Experimental evolution of toxic flies
Rebecca Tarvin, Professor
Integrative Biology, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Spring 2024 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Fall 2024.
Evolutionary transitions underlying phenotypic change are difficult to study because they often occur over millions of years. However, the fruit fly has a short generation time and a small genome that is well annotated and cheap to sequence. We used a large-scale experimental evolution approach to evolve toxin-sequestering fruit flies with a combination of nicotine exposure and parasitism as selective agents. Evolutionary changes in the fruit fly genome, transcriptome, and physiology will generate a model of how chemical defense arises that will inform other studies in poison frogs and other organisms. We are recruiting students who can help us maintain breeding stocks and to phenotype fly lines that were generated in this experiment.
Role: Undergraduate students are being recruited to help run experimental assays, such as LC50, reproductive output, bang-sensitivity, nicotine resistance, and wasp immunity, as well as assisting with the day-to-day maintenance of fly and wasp strains. This opportunity will provide students with training in evolutionary biology, genetics, experimental design, fly husbandry, and the execution of physiological assays. Students will also have access to professional development opportunities, including attending weekly lab meetings with the Tarvin lab and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology community events (e.g. seminars, weekly coffee hour, Herp Group). The overall expected outcome is the development of scientific skills to prepare for a career in science. Highly responsible and inquisitive students may have the option of developing independent thesis projects within the context of this research.
Qualifications: Competitive applicants will have several or all of the following qualities: excellent organization and communication skills, aptitude for creative problem-solving, attention to detail, ability to work independently, enthusiasm for basic lab tasks, a positive attitude, interest in evolutionary biology and/or genetics, responsible approach to work (showing up consistently, on time, and letting lab know when absent). Experience working with flies is helpful but not necessary.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Sophie Draper, Staff Researcher
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Related website: https://tarvinlab.org/research
Biological & Health Sciences