skip to main content

REBECCA VARNEY

  • News
  • Research
  • Outreach
  • About Me
  • Resources
  • News
  • Research
  • Outreach
  • About Me
  • Resources

News        

GIGAiii in Curacao

10/30/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
The Global Invertebrate Geneome Allicance (GIGAiii) was in Curacao this year. It was delightful to be surrounded by scientists equally enthusiastic about invertebrates, an enthusiasm that the conference furthered with conversation and connection. Thank you to the American Genetics Association for generous student funding that permitted me to travel and stay, even free of the worry of reimbursement!

I had a wonderful time presenting my poster in what was by far the most thought-provoking and productive session I've seen. Most of us are exchanging protocols and tips now, which is great.

After the conference, Kevin and I stayed for another week to conduct fieldwork at Carmabi Research Station. We collected chitons of three genera (check out those gorgeous sutural tufts on the left!), and found Kevin, Meghan, and Maddie >25 solenogastres. Notably, I collected my first live aplacophorans on this trip. Thanks to the University of Alabama for the student travel grant to cover the suitcases of laboratory equipment (including microscopes!).

Most memorable from the trip was my first exposure to ostracods, tiny crustaceans that produce flashes of bioluminescence defensively but also to communicate. In the best night dive of my life, we dropped without lights and watched the males flash a distinctive pattern to attract females. I had to remind myself not to hold my breath! Thanks to Todd Oakley and Jessica Goodheart of the Oakley Lab for sharing!



0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    January 2018

Contact Us

UA Logo
Equal Opportunity | UA Disclaimer | Site Disclaimer | Privacy | Copyright © 2017
 The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 | (205) 348-6010