This National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) award provides a $240,000 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology (PRFB) to fund a 3-year project investigating the adaptation of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) to heat stress caused by climate change. The project aims to: (1) determine if warming events are associated with genetic signatures of population decline in giant kelp, (2) identify adaptive genetic variants that contribute to the resilience of giant kelp to warming, and (3) trace the origin and age of these adaptive variants. The fellow will receive training in genomics and bioinformatics analyses, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and develop climate change education materials for high school classrooms based on the research findings. This work will provide insights into how wild populations can adapt and persist in the face of environmental challenges posed by climate change.
Generated 2/25/25, 3:27 AM