Avery Russell
@draverbee.bsky.social
#RussellLab studies #bees #behaviour #microbes & #flower #evolution @MissouriState https://therusselllab.net/
| #PUI | #SciComm #DiversityInSTEM #BLM #WomenInSTEM #Humanities | he/him
| #PUI | #SciComm #DiversityInSTEM #BLM #WomenInSTEM #Humanities | he/him
Pinned
Avery Russell
@draverbee.bsky.social
· Oct 23
I cannot believe our work is finally out there and in @journal-evo.bsky.social ! This was an enormous group effort!
We provide an updated estimate of the number of buzz pollinated angiosperm species, genera, and families, look at consequences for diversification, number of transitions, and more!
We provide an updated estimate of the number of buzz pollinated angiosperm species, genera, and families, look at consequences for diversification, number of transitions, and more!
Reposted by Avery Russell
Weird word of the day: "kleptosquamy." The testate amoeba Awerintzewia cyclostoma steals scales from other amoeboid organisms to build its own shell. This one has robbed Quadrulella, Netzelia, various euglyphids, and even an Acanthocystis. Kleptosquamy! #amoebae #ProtistsOnSky #biology #nature
November 21, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Weird word of the day: "kleptosquamy." The testate amoeba Awerintzewia cyclostoma steals scales from other amoeboid organisms to build its own shell. This one has robbed Quadrulella, Netzelia, various euglyphids, and even an Acanthocystis. Kleptosquamy! #amoebae #ProtistsOnSky #biology #nature
Reposted by Avery Russell
🚨Good news, everyone!
1) I'm thrilled to be joining the behavior powerhouse that is Indiana University!! So stoked, starting Jan 2026.
2) I'm recruiting grad students! Are you (or your trainee) interested in sensory ecology? behavior? evolution? fieldwork? spiders? Drop me a line Jstafstr(at)iu.edu
1) I'm thrilled to be joining the behavior powerhouse that is Indiana University!! So stoked, starting Jan 2026.
2) I'm recruiting grad students! Are you (or your trainee) interested in sensory ecology? behavior? evolution? fieldwork? spiders? Drop me a line Jstafstr(at)iu.edu
November 22, 2025 at 4:53 PM
🚨Good news, everyone!
1) I'm thrilled to be joining the behavior powerhouse that is Indiana University!! So stoked, starting Jan 2026.
2) I'm recruiting grad students! Are you (or your trainee) interested in sensory ecology? behavior? evolution? fieldwork? spiders? Drop me a line Jstafstr(at)iu.edu
1) I'm thrilled to be joining the behavior powerhouse that is Indiana University!! So stoked, starting Jan 2026.
2) I'm recruiting grad students! Are you (or your trainee) interested in sensory ecology? behavior? evolution? fieldwork? spiders? Drop me a line Jstafstr(at)iu.edu
Reposted by Avery Russell
Missouri AG Now Siccing ICE on Gerrymander Referendum Signature Gatherers
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Avery Russell
This perfectly encapsulates the "performative neutrality" of which @peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social and I accuse the New York Times--with respect to both climate and vaccines--in #ScienceUnderSiege. In fact, it goes beyond that, engaging in outright antiscience pandering:
Breaking News: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he personally instructed the CDC to abandon its position that vaccines do not cause autism. The move underscores his determination to challenge scientific orthodoxy — in this case, that vaccines save lives — and bend the health department to his will.
RFK Jr. Says He Instructed CDC to Change Vaccines and Autism Language on Website
In an interview, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited gaps in vaccine safety research. His critics say he is ignoring a larger point: Vaccines save lives.
nyti.ms
November 22, 2025 at 4:41 PM
This perfectly encapsulates the "performative neutrality" of which @peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social and I accuse the New York Times--with respect to both climate and vaccines--in #ScienceUnderSiege. In fact, it goes beyond that, engaging in outright antiscience pandering:
Reposted by Avery Russell
Google defaulting all Gmail users to a setting that enables Google to harvest all your emails into chatbot training is straight-up evil and invasive.
www.huffpost.com/entry/opt-ou...
www.huffpost.com/entry/opt-ou...
If You Use Gmail, You're Going To Want To Turn Off This 1 Automatic Setting ASAP
Plus: a quick guide to the two-step process for opting out.
www.huffpost.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Google defaulting all Gmail users to a setting that enables Google to harvest all your emails into chatbot training is straight-up evil and invasive.
www.huffpost.com/entry/opt-ou...
www.huffpost.com/entry/opt-ou...
Reposted by Avery Russell
ARTISTS!
I need your help!
In collab. w/the Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology, I'm organizing a group of artists to come to our Jan. meeting! We're looking for artists to create based on what they learn at the conference. $1000 stipend.
Application is V short! forms.gle/ah1i8KwNJinZ...
I need your help!
In collab. w/the Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology, I'm organizing a group of artists to come to our Jan. meeting! We're looking for artists to create based on what they learn at the conference. $1000 stipend.
Application is V short! forms.gle/ah1i8KwNJinZ...
November 22, 2025 at 3:51 PM
ARTISTS!
I need your help!
In collab. w/the Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology, I'm organizing a group of artists to come to our Jan. meeting! We're looking for artists to create based on what they learn at the conference. $1000 stipend.
Application is V short! forms.gle/ah1i8KwNJinZ...
I need your help!
In collab. w/the Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology, I'm organizing a group of artists to come to our Jan. meeting! We're looking for artists to create based on what they learn at the conference. $1000 stipend.
Application is V short! forms.gle/ah1i8KwNJinZ...
Reposted by Avery Russell
As a psych grad student I had a serial harasser on my dissertation committee, who I removed from my committee as soon as I heard about it. I was strongly advised to not do this because I was told he would retaliate against me and blacklist me as much as he could. I did it on principle & bc--
My wife was sexually harassed by Miles Hewstone as a phd student. He was still asked to review her (and other women he harassed) for jobs and promotions. This is so fucked up.
Thankfully, she and many other women testified against him and something was finally done. This is her take on his case:
Thankfully, she and many other women testified against him and something was finally done. This is her take on his case:
November 22, 2025 at 5:07 PM
As a psych grad student I had a serial harasser on my dissertation committee, who I removed from my committee as soon as I heard about it. I was strongly advised to not do this because I was told he would retaliate against me and blacklist me as much as he could. I did it on principle & bc--
Reposted by Avery Russell
Really important article about how the White House's anti-DEI crusade is cutting off data for new potential breakthroughs for African-Americans who disproportionately suffer from end-stage kidney disease. talkingpointsmemo.com/news/trump-m...
The Trump Admin’s War on Data Is Compromising Major Health Advancements for Black Americans
Thanks to a 2009 medical breakthrough, researchers could be on the precipice...
talkingpointsmemo.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Really important article about how the White House's anti-DEI crusade is cutting off data for new potential breakthroughs for African-Americans who disproportionately suffer from end-stage kidney disease. talkingpointsmemo.com/news/trump-m...
Reposted by Avery Russell
If you use GMail, AI (Gemini) was turned on yesterday by default and now scans all of your content for machine learning. To turn off, go to Settings>General and scroll down. Uncheck the box for "Smart features."
There's other "Smart" add-ons as well, but that's the one that reads your content.
There's other "Smart" add-ons as well, but that's the one that reads your content.
November 20, 2025 at 5:32 PM
If you use GMail, AI (Gemini) was turned on yesterday by default and now scans all of your content for machine learning. To turn off, go to Settings>General and scroll down. Uncheck the box for "Smart features."
There's other "Smart" add-ons as well, but that's the one that reads your content.
There's other "Smart" add-ons as well, but that's the one that reads your content.
Reposted by Avery Russell
Are you a postdoc or assistant professor on the job market? Reminder that our department is hiring! We are a scientifically diverse department looking for a colleague that is excited about science, teaching, and potential collaborations! Please apply by 12/5/25!
November 20, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Are you a postdoc or assistant professor on the job market? Reminder that our department is hiring! We are a scientifically diverse department looking for a colleague that is excited about science, teaching, and potential collaborations! Please apply by 12/5/25!
Wanna be my colleague? We've got TT positions open!
1 in genetics/genomics jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83638.
1 in biology education / open jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83639.
1 in freshwater fisheries biology jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83637
Date of first consideration is Jan 4 2026
1 in genetics/genomics jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83638.
1 in biology education / open jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83639.
1 in freshwater fisheries biology jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83637
Date of first consideration is Jan 4 2026
November 20, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Wanna be my colleague? We've got TT positions open!
1 in genetics/genomics jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83638.
1 in biology education / open jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83639.
1 in freshwater fisheries biology jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83637
Date of first consideration is Jan 4 2026
1 in genetics/genomics jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83638.
1 in biology education / open jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83639.
1 in freshwater fisheries biology jobs.missouristate.edu/postings/83637
Date of first consideration is Jan 4 2026
Reposted by Avery Russell
Your dues pay for these legal victories (and much more at the chapter level). Join AAUP today!
November 20, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Your dues pay for these legal victories (and much more at the chapter level). Join AAUP today!
Reposted by Avery Russell
[8 Nov 2025] Another roundup of #ConservationJobs, mostly in 🇨🇦.
All postings include salary. I am not involved in these positions.
Please share to help others — working to conserve nature is rewarding and needed!
www.linkedin.com/posts/aerinj...
All postings include salary. I am not involved in these positions.
Please share to help others — working to conserve nature is rewarding and needed!
www.linkedin.com/posts/aerinj...
November 9, 2025 at 5:05 PM
[8 Nov 2025] Another roundup of #ConservationJobs, mostly in 🇨🇦.
All postings include salary. I am not involved in these positions.
Please share to help others — working to conserve nature is rewarding and needed!
www.linkedin.com/posts/aerinj...
All postings include salary. I am not involved in these positions.
Please share to help others — working to conserve nature is rewarding and needed!
www.linkedin.com/posts/aerinj...
Reposted by Avery Russell
I know I'm spamming you all with the world's largest flower this week but look at THIS! A rare glimpse inside Rafflesia arnoldi!
November 20, 2025 at 10:08 AM
I know I'm spamming you all with the world's largest flower this week but look at THIS! A rare glimpse inside Rafflesia arnoldi!
Reposted by Avery Russell
Wisconsin Evolution is accepting applications for our Seminar Series' Early Career Scientist Award. Come share your evolution research and visit UW-Madison's evolution community. Open to grad students and postdocs (<5 yrs post PhD) from outside UW-Madison.
Apply by Dec 15th here: shorturl.at/4a4O6
Apply by Dec 15th here: shorturl.at/4a4O6
Early Career Scientist Awards 2026
Application to the UW-Madison Evolution Seminar Series - Early Career Scientist Awards.
urldefense.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Wisconsin Evolution is accepting applications for our Seminar Series' Early Career Scientist Award. Come share your evolution research and visit UW-Madison's evolution community. Open to grad students and postdocs (<5 yrs post PhD) from outside UW-Madison.
Apply by Dec 15th here: shorturl.at/4a4O6
Apply by Dec 15th here: shorturl.at/4a4O6
Reposted by Avery Russell
This is a real image of a real thing that exists in the universe! And because a bunch of humans decided to get together and build a space telescope, we get to see it! 🤯
Very excited to share the NASA/ESA/STScI press release of our team's work on Apep! It's a terrific writeup, complete with a brand new beautiful visualisation of the nebula geometry.
1/? ⚛️🔭🧪
science.nasa.gov/missions/web...
1/? ⚛️🔭🧪
science.nasa.gov/missions/web...
Webb First to Show 4 Dust Shells 'Spiraling' Apep, Limits Long Orbit - NASA Science
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has delivered a first of its kind: a crisp mid-infrared image of a system of four serpentine spirals of dust, one expanding
science.nasa.gov
November 20, 2025 at 12:19 AM
This is a real image of a real thing that exists in the universe! And because a bunch of humans decided to get together and build a space telescope, we get to see it! 🤯
Reposted by Avery Russell
Please share widely
November 20, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Please share widely
Reposted by Avery Russell
Bluesky has finally, quietly posted a position for a one-year remote contract Policy Lead, Trust & Safety position.
Trans people who qualify, apply here: jobs.gem.com/bluesky/am9i...
We need someone competent in this role if this place is going to survive.
Trans people who qualify, apply here: jobs.gem.com/bluesky/am9i...
We need someone competent in this role if this place is going to survive.
November 17, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Bluesky has finally, quietly posted a position for a one-year remote contract Policy Lead, Trust & Safety position.
Trans people who qualify, apply here: jobs.gem.com/bluesky/am9i...
We need someone competent in this role if this place is going to survive.
Trans people who qualify, apply here: jobs.gem.com/bluesky/am9i...
We need someone competent in this role if this place is going to survive.
Reposted by Avery Russell
📖Published📖
Serra-Marin et al. develop an Automated Camera System (ACS) that integrates Raspberry Pi hardware with YOLOv5, to detect pollinators in plant communities 🐝 🌱 Read more here 🌍 🧪 👇
Serra-Marin et al. develop an Automated Camera System (ACS) that integrates Raspberry Pi hardware with YOLOv5, to detect pollinators in plant communities 🐝 🌱 Read more here 🌍 🧪 👇
buff.ly
November 19, 2025 at 12:02 PM
📖Published📖
Serra-Marin et al. develop an Automated Camera System (ACS) that integrates Raspberry Pi hardware with YOLOv5, to detect pollinators in plant communities 🐝 🌱 Read more here 🌍 🧪 👇
Serra-Marin et al. develop an Automated Camera System (ACS) that integrates Raspberry Pi hardware with YOLOv5, to detect pollinators in plant communities 🐝 🌱 Read more here 🌍 🧪 👇
Reposted by Avery Russell
Science People: We at NSF are still recovering/catching up/getting our lives together. But the agency posted these FAQs about post-shutdown resumption of operations which might answer a lot of Qs for you: www.nsf.gov/resumption-o...
Resumption of Operations at NSF
Information for NSF staff and the research community regarding the agency's resumption of operations after a lapse in appropriations.
www.nsf.gov
November 18, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Science People: We at NSF are still recovering/catching up/getting our lives together. But the agency posted these FAQs about post-shutdown resumption of operations which might answer a lot of Qs for you: www.nsf.gov/resumption-o...
Reposted by Avery Russell
My radical edu take: LLMs devalue knowledge retrieval, so the 3 most important skills to learn in school now are
1. identifying high-qualilty information from the rest,
2. making good decisions in an oversaturated information environment
3. understanding the difference between data and knowledge
1. identifying high-qualilty information from the rest,
2. making good decisions in an oversaturated information environment
3. understanding the difference between data and knowledge
November 18, 2025 at 5:44 PM
My radical edu take: LLMs devalue knowledge retrieval, so the 3 most important skills to learn in school now are
1. identifying high-qualilty information from the rest,
2. making good decisions in an oversaturated information environment
3. understanding the difference between data and knowledge
1. identifying high-qualilty information from the rest,
2. making good decisions in an oversaturated information environment
3. understanding the difference between data and knowledge
Reposted by Avery Russell
The Trump regime is working on eliminating NOAA Fisheries, either eliminating its mission responsibilities or moving them to Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service.
Short version: we will drive whales and other endangered species to extinction and our fisheries will collapse.
Short version: we will drive whales and other endangered species to extinction and our fisheries will collapse.
Welcome to NOAA | NOAA Fisheries
NOAA Fisheries—the trusted government authority on the science and management of fish, other marine life, and their habitats.
www.fisheries.noaa.gov
November 18, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The Trump regime is working on eliminating NOAA Fisheries, either eliminating its mission responsibilities or moving them to Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service.
Short version: we will drive whales and other endangered species to extinction and our fisheries will collapse.
Short version: we will drive whales and other endangered species to extinction and our fisheries will collapse.
Reposted by Avery Russell
John Oliver had masterful segment on public media and how pulling federal money hurt rural consumers legislators said they were defending, while making it more likely those stations need NPR and PBS. And he's doing a cool auction to raise money. WATCH: https://loom.ly/t7FRhXc
November 18, 2025 at 2:12 PM
John Oliver had masterful segment on public media and how pulling federal money hurt rural consumers legislators said they were defending, while making it more likely those stations need NPR and PBS. And he's doing a cool auction to raise money. WATCH: https://loom.ly/t7FRhXc
Reposted by Avery Russell
Nothing is a better demonstration of the anti-scientific nature of banning trans women from sports than the fact that the IOC's OWN STUDY found no evidence trans women have any advantage over cis women in sports, but they're planning on going ahead with banning us anyways
IOC edges closer to ban on transgender women in female Olympic events
IOC edges closer to ban on transgender women in female Olympic events
*
Sources expect ban within next six to 12 months
*
IOC president wants to protect the female category
The International Olympic Committee is edging closer towards implementing a ban on transgender women competing in the female category in time for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Multiple sources expect such a ban to come into effect over the next six to 12 months with the new IOC president, Kirsty Coventry, making clear she wants to drive through her campaign pledge to protect the female category. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Nothing is a better demonstration of the anti-scientific nature of banning trans women from sports than the fact that the IOC's OWN STUDY found no evidence trans women have any advantage over cis women in sports, but they're planning on going ahead with banning us anyways
Reposted by Avery Russell
The first Bush WH tried to gut wetland protections, but failed because of a major backlash (sparked by the main character of my new book) that included the head of Bush’s EPA. Now Trump’s EPA is trying to gut wetland protections and it’s barely news.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/c...
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The first Bush WH tried to gut wetland protections, but failed because of a major backlash (sparked by the main character of my new book) that included the head of Bush’s EPA. Now Trump’s EPA is trying to gut wetland protections and it’s barely news.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/c...