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. Gebrehaweria Reda is an author on ‘ Dietary restriction and life-history trade-offs: insights into mTOR pathway regulation and reproductive investment in Japanese quails’, published in JEB. Gebrehaweria is a PhD student in the lab of Levente Czeglédi and Ádám Z. Lendvai at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, investigating the molecular nutrition of birds.
Gebrehaweria Reda
How did you become interested in biology?
My interest in biology began during my secondary school years, sparked by an exceptional teacher who served as my role model. Growing up, I was always curious about nature, and my understanding of it primarily started from observing the biological characteristics of various creatures. Coming from a farming background, I developed a deep affection for working with fruits, vegetables and domestic animals, which instilled in me a desire to enhance productivity. As I pursued my undergraduate degree in animal production and later delved into range ecology and management during my master's studies, I furthered my comprehension of the interconnectedness between biology and the natural world. This deepened my passion for biology, and I made a personal commitment to dedicate my life to its study. Later, I become curious about the molecular mechanisms of nutrition. This boosted my interest in molecular laboratory work. Currently, I am immersed in the fascinating realm of avian biology, focusing on the molecular nutrition of birds, which are among the most captivating yet understudied creatures. Now I am addicted to experimental and laboratory work.
Describe your scientific journey and your current research focus
With a profound interest in biology, I pursued a bachelor's degree in animal production followed by further studies in range ecology and management at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. Alongside my academic endeavours, my passion for research and teaching led me to work as a lecturer and assistant researcher at Samara University and Adigrat University, respectively, in Ethiopia. Throughout my tenure, I consistently delivered courses focused on bee biology, range ecology, and wildlife ecology and management. Additionally, I conducted studies and published findings on topics such as beekeeping and vegetation diversity in community-managed natural areas. Presently, I am a PhD student at the University of Debrecen, where I am investigating the molecular nutrition of birds, primarily focusing on Japanese quail. Moreover, I am actively involved in research projects concerning other wild bird species and chickens. Further, I want to continue studying bird molecular biology in depth. Field experiment to laboratory, laboratory to field work motivates my soul.
How would you explain the main findings of your paper to a member of the public?
In natural environments, resources are scarce, while in agricultural settings, resources are costly. Nutrition is essential for growth, reproduction and survival, requiring organisms to allocate scarce resources among different traits based on their availability. Our study aimed to investigate how nutritional limitations affect the expression of nutrient-sensing pathway genes and how organisms allocate resources among their life-history traits, using Japanese quail as a model. We observed that dietary restriction influenced gene expression, primarily at the mRNA level, and that these gene expression changes mediated the birds’ performance. Additionally, we demonstrated that birds allocate dietary resources to reproduction and somatic maintenance based on the severity of restrictions. Overall, our study revealed the link between dietary intake and mRNA level gene expression.
Why did you choose JEB to publish your paper?
JEB is one of my favourite journals for finding published scientific articles to support my literature review and reading. I have discovered several highly relevant articles that have bolstered my studies. Additionally, my supervisor, Ádám Lendvai, shares my interest in JEB and consistently encourages me to explore newly published studies within its pages. As a result, it has become a dream of mine to publish my own research in this esteemed journal. Additionally, our data was a best fit to JEB. Consequently, I have submitted our selected manuscript to JEB, and I am happy that our study is accepted. I am also eagerly anticipating the opportunity to submit my forthcoming studies to the journal as well.
What do you enjoy most about research, and why?
In biology, research is the process of understanding how organisms evolve and survive. Engaging in research continually prompts me to think about what is not known. It compels me to delve into literature, search for new findings, and document my findings through writing. Personally, the pursuit of new knowledge brings me profound joy. Furthermore, I firmly believe that research forms the foundation of problem solving. Without it, the contemporary world would lack the existing carry capacity. As for my own studies, research has afforded me insights into the remarkable nature of birds, including the fascinating ‘birds’ paradoxes.
What's next for you?
I am on a track to complete my PhD within the next few months. My immediate plan is to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship in advanced molecular laboratories, aiming to enhance my contributions to research and publications. Looking ahead, my future goal is to continue my research endeavours in institutions equipped with state-of-the-art molecular laboratories. At present, I am deeply immersed in exploring the connections between environmental/nutritional cues, molecular processes and phenotypic adaptations of organisms, a field that I find increasingly captivating.
Gebrehaweria Reda's contact details: Department of Animal Science, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
E-mail: [email protected]
