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. Analía Mattiacci is an author on ‘ Chemotactile perception and associative learning of amino acids in yellowjacket workers’, published in JEB. Analía is a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Juan C. Corley at INTA Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche, Argentina, investigating the behavioural physiology and ecology of social insects, particularly their foraging and learning mechanisms.
Analía Mattiacci
How did you become interested in biology?
I have always been interested in nature since I was a child. I spent a lot of time exploring and watching animals with great curiosity. My parents and family always supported this passion, and I spent a lot of time on my uncles’ and grandparents’ farm, which had a big influence on me. I also went to a marine biology school, which made my interest in biology even stronger. One important moment for me was when I joined the Biology Olympics. A teacher explained some basic animal behavior concepts, and I loved it. When I had to choose a career, I knew I wanted to stay close to nature and keep learning about animal behavior. Later, at university, two courses, Invertebrates II and Insect Physiology, made me even more passionate about arthropods. These subjects, which focus on insects, made me want to study their behavior and ecology.
Describe your scientific journey and your current research focus
I began my scientific journey by doing several internships in different laboratories, which allowed me to explore various areas of research. My interest in social insects grew during my undergraduate studies, where I focused on the foraging behavior and communication of ants for my thesis. After finishing my studies in Buenos Aires, I knew I wanted to return to Patagonia, my homeland in southern Argentina. I found a group working with yellowjacket social wasps, which provided me the opportunity to study well-established concepts in ants and bees, but in a species that had been little studied and exhibited very different characteristics. This led me to pursue my PhD and postdoctoral research within this group, where I investigated various aspects of the foraging behavior of yellowjacket wasps. These experiences deepened my passion for understanding insect behavior and learning, which continues to be the focus of my research today, particularly about invasive species and pests, to generate knowledge that could improve control strategies.
How would you explain the main findings of your paper to a member of the public?
In our study, we wanted to find out whether yellow jacket wasps can recognize and distinguish a highly nutritious specific type of food, the amino acids, which are essential building blocks of proteins. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments and found that the wasps can indeed recognize these foods. Even more interesting, the wasps can learn to tell the difference between food that is linked to a reward and food that is not, and they begin to anticipate the reward, reacting positively when they expect it.
Why did you choose JEB to publish your paper?
We chose the Journal of Experimental Biology because it covers a wide variety of topics from diverse regions of the world, often highlighting innovative research approaches. Additionally, one of my co-authors has published with JEB before and has always had positive experiences, particularly with the constructive feedback provided by editors and reviewers. The journal is also known for its fast and transparent review process, which was another important factor in our decision.
What do you enjoy most about research, and why?
What I enjoy most about research is the direct connection with nature and the opportunity to observe the behavior of insects. I find it fascinating how such small creatures can exhibit such complex behaviors. Additionally, the constant challenge of learning something new every day is what truly motivates me, as it feels like a game where you keep leveling up. There is always something to discover and understand, which makes each day exciting.
What is the hardest challenge you have faced in the course of your research and how did you overcome it?
I am pretty sure that the most difficult challenge has been understanding the yellowjacket wasps and being able to ask the right questions and interpret their responses. The differences in their behavior are very subtle, which made reading their behavior and understanding their responses take years of work and experimentation. However, with time and patience, I was able to learn to interpret their signals and move forward with my research.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I dedicate much of my time to motherhood, which, although not technically ‘free time’, is a fulfilling and important part of my life. I also enjoy playing soccer, doing Pilates, sailing and going for walks.
What's next for you?
Currently, my future remains uncertain as my postdoctoral fellowship has recently concluded. The situation for science and research in Argentina is particularly challenging because of limited funding and opportunities. As a result, I am actively exploring new horizons and remain open to opportunities both within my country and internationally. My passion for science and discovery continues to drive me, and I look forward to contributing to meaningful research in any capacity I can.
Analía Mattiacci’s contact details: [email protected]; https://sites.google.com/site/gepinsectos/acerca-del-grupo
E-mail: [email protected]
