Alumni
The Diversity Project began in 2005 and will continue through 2011. From the inception of The Diversity Project we had the privilege of working with several talented young scientist. These students contribute to the sucess of our research and share in our accomplishments. Read below to hear about the students who have participated in our program, their experiences, and what they are doing now. Go to the application page and read about how you can become part of The Diversity Project.
2005
In 2005 Bolanle Akinrobe of Rutgers University and Martha Muñoz of Boston University were our first participants in The Diversity Project. We travelled to Ternate, Indonesia, where we boarded a live-aboard dive boat that took us around the island of Halmahera for 10 days. During this time, we samples a variety of coral reef animals, ranging from shimp and fish to corals. Look below for profiles of Bola and Martha. Click HERE for pictures of the expedition.
Click Crandall et al 2008 to download reprint of: Crandall, E.D., Jones, M.E., Munoz, M.M. Akinrobe, B. Erdmann M.V. and Barber, P.H. (2008) Comparative phylogeography of two seastars and their ectosymbionts within theIndo-Malay-Philippines Archipelago. Molecular Ecology: 17: 5276-5290.
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Name: Bolanle Akinronbe University: Rutgers Major: Biology Professional goal: Malaria researcher "I got more out of this program than I had expected." " It’s an exceptional opportunity to have fun doing science. Nothing beats getting invaluable experience in a lab while living on the cape. I learned a lot and had fun doing it. I came into the program hoping just to gain lab experience but I got a lot more. Since I attended school from home, it was the first chance I got to live with other people away from home. Apart from working in the lab, I got to do other exciting things like learning to ride a bicycle, snorkeling and spending my weekends at the beach. " Where is she now?: Bola was received a scholarship to attend the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and is applying for a concurrent PhD program in Pathophysiology and Immunology. |
Project Title: Phylogeography
of the seastar Linckia laevigata and its obligate parasite Thyca crystallina.
View 2006 SSE Presentation Click Crandall et al 2008 to download reprint of: Crandall, E.D., Jones, M.E., Munoz, M.M. Akinrobe, B. Erdmann M.V. and Barber, P.H. (2008) Comparative phylogeography of two seastars and their ectosymbionts within theIndo-Malay-Philippines Archipelago. Molecular Ecology: 17: 5276-5290. |
University: Boston University Major: Biology with a Specialization in Ecology and Conservation Biology Professional goal: Wants to be a researcher, but not sure what kind " I must admit I did not know how much I could learn within the context of 10 intensive weeks before doing the Diversity Project. I was able to dive and collect specimens with an amazing group of scientists and students. I had the rare opportunity to work intensively on a team project, at the conclusion of which I saw results that contribute to the body of research aiming to determine the underpinnings of Indo-Pacific marine biodiversity. I felt that my work with the Barber lab was a contribution to various fields of biology, stretching from population genetics to conservation biology and environmental analysis. If you have the opportunity to do the Diversity Project, I suggest that you do not just take it; you must seize it and enjoy the experience. " Where is she now?: Martha graduated Boston University in 2006. She did Work for Distinctioni studying the population genetics of Anolis lizards with Chris Schneider. In 2006 she gave an oral presentation of her work at the annual meetings of the Society for the Study of Evolution. In April 2007, she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct population genetic research in Spain. In 2008 she entered the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Ph.D. program at Harvard in the the lab of Jonathan Losos. |
Project Title: Comparison of dispersal in two sea stars, Linckia laevigata and Protoreaster nodosus, across a known geographic barrier.2006
In 2006 The Diversity Project headed to Bali, Lombok, and Nusa Lembongan to sample populations in Southern Indonesia. We traded in our liveaboard for some comfortable land-based hotels. Click HERE to see pictures of this trip. Many thanks to Bali Hai diving for coordinating a very productive trip.
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University: Molecular Environmental Science Major: Integrative Biology Professional goal: Research Scientist Where is she now: Krystle will be returning to U.C. Berkeley to begin her senior year. She is working in the Museum of Comparative Zoology with Craig Moritz doing comparative phylogeography of the Australian wet tropics. " As a participant in the second year of The Diversity Project, I believed that I knew what to expect based on previous alumni experience. I thought the experience would be a normal field and lab summer internship; however this past summer was more valuable, productive, and fun than I have found a 10 week stretch of time to be ever in my life. Traveling to Indonesia and diving for two weeks was an incredible learning experience. Back at the lab in Woods Hole, I found it easy to imagine myself as a graduate student in the Barber Lab, especially given the close attention that was paid to us. I learned techniques that most undergrads would not have the opportunity to learn, and was able to fine tune these skills through daily practice. The Diversity Project has opened the door to many more opportunities and a lab placement at my home university, and will remain a memorable and valuable experience." |
Project Title: Tracking Nemo: Gene flow and genetic structure in the clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris.
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University: Yale University Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Professional goal: Research Scientist in Biology Where is she now?: Alexis is starting her junior year at Yale in Fall 2006. In October of 2006, she got to dive on the WHOI submersible Alvin. In 2008, she will start a Biology Ph.D. under the supervision of Giacomo Bernardi at the University of California, Santa Cruz. "Being a participant in the Diversity Project has been one of the best experiences of my life. The program is structured so that you get to both enjoy your summer vacation and acquire valuable laboratory research experience. You get to travel through Indonesia, exploring the beautiful coral reefs and to spend many hours in the lab perfecting your genetics techniques and data analysis skills. And the best part is that you’re given a great deal of independence in the laboratory setting. It gave me a great idea of what it’s going to be like to be a graduate student. Get ready for a very exciting yet challenging summer! " |
Project Title: Genetic Connectivity of Pelagic Fishes (Katsuwonus pelamis and Scomberomorus commerson) across the Indo-West Pacific.
View ASLO 2007 Presentation Click DeBoer et al 2008 to request a reprint: DeBoer, T, Subia, M., Kovitvonga, K., Ambariyanto, Erdmann, M., and Barber, P.H. (2008) Phylogeography and limited genetic connectivity in the endangered giant boring clam, Tridacna crocea, across the Coral Triangle. Conservation Biology 22: 1255-1266. |
University: California State University, Monterey Major: Earth Systems Science and Policy Professional goal: Wants to be a researcher, but not sure what kind Where is he now?: Matthew graduated CSU Monterey Bay in 2007. He presented his work from The Diversity Project at the 2007 meetings of the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography. He began a Masters program at CSUMB in Fall 2007. He is currently using passive acoustic telemetry to explore the site fidelity and movement behavior of blue parrotfish in the Conch Reef no-take marine reserve in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. "The Diversity Project was my second summer internship experience, but was unequivocally the more rewarding of the two because it helped me figure out a specific direction that I want to take my studies... I strongly encourage students to apply because The Diversity Project is arguably the most ideal internship available. "...the Diversity Project is supported by friendly, intelligent people dedicated to student success. If you are a student searching for an invaluable research experience that will give you a competitive advantage to succeed in graduate school and beyond, then don’t miss your opportunity to participate in this once in a lifetime experience. You will remember and cherish it for the rest of your life!" |
Project Title: Phylogeographic structure of Tridacna crocea across the Indo West Pacific2007
In 2007 The Diversity Project stayed in Boston due to problems obtaining permits. However, our students still made the best of their opportunities.
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University: New Mexico State University Major: Biology Professional goal: Research Where is he now?: Roger is finishing up his senior year at NMSU. He did an internship with the FBI crime lab this past summer. "The Diversity Project for me was an unforgettable experience.... When I first started at Dr. Barber’s lab I knew little about population genetics. Thanks to Dr. Barber, journal club, lab meetings, and the help of the awesome graduate students I learned a lot...While I was there I had the opportunity of having individual meetings with Dr. Barber where he gave advice for graduate school, future research, as well as personal encouragement. I really like that he was willing to give solid advice and build a relationship that I could count on in the future...Our adventures outside of the lab were amazing, we drove to Maine and New York, there were concerts, and Paul gave great Barbeques. I still have a year left of undergraduate studies but the Diversity Project summer internship will always follow me through my research career." |
Project Title: Genetic structure of stomatopods in Indonesia
View SSE Poster |
University: Scripps College Major: Biology Professional goal: Research Scientist Where is she now?: Samantha Cheng will graduate in Spring 2009. In 2008 she presented her work from the Diversity Project at the annual meetings of the Society for the Study of Evolution. She is presentl applying for a Fulbright Fellowship to conduct marine research in Indonesia. Since doing The Diversity Project, she has gone to Costa Rica for OTS Tropical Ecology program and the NMFS/Virginia Tech Marine PopulationDynamics Workshop. Most recently, she spent a summer as part of the NOAA Hollings Program at the NOAA/NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science " TDP was a great program, I had never worked in molecular ecology,much less any genetics research before and I really loved it and am really interested now in marine conservation genetics. .... After doing the Diversity Project and seeing what other work in molecular ecology is like (esp. working with salmonids, rockfish, etc...) I know that I definitely want to pursue a PhD in marine conservation genetic...this wasan awesome oppurtunity and thanks for having me!" |
Project Title: Comparative phylogeography of mantis shrimp across the Indonesian Archipelago
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University: University of Florida Major: Zoology Professional goal: Research Scientist Where is he now?: Rob graduated in Fall of 2007. Following graduation he spent a year studying land snails in Madagascar. He is presently back in Florida finishing up a taxonomic revision of revision of Chlorodiella and has found at least two new species and two sibling species complexes, based on morph and molecular data. "I really felt like a biologist up in Boston. During the Diversity Project, I was given the freedom to design and pace my own research...I crammed a lot of important information into my little brain up in Boston, and yet the experience felt more like vacation than work. The lab is incredibly organized and efficient, and everyone is too nice and helpful...The Diversity Project is amazing, and is exactly what I needed to jump start a career in molecules and marine inverts! |
Project Title: Molecular evidence suggests no genetic structuring and possible cryptic species complex of Thor amboinensis.2008
In 2008 we broke new ground in The Diversity Project. We welcomed our largest cohort ever, consisting of 5 students. We also conducted the entire program in the Philippines.
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University: San Jose State University Major: Biology/Conservation Professional goal: Resaerch marine biologist and conservationist Where is she now? Veronica is back in San Jose finishing up her senior year and planning for graduate school. She is spending 2010 abroad at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa studying marine science and conducting research. "The Diversity Project will allow you to dive into the world of marine science. It will bring you up close and personal with some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world. It will give you a new appreciation for the beauty and importance of these hurting ecosystems. It will also take you to a different part of the world where you will grow and learn that we are all connected. The Diversity Project has helped infuse my passion for marine conservation." |
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University: Colombia University Major: Biology Professional goal: Where is she now?: Becky went back to Colombia and graduated in 2009. She continued the research she started during The Diversity Project for her senior thesis. She is currently working at the American Museum of Natural History in their molecular genetics lab. |
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University: Humbolt State University Major: Marine Biology Professional goal: Research Scientist Where is she now? Sonia is returned to Humbolt State to finish her senior year and graduated in 2009. She is currently working for a Kelp monitoring project with the Channel Islands National Park Service and is prepared to apply for She is thinking about graduate school.
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University: Swarthmore Major: Biology Professional goal: Research Scientist or Medical Doctor Where is she now? Mara is back at Swarthmore for her Junior year and is trying to decide between study abroad programs in Madagascar focused on Ecology and Conservation and in Zanzibar focused on Coastal Ecology. " |
Project Title: Molecular evidence suggests no genetic structuring and possible cryptic species complex of Thor amboinensis.Project Title:
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University: Old Dominion University Major: Biology Professional goal: Research Scientist Where is he now?: Eric is back at Old Dominion University, finishing his senior year. He is continuing to work on the project he began during The Diversity Project. " |
2009
In 2009 The Diversity Project moved to Bali, Indonesia, hosted by Universitas Udayana.
Project Title: Phylogeography of Neoglyphidodon nigroris across Indonesia |
University: San Francisco State University Major: Marine Biology Professional goal: Research Scientist Where is she now?: Nereida is currently doing research on skates in the genera Raja and Dipterus in the lab of Dr. Karen Crow-Sanchez at San Francisco State University.Her project is centered on proposing a molecular phylogeny for the genus Raja to investigate the evolution of multiple embryos per egg capsule within this group, in collaboration with Dr. Dave Ebert from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Nereida says, "make time to spend as much time in the water (since you will be in the Coral Triangle) and have fun!" |
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University: Williams College Major: Biology Professional goal: Research Scientist Where is she now?: Melissa is finishing up her senior year at Williams by working on a Honors Thesis project in population genetics of Western Chorus frogs in Isle Royale Wilderness Park, Michigan. " It's really difficult to find study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students in the sciences, and the Diversity Project is the best one that I've seen. It was a major learning experience in ecology, evolution, and genetics, but it was also a great way to immerse oneself into another culture. Definitely apply to this project, it is a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget!! " |
Project Title: Population genetics of Amphiprion clarkii in the coral triangle
Project Title: Phylogeographic structure of Tripneustes gratilla throughout Indonesia |
University: Humbolt State University Major: Wildlife Management and Conservation / Ecology & Spanish Professional goal: Research Scientist / Ecologist in Mexico Where is he now?: Ernesto is back at Humboldt State University finishing his Junior year and working with a grad student in the scat Lab with wolf scat. "I had never worked with genetic research but my experience during the Diversity Project introduced me to a new world of research, and what better in Bali Indonesia!, I never imagined that genetics can play a big role on the conservation and management of any species. Now I see genetic research as a tool that will help me in the future. I’m definitely applying this method to future research. and cant wait to take some more courses on genetics." |
Project Title: Genetic Structure of Dascyllus trimaculatus |
University: Rutgers University Major: Genetics Professional goal: Research Scientist Where is she now?: Mehreen is finishing here senior year at Rutgers and working on her senior thesis evaluating the validity of the stepwise mutation model of microsatellite evolution. She will be presenting her Diversity Project studies at the Ecological Genomics Symposium in Kansas, November 2009. "The Diversity Project was an amazing experience. My most distinct memory is of seeing coral reef for the first time. I could not have wished for a better exposure to the marine world. In lab I learned not only skills important to any molecular lab, but also how to analyze and apply my results. I got to look at population genetics from a phylogeography point of view which was really interesting. The experienced scientists I worked with also gave me advice on how to be successful in this field. Spending a whole ten weeks in Bali gave us the opportunity to learn a lot about Balinese culture, meet awesome people and see the beautiful island. I got to travel, learn, have an amazing summer and have it look good on my resume!" |
