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. Derek Campos is an author on ‘ Effects of oxygen level on thermal tolerance in Amazonian catfishes with bimodal respiration: physiological and behavioural changes’, published in JEB. Derek conducted the research described in this article while a postdoc in Adalberto Luis Val's lab at the National Institute for Amazonian Research, Brazil. Derek is now a postdoc in the lab of Kênia Cardoso Bícego at São Paulo State University, Brazil, investigating thermal adaptation, physiology and biochemistry, exploring how organisms respond to environmental challenges.
Derek Campos
How did you become interested in biology?
I became interested in biology thanks to my grandpa, who played a key role in sparking my curiosity about the natural world. When I was a kid, he would often take me fishing, and those trips were much more than just catching fish. He taught me about the different species we encountered, the best types of bait to use, and the ideal times for fishing. Observing life up close and listening to his stories inspired me to explore living organisms and their environments in greater depth. It was during those moments that my passion for biology truly began.
Describe your scientific journey and your current research focus
I began my scientific journey in the heart of the Amazon, working at the National Institute for Amazonian Research under the supervision of Professor Vera Almeida-Val. Immersed in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, I focused on understanding what determines the thermal tolerance of different species and how environmental factors influence it. During my PhD, I had the opportunity to spend a short sandwich period at Graham Scott's lab at McMaster University, Canada, where I contributed to a project investigating how mitochondria adapt to temperature. This experience, combined with my earlier work, allowed me to delve deeply into the intricate relationship between organisms and their environments, particularly their responses to climate change. Currently, my research centers on thermoregulation and movement in free-living tegus, a unique seasonal warm-blooded reptile. I am exploring how these animals manage their body temperatures in their natural habitats, along with the ecological and physiological mechanisms that drive their thermal strategies.
How would you explain the main findings of your paper to a member of the public?
Armored catfish, known as Loricaridae, are fascinating fish that have the unique ability to breathe air using their stomachs. However, not all species within this group are the same – some have stomachs that are more efficient at catching oxygen from the air, while others rely primarily on their gills to extract oxygen from the water. Our study found that species with well-developed air-breathing organs can tolerate higher temperatures more effectively than those without these adaptations. This is because their ability to breathe air helps them stay oxygenated even when the water is warm and oxygen poor. On the other hand, fish with less-developed air-breathing organs struggle to maintain their oxygen supply, making it harder for them to survive when the water becomes warm and hypoxic (low in oxygen). In short, our research highlights how these special air-breathing abilities are crucial for helping some armored catfish thrive in extreme environments, such as areas with high temperatures and low oxygen levels in the water. Since air contains much more oxygen than water, fish that can breathe air are better equipped to tolerate warmer temperatures, even in hypoxic conditions.
What do you enjoy most about research, and why?
What I enjoy most about research is the opportunity to explore the natural world and uncover the ingenious ways species solve complex challenges with seemingly simple responses. It's fascinating to see how organisms, through evolution and adaptation, develop strategies to thrive in dynamic and often harsh environments. Each discovery feels like piecing together a puzzle, revealing the resilience and creativity of life. Understanding these mechanisms not only satisfies my curiosity but also provides insights into the broader connections between organisms and their ecosystems, which is incredibly rewarding.
What is the hardest challenge you have faced in the course of your research and how did you overcome it?
The hardest challenge I faced during my research occurred in my first year as a postdoc in Dal's lab, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fieldwork became nearly impossible due to restrictions, and I couldn't go out to collect fish or run my planned experiments. This situation required significant adaptability and teamwork. I overcame this challenge by coordinating with the team who were able to help with the fish collection. Their support was invaluable, and we worked together to ensure the continuity of the research, even in such difficult circumstances. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and building strong professional networks.
What is the most important lesson that you have learned from your career so far?
The most important lesson I have learned from my career so far is resilience. Research is filled with unexpected challenges, from experiments that don't go as planned to external obstacles like limited resources or global disruptions. Through these experiences, I've learned to adapt, persevere and find creative solutions to move forward. Resilience has not only helped me navigate the uncertainties of science but also shaped my perspective, reminding me that setbacks are opportunities to grow, innovate and push the boundaries of knowledge.
Derek Campos's contact details: Laboratory of Integrative Thermal Physiology, Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, São Paulo State University -UNESP/FCAV, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
E-mail: [email protected]
