors began. As a child, she spent two years living in Australia. This experience broadened her appreciation for wildlife and different environments. Her love of animals led her to working at a veterinary practice where Alexandra gained her first hands-on experience caring for animals. Alexandra continued working in veterinary medicine throughout her time at the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Animal Biosciences in 2025. During her undergraduate studies, Alexandra also worked on the UGA Dairy Farm and participated in undergraduate research where she gained experience with large farm animals and a deeper understanding of animal husbandry and care. During her undergraduate studies, Alexandra spent time as a dog foster and also participated in the Guide Dog program at UGA that supported the training of future service animals. These experiences reinforced her passion for animal welfare and conservation. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Alexandra enjoys camping, fishing, and hiking. Alexandra is currently pursuing a Master of Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, with a focus in Wildlife Science. She is looking forward to pursuing her degree and participating in related research programs.
