Forest Service fellow uses phylogenetics to discover the origins of crayfish species
Meet Isis Arantes
Ísis Arantes’s passion for genetics played a part in researching the mysteries of signal crayfish origins in Montana. (Photo credit: Ísis Arantes)
Ísis Arantes likes to joke that she is “a frog doctor.” Arantes grew up in Brazil, which is the country with the greatest diversity of amphibian species. Frogs were her favorite animal growing up, leading her to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s degree in ecology from Universidade de Brasília, then her doctoral degree in biology from the University of Mississippi.
Arantes was involved in many research projects during her time in university. After she earned her doctoral degree, Arantes became an instructional assistant professor at the University of Mississippi. She realized she missed doing actual research after earning the position, so Arantes applied for the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) Research Participation Program, where she could be a part of a project that engaged her interests in phylogenetics (the genetic similarities between species) and population genetics (how genetics change in populations over time).
The Forest Service Research Participation Program is funded by the Forest Service office and administered through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). ORISE is managed for DOE by ORAU.
Alongside her mentor, Dr. Susan Adams, Arantes studied signal crayfish to determine if they are native to Montana or otherwise introduced. She looked at their phylogenetic relationship, created population distribution maps and combined information with historical records of the species. Whether or not the species is native influences how regulations treat signal crayfish in Montana, as well as how conservationists manage them.
Though the fellowship was short, Arantes learned a lot and believes her experience was very valuable. “It pushed me to apply my knowledge of genetics and phylogenetics to a completely new group of animals,” said Arantes. “It also reminded me how much I enjoy learning about new species and adapting methods to fit different research systems.”
She is currently working on publishing a paper on the crayfish project, and has already published one paper in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution on a past research project, titled “Species limits and diversification of the Dendropsophus rubicundulus subgroup (Anura, Hylidae) in Neotropical savannas.” She has also received some awards, including the American Association of University Women’s Research Publication Grant in Engineering, Medicine or Science and the Inclusive Teaching Learning Community award.
Arantes recommends ORISE and the FS program to students and scientists, especially those interested in learning about federal research. “For students considering a STEM-focused internship at a place like this, my advice would be to go in ready to learn and ask questions. Be open to stepping outside your comfort zone and take advantage of the chance to work with scientists and professionals in different fields. It’s a great opportunity to explore your interests, build connections and figure out whether this type of environment is a good fit for you long-term.”
The Forest Service Research Participation Program is funded by USDA and is administered through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). ORISE is managed for DOE by ORAU.