Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Ana Shaughnessy

Genetic Basis of Fin Morphology in the Stickleback

In my project, I will attempt to determine if there is a genetic basis to differences in fin morphology in threespine stickleback fish. I will do so by collecting different morphometric data from the fins of fish from two different populations: marine and freshwater. The morphometric measurements will look at the structure of fin rays and their segments, that resemble the fingers on our hands. I will then attempt to determine if the two different populations have different phenotypes, and determine if these differences are due to genetic differences between the populations that affect genes like BMP6, which affect bone development and morphology.

Message To Sponsor

Thank you so much for your donation! You allowed me to continue doing research over the summer, study what I love, and I learned so much from my experience. Your donation is really appreciated in these tough times.