Kristin Sikkink Awarded NSF DDIG for Cryptic Genetic Variation Research
Congratulations to Kristin Sikkink on receiving an NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant to study cryptic genetic variation using RNA-seq!
This competitive award supports Kristin’s innovative research using transcriptomics to understand the genetic basis of cryptic genetic variation and its role in evolutionary adaptation, representing cutting-edge work at the intersection of genomics and evolutionary biology.
Research Innovation
The DDIG supports:
- RNA-seq experiments
- Cryptic variation discovery
- Gene expression evolution
- Adaptive potential assessment
- Evolutionary theory testing
Cryptic Variation Importance
This hidden variation:
- Provides evolutionary potential
- Enables rapid adaptation
- Buffers against change
- Reveals under stress
- Drives innovation
Methodological Approach
Kristin will employ:
- Transcriptome sequencing
- Differential expression analysis
- Network approaches
- Statistical modeling
- Experimental validation
Theoretical Framework
The research tests:
- Evolutionary capacitance
- Genetic accommodation
- Phenotypic plasticity
- Robustness mechanisms
- Evolvability concepts
RNA-seq Technology
Using cutting-edge:
- Next-generation sequencing
- Transcriptome profiling
- Expression quantification
- Splice variant detection
- Regulatory analysis
Experimental Design
The project includes:
- Multiple populations
- Environmental treatments
- Replicated experiments
- Time series sampling
- Validation studies
Expected Discoveries
Anticipated findings:
- Hidden variation patterns
- Expression network changes
- Stress response mechanisms
- Evolutionary predictions
- Adaptation pathways
Career Development
The DDIG provides:
- Research independence
- Technical expertise
- Grant experience
- Publication opportunities
- Professional growth
Broader Impacts
This work informs:
- Evolutionary theory
- Climate change responses
- Conservation strategies
- Breeding programs
- Adaptation understanding
Conference Success
Adding to recent achievements:
- Best poster at IGERT conference
- International presentations
- Publication record
- Award recognition
- Research excellence
Training Environment
Success reflects:
- Mentorship quality
- Lab resources
- Collaborative culture
- Technical support
- Intellectual environment
Future Directions
This research enables:
- Novel discoveries
- Method development
- Theory advancement
- Career opportunities
- Continued impact
Excellent work, Kristin! This support will advance our understanding of evolution’s hidden potential.