Undergraduate Student Becomes Published Researcher in Evolutionary Biology
Through hands-on research opportunities at RWU, senior Joshua Sears contributed to a study on sea robins that has garnered national attention, showcasing the university鈥檚 commitment to providing students real-world research opportunities.
BRISTOL, R.I. 鈥 As a first-year student at 雨燕体育直播, Joshua Sears could not have known that his first research experience would propel him to become a published author on months before he had even graduated with his bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Led by Stanford University postdoctoral researcher Amy Hebert and Harvard Medical School professor Corey Allard, the groundbreaking research that Sears collaborated on focused on the molecular mechanisms behind evolutionary adaptations in sea robins. This bottom-dwelling marine fish species exhibits a range of fascinating traits, including wing-like pectoral fins and specialized leg-like appendages that allow them to walk, dig, and detect food on the ocean floor.
But how and why these traits evolved remained uncertain, until now. The study, which was published in Current Biology in October, provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of evolutionary change, showing how genetic mutations in sea robins led to these novel features, which allow the fish to adapt to their environment in ways that other fish species cannot. The findings shed light on the broader principles of evolutionary biology, exploring how trait gain plays a role in shaping the development of new features in animals.
Sears鈥 authorship on the published paper reflects 雨燕体育直播鈥檚 dedication to fostering undergraduate participation in advanced research, offering opportunities often reserved for graduate students at other institutions. In addition to Sears, Andrew Rhyne, RWU Professor of Marine Biology, and Allex Gourlay 鈥15, Research Associate at RWU鈥檚 Center for Economic and Environmental Development (CEED), were also co-authors on the research publication.
鈥淚t's incredible for any undergraduate student to contribute to a project that leads to publication, and Josh's involvement is no exception. He joined the team at a critical time, and his work was pivotal in helping gather the data necessary for the study,鈥 said Gourlay. 鈥淚 truly hope this experience opens doors for more undergrads like Josh, allowing them to learn invaluable skills and explore new opportunities.鈥
Empowering Students Through Research
Sears鈥 entry into the world of scientific inquiry began during his first year, with a work-study position at RWU鈥檚 Wet Lab. There, he was introduced to an exciting opportunity by Gourlay, who encouraged Sears to take on a greater role in a long-term project.
Raising sea robins from eggs to juveniles was a pivotal part of the research responsibilities for Sears, now a senior Marine Biology major with minors in Aquaculture & Aquarium Science and Mathematics from Bedford, N.H. For weeks, he managed the fish husbandry process, ensuring that the sea robins had the optimal environment to develop. He meticulously maintained tanks, monitored water salinity, and prepared live food, even counting the microscopic copepods (also raised in the Wet Lab) to ensure proper feeding levels.
鈥淚t鈥檚 like growing a plant from a seed, except even more rewarding,鈥 Sears said. 鈥淗aving the opportunity (as a first-year student) to culture the fish really gave me a step ahead. It鈥檚 a skill you don鈥檛 typically learn elsewhere.鈥
As the project expanded over the course of several summers, Sears trained students and staff to assist, freeing him to focus on other aspects of the research, which included collaborating closely with the lead researcher, Hebert. This hands-on role not only made the pioneering study possible but also gave Sears invaluable experience working alongside professionals from renowned institutions like Harvard and Stanford.
鈥淎my (Hebert) taught me how to approach research with a sense of curiosity and gave me a glimpse into what postdoc lab work is like,鈥 Sears said. 鈥淚鈥檓 sure we鈥檒l stay in touch, and I hope she鈥檒l be able to help with a recommendation down the line. Building those kinds of connections is really important, and I鈥檓 thankful for the opportunity to work with her.鈥
A Legacy of Research Excellence
This trailblazing examination unfolded in part at 雨燕体育直播 because of its distinct expertise in aquaculture and fish husbandry. Over half a decade, Amy Hebert conducted her analysis at RWU through fellowships and dedicated lab space, where she relied on the university鈥檚 trained personnel and advanced capabilities to support the project鈥檚 complex needs. The Wet Lab鈥檚 resources, combined with the university鈥檚 reputation for fostering undergraduate research, made RWU an ideal setting to raise sea robins for genetic study.
鈥淥ur specialized facilities and expertise in fish husbandry made RWU a natural partner for Amy鈥檚 research,鈥 Gourlay said. 鈥淭hrough a productive collaboration, our team raised the fish to key developmental stages, providing the foundation for Amy to conduct her genetic studies. This project is a perfect example of RWU's ability to support innovative research.鈥
For Sears, the journey from Wet Lab assistant to published author remains surreal, but it has deepened his passion for science and fueled his desire to continue pursuing experimentation in the field. Looking ahead, he plans to build on this experience, further developing his expertise and contributing to sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely weird, and sometimes I will get a random email that says, 鈥楧r. Sears,鈥 and I don鈥檛 have my doctorate or any Ph.D., but I鈥檓 flattered,鈥 he said with a laugh. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really interesting and cool, honestly, because if you had asked me when I first started college if I was going to be published before I even got out of college, I would have said, 鈥榊ou鈥檙e crazy,鈥 because there鈥檚 no way that would happen. But it did.鈥