Dr. Kristin Hultgren Awarded National Science Foundation Funds

Associate Professor of Biology Kristin Hultgren–along with collaborators at Denison University and New Jersey Institute of Technology–was recently awarded funds from the National Science Foundation to study the evolutionary relationships between species of Synalpheus snapping shrimps. The project will generate genomic and phenotypic data on about 130 species worldwide, enabling Dr. Hultgren and collaborators to greater understanding of eusocial behavior–that is, a type of social organization in which a single or subset of individuals (queens) perform all reproductive duties while others (workers) do not reproduce but instead care for broods, maintain nests, and acquire resources. Nearly one-quarter of known eusociality have occurred within the Synalpheus genus of snapping shrimps, making these species particularly important to understanding the evolution and impact of eusociality. 

With NSF support, Dr. Hultgren will conduct field work in Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, Tobago and Australia, as well as travel to the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in The Netherlands. Dr. Hultgren will incorporate research activities into two undergraduate research experiences (CURE) courses focused on Invertebrate Biodiversity, engaging up to 24 students in impactful experiential learning. Seattle University student Olivia Roberts (MCON Biology) traveled to Puerto Rico with Dr. Hultgren and the shrimp team in March 2024 to help collect shrimp for the project.

Pictured: Claire Bailey (New Jersey Institute of Technology), Olivia Roberts (Seattle University), Dr. Kristin Hultgren and Solomon Chak (Denison University).