ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Shannon Wiser is an author on ‘ Electrosensory and metabolic response of weakly electric fish to increased water conductivity’, published in JEB. Shannon is a PhD student in the lab of Dr Michael Markham at the University of Oklahoma Department of Biology, USA, investigating sensory ecology and animal communication.
Shannon Wiser
How did you become interested in biology?
I became interested in biology as a career path while working on my bachelor's degree at the University of Oklahoma. When I started undergrad, I had a vague interest in research without a specific field in mind. It wasn't until I took an introductory biology class that I learned about the research opportunities within the department, and it kind of just worked out from there. But I think I was also drawn to the subject because biological issues often intersect with societal issues, such as conservation and public health.
Describe your scientific journey and your current research focus
During undergrad, I went to a seminar featuring a guest speaker discussing their research on weakly electric fish and thought it was really cool. I applied to volunteer in a lab on campus that also studied weakly electric fish, and I was right, it is really cool. So cool that I completed my master's degree in this lab in 2022 and am currently working on my PhD. I have no idea what I am doing most of the time, but it is fun, and I am learning. Overall, I have gotten really lucky by finding a supportive advisor and lab. My research focus is sensory ecology and animal communication, with a focus on electroreception.
How would you explain the main findings/message of your paper to a member of the public?
Anthropogenic climate change affects the sensory performance of some animals in unexpected ways, such as in the response of weakly electric fish to changes in water conditions. These fish rely on self-generated electric fields for communication and navigation, particularly in turbid, sediment-heavy waters. Human activities, such as industrial waste disposal and agricultural runoff, lead to water quality degradation, resulting in a reduction in the electric field range of these fish. While some fish may adapt to these changes, other fish may not have the mechanisms or energetic allowances to do so, potentially leaving some fish disproportionately affected by the effects of human-induced changes.
A mixed media representation of my research showing how water quality affects the electrosensory communication between weakly electric fish. This was an assignment for the students in a class I was a teaching assistant for that I did along with them.
A mixed media representation of my research showing how water quality affects the electrosensory communication between weakly electric fish. This was an assignment for the students in a class I was a teaching assistant for that I did along with them.
What do you enjoy most about research, and why?
I enjoy the design process of behavioral research because of the creativity it requires. A lot of the time it involves using unconventional materials to build things with super specific functions. I think this process is fun because you get to learn about different construction techniques and materials, and that knowledge then builds off other knowledge to be used for future problem solving. Additionally, I like troubleshooting (when not under an immediate deadline). Especially when things get too repetitive, it keeps things engaging.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to do creative projects in my free time. I mainly jump between painting and crocheting but I sometimes like to practice clay sculpting and woodworking. I'm always looking for new media to try. I like being in the beginner phase of learning a new skill because I get flooded with ideas without being weighed down by all the technical details. I also spend the majority of my free time with my cats, who are frequently the subjects/inspirations for the stuff I make.
What's next for you?
I am continuing this work into my PhD project, further investigating questions surrounding the electrosensory response of B. gauderio in changing water conductivity.
Shannon Wiser's contact details: Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Richards Hall, Room 410, Norman, OK 73019-4105, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]
