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.