Bioluminescent Vargula hilgendorfii

Over the course of a summer, I was fortunate enough to conduct research as an intern through the USC undergraduate research REU program. My research experience consisted of phylogenetic analysis using programs Terminal and IQTree. The aim of the summer-long research was to gain more understanding of where in the marine ostracod's phylogenetic history did luciferin and luciferase find their way into their upper lip and gain any more information on their bioluminescent history. 

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My research and findings are compiled into a research poster available at a click of the button below!