UROP Project | Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement

Evolution, neuroscience, sensory systems, behavior

Research Mentor: Evan Lloyd, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: Biology, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: elloyd@bio.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: No
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Biology, Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroscience, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

The blind Mexican cavefish has evolved in a cave environment absent of light, and has no visual sensory system. To compensate for this, it has evolved enhanced chemosensation including olfaction and taste. This project takes a comparative approach, studying the molecular and behavioral phenotypes that the cavefish exhibits, and comparing them with their closely related surface relatives. In doing so, we seek to understand how evolution has shaped brain function in these fish.

Research Tasks: Research tasks will be focused on data collection and analysis, including behavioral testing, histology and confocal imaging of brain tissues.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Prior experience with fish husbandry, histology techniques, and/or programming would be a plus but are not required. I will work with the researcher to help develop these skills.

Mentoring Philosophy

I believe that every person possesses a set of skills and experiences that can make them a valuable collaborator. As a mentor, I strive to meet my mentees where they are, so that we can both benefit from the relationship. I will work with you to identify your strengths and how they can help the project move forward, while also sharing my own experience and knowledge to help you grow your skillset. Every project is first and foremost a learning experience, and as such mistakes are expected and encouraged, as they provide the best opportunities to learn.

Additional Information

Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=2DJ2cTcAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

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