Research Philosophy

Dr. Flemming views research as both a process of discovery and a pathway for connection. Her work integrates biodiversity science, museum collections, and education to better understand the natural world while creating opportunities for others to participate in scientific inquiry. She believes research has its greatest impact when it not only advances knowledge but also invites curiosity, broadens participation, and strengthens relationships between people, science, and the communities they serve.

Selected Publications

  • Krumm, J. L., Jordan, C. N., Bronson, C. D., Weglarz, K. M., Genet, K., Johnson, M. G., Phillips, M., Flemming, A., & Woods, J. (2024). Improving access to undergraduate research using digitized natural history collections course‐based research experiences. Ecosphere, 15(11), e70038.https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.70038

  • Consuegra, V., Flemming, A., & Claunch, N. (2024). Relationship between predation and maternal investment In Curly-Tailed Lizards. Reptiles & Amphibians, 31(1), e22640.https://doi.org/10.17161/randa.v31i1.22640

  • Flemming, A (2023). Student‐focused, career‐driven exploration in natural history museums through experiential education and mentorship: A model to intentionally increase the racial and ethnic diversity of students. Natural Sciences Education, 52(1), e20097.

  •  Flemming, A., & Page, L. M. (2020). Life History of the Swamp Darter, Etheostoma fusiforme, in Florida. Southeastern Naturalist, 19(2), 418-435.

  • Flemming, A., et al. (2020). Using Digital Natural History Collections in K-12 STEM Education. Journal of Museum Education, 45(4), 450-461

Selected Open Education Resources

  • Leachman, S., Flemming, A., Mabry, M., Phillips, M., Zeringue-Krosnick, S. E., Kovacs, J., & Aina, O. (2023). An Introduction to Revealing Hidden Figures through Data Sleuthing. doi:10.25334/2JTC-C713

  • C. Early, Flemming, A., Pirlo, J., Ruiz-Escobar, S. (2021). Thinking About Graduate School in Biology: Our Tips for Success. iDigBio, QUBES Educational Resources. doi:10.25334/QKVY-DS19

Grants & Collaborative Projects

  • BCEENET $1,992,025, IUSE NSF Grant: Consultant, contributor and editor, senior personnel (drafted, edited, and approved), 2023

  • BCEENET $200,000,000. NSF Rapid Grant: Steering Committee Member and editor of grant (drafted, edited, and approved), 2021

  • BCEENET NSF Research Coordination Networks in Undergraduate Biology Research (drafted, edited, and approved), 2020

Competitive Funding Following Applications

Over $50,900 total earned, including:

  • SEC Emerging Scholar Award, $14,500

  • UF CLAS Dissertation Fellowship, $8000  

  • UF Grinter Fellowship, $6000                                                                                                   

  • Association of Academic Women, Madelyn Lockhart Dissertation Fellowship, $1000

Research Areas

  • Ichthyology

    Dr. Adania Flemming's fascination with aquatic ecosystems led her to the study of freshwater fishes during graduate school. Her research explores questions related to fish ecology, life history, systematics, and biodiversity, including studies of the Swamp Darter (Etheostoma fusiforme) and the Bayou Topminnow (Fundulus nottii). Through field research, museum collections, and specimen-based analyses, she seeks to better understand the diversity and distribution of freshwater fishes throughout the southeastern United States.

  • Biodiversity Science

    Dr. Flemming's scientific training spans marine biology, ichthyology, invertebrate zoology, collections-based science, and biodiversity research. Throughout her career, she has contributed to projects focused on documenting, understanding, and preserving biodiversity. These experiences have reinforced her belief that biodiversity science is most impactful when it connects research, conservation, education, and public engagement. Rather than existing solely within laboratories or academic journals, biodiversity science has the power to deepen our understanding of the natural world while strengthening relationships between people, place, and community.

  • Collections-Based Research

    Discovering natural history museums transformed Dr. Flemming's understanding of what science could be. Prior to graduate school, she was unaware that careers in museums existed. Working across multiple collections at the Florida Museum of Natural History introduced her to the critical role collections play in research, conservation, education, and storytelling. Her experience includes specimen preparation, curation, databasing, field collecting, collections management, and research. Equally important, she is committed to helping others discover museums as spaces of curiosity, learning, and possibility.

  • Science Education Research

    Dr. Flemming's education research explores how experiential learning, mentorship, and authentic scientific practice shape scientific identity and broaden participation in STEM. This work emerged through the development of Introduction to Natural History, a course designed to connect undergraduate students with museum collections, mentorship, and scientific inquiry. More broadly, she investigates how educational experiences can foster belonging, confidence, and long-term participation in science. More broadly, she investigates how educational experiences can foster belonging, confidence, and long-term participation in science.