#Scifund Round 3 is underway and each day I will highlight a new proposal from the Challenge to give you a more in-depth understanding of each participant and their research.
Today I present Isaac Ligocki. His research focuses on the social dynamics of cichlid fish called Neolamprologus pulcher.
Tell us about yourself, where you are from, and where you see yourself going.
I’m a fourth year PhD student at Ohio State studying the evolution of social behavior. I grew up in Columbus, OH, and completed my undergraduate degree at Wittenberg University. After graduating, I was a high school teacher at Dunedin High School in Dunedin, FL for 3 years. Upon completing my PhD, I hope to eventually get a faculty position.
How did you get involved in your research project?
My interest in behavioral ecology was sparked as a high school teacher when I realized the best way to keep my students interested in biology, and specifically evolution, was to share stories about unusual mating systems (while its an ideal way to instantly get any teenagers attention – I’ve learned its just as effective with adults). I ended up getting really interested in cooperatively breeding systems, specifically questions related to cases of apparent altruism, so I that applied to my current lab, and here I am!
Why is your research important to you? Why should others fund it?
I love my research because it addresses questions of broad interest. I like that when I tell non-scientists about what I do, they’re fascinated with it, and want to learn more about it. I love seeing people get excited about science. I think this research is important not only because we can learn a lot from naturally formed cooperative systems, but also because what is learned is part of a story that will get people excited about science.
Do you have a favorite story that came from working on your research project?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my research, and grad school in general. While sometimes it feels like I’m working non-stop, I’ve had a great time doing it.
Why did you decide to particpate in the SciFund Challenge?
I had two main reasons for participating in the SciFund challenge. First, I need money to go on the expedition (Editor’s note: He seeks funds via #SciFund to travel to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa where these fish live). Second, I think explaining your research to a non-specialist audience is an essential skill for scientists, and I welcomed the opportunity to practice.
What was the most difficult aspect of building your SciFund Proposal? What was your favorite?
Getting quality, up close footage of the fish. They’re always interacting, but they rarely stayed in the same part of the tank for long. Once I had some good footage though, I really enjoyed making the video, and was glad to be able to have some of my friends be a part of it. When we shot the scene in the bar, everyone was really excited to get to break up the date!
To save you time from scrolling up, you can read about his project and contribute here. Thanks Isaac for sharing your science!