Melissa Plakke
@plakkerz.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Evolution at Governors State University. Studies butterfly vaginas and sperm. Constant coffee drinker, perpetually exhausted. She/her
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
Sabotage. Criminal sabotage.
"[The NSF] is planning to lay off between a quarter and a half of its staff in the next two months, a top National Science Foundation official said Tuesday."
www.eenews.net/articles/sci...
"[The NSF] is planning to lay off between a quarter and a half of its staff in the next two months, a top National Science Foundation official said Tuesday."
www.eenews.net/articles/sci...
Science funding agency threatened with mass layoffs
National Science Foundation staff heard the plans at a meeting Tuesday.
www.eenews.net
February 4, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Sabotage. Criminal sabotage.
"[The NSF] is planning to lay off between a quarter and a half of its staff in the next two months, a top National Science Foundation official said Tuesday."
www.eenews.net/articles/sci...
"[The NSF] is planning to lay off between a quarter and a half of its staff in the next two months, a top National Science Foundation official said Tuesday."
www.eenews.net/articles/sci...
So excited for SICB tomorrow! First in person conference for me since covid/kids/job. 🥰 please let me know if anyone wants to meet up! (I have no idea who still goes)
January 2, 2025 at 10:24 PM
So excited for SICB tomorrow! First in person conference for me since covid/kids/job. 🥰 please let me know if anyone wants to meet up! (I have no idea who still goes)
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
Want a nice, fact-filled overview of this year's periodical cicada emergence? Here you go #InverteFest 🧪https://entomologytoday.org/2024/04/25/periodical-cicadas-2024-brood-xix-xii-entomologists-prepare-six-week-serenade/
Periodical Cicadas, 2024: Entomologists Prepare for the Six-Week Serenade
Entomologists across the U.S. share their research plans for the much-anticipated—and quite rare—dual emergence of Brood XIII and Brood XIX periodical cicadas in 2024.
entomologytoday.org
April 26, 2024 at 12:25 PM
Want a nice, fact-filled overview of this year's periodical cicada emergence? Here you go #InverteFest 🧪https://entomologytoday.org/2024/04/25/periodical-cicadas-2024-brood-xix-xii-entomologists-prepare-six-week-serenade/
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
Hi, are you or someone you know curious about the wonderfully weird world of spiders?
I spent last year working on the book I *wish* I had when I started spidering, and it's out in.. 3 weeks!?
It's only $10, written to be super accessible, & preorders get 10% off! 🕷️🌿 #虫
bookshop.org/p/books/spid...
I spent last year working on the book I *wish* I had when I started spidering, and it's out in.. 3 weeks!?
It's only $10, written to be super accessible, & preorders get 10% off! 🕷️🌿 #虫
bookshop.org/p/books/spid...
April 15, 2024 at 10:20 PM
Hi, are you or someone you know curious about the wonderfully weird world of spiders?
I spent last year working on the book I *wish* I had when I started spidering, and it's out in.. 3 weeks!?
It's only $10, written to be super accessible, & preorders get 10% off! 🕷️🌿 #虫
bookshop.org/p/books/spid...
I spent last year working on the book I *wish* I had when I started spidering, and it's out in.. 3 weeks!?
It's only $10, written to be super accessible, & preorders get 10% off! 🕷️🌿 #虫
bookshop.org/p/books/spid...
Been off socials for a while, but had to chime in with excitement about the cicadas! Shells everywhere last week at Mazon Creek Fossil Beds. Didn't hear any, but they were definitely around!
April 19, 2024 at 2:55 PM
Been off socials for a while, but had to chime in with excitement about the cicadas! Shells everywhere last week at Mazon Creek Fossil Beds. Didn't hear any, but they were definitely around!
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
New edited volume on Speciation, organized by Katie Peichel and colleagues, coming soon from Cold Springs Harbor Press
March 5, 2024 at 3:45 PM
New edited volume on Speciation, organized by Katie Peichel and colleagues, coming soon from Cold Springs Harbor Press
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
Apply now for our Undergraduate Diversity at Evolution program! Are you an undergrad interested in ecology, evolution or related fields? This program provides funding, a presentation opportunity, and mentoring at #Evol2024. Apply by Jan. 29! evolutionsociety.org/content/educ...
@evolmtg.bsky.social
@evolmtg.bsky.social
January 12, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Apply now for our Undergraduate Diversity at Evolution program! Are you an undergrad interested in ecology, evolution or related fields? This program provides funding, a presentation opportunity, and mentoring at #Evol2024. Apply by Jan. 29! evolutionsociety.org/content/educ...
@evolmtg.bsky.social
@evolmtg.bsky.social
Thrilled to announce that Plakke Lab graduate student Destiny Etuk has been awarded the Sigma Xi GIAR!! You all better get ready to learn about plastic eating insects! #ProudPI
January 12, 2024 at 1:43 AM
Thrilled to announce that Plakke Lab graduate student Destiny Etuk has been awarded the Sigma Xi GIAR!! You all better get ready to learn about plastic eating insects! #ProudPI
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
I am *thrilled* to finally announce that our department is hiring an Evolutionary Biologist. We are esp looking genetic/genomic expertise, and those who can help us build a more equitable biology community at UCSB. Please apply by Jan 15! recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02635 #unicornjob
Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Biology
University of California Santa Barbara is hiring. Apply now!
recruit.ap.ucsb.edu
November 29, 2023 at 9:54 PM
I am *thrilled* to finally announce that our department is hiring an Evolutionary Biologist. We are esp looking genetic/genomic expertise, and those who can help us build a more equitable biology community at UCSB. Please apply by Jan 15! recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02635 #unicornjob
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for Summer 2024 RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES, BIOLOGY at the American Museum of Natural History. Application Deadline: January 31st 2024 www.amnh.org/research/ric...
Biological Sciences: Research Experience for Undergraduates | AMNH
Approximately eight students gather each summer at the Museum for a ten-week experience working with curators, faculty, and post-doctoral fellows.
www.amnh.org
January 3, 2024 at 12:23 AM
We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for Summer 2024 RESEARCH EXPERIENCE FOR UNDERGRADUATES, BIOLOGY at the American Museum of Natural History. Application Deadline: January 31st 2024 www.amnh.org/research/ric...
So happy to see this in the wild. Was such a great group of people to work with!
New paper: "Synthesis and Scope of the Role of Postmating Prezygotic Isolation in Speciation",where we review mechanisms & importance of barriers acting after mating before fertilization in promoting &/or maintaining species divergence.
🧪🌍🪶🦑🌿🐯🐙#evolution
m.cshperspectives.cshlp.org/content/earl...
🧪🌍🪶🦑🌿🐯🐙#evolution
m.cshperspectives.cshlp.org/content/earl...
Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol | Mobile
m.cshperspectives.cshlp.org
January 2, 2024 at 4:12 PM
So happy to see this in the wild. Was such a great group of people to work with!
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
The Mack lab at KU is looking for a technician -- please consider passing on to anyone who might be looking! employment.ku.edu/jobs/staff/a...
December 29, 2023 at 4:42 PM
The Mack lab at KU is looking for a technician -- please consider passing on to anyone who might be looking! employment.ku.edu/jobs/staff/a...
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
Applications now open for the 2024 R. C. Lewontin Early Awards, which provide up to $2500 in research funds for 1st and 2nd year PhD students.
Deadline: February 23
www.evolutionsociety.org/content/soci...
Deadline: February 23
www.evolutionsociety.org/content/soci...
December 15, 2023 at 8:24 PM
Applications now open for the 2024 R. C. Lewontin Early Awards, which provide up to $2500 in research funds for 1st and 2nd year PhD students.
Deadline: February 23
www.evolutionsociety.org/content/soci...
Deadline: February 23
www.evolutionsociety.org/content/soci...
Can anyone recommend a biologist (maybe it's you??) in the Chicagoland area that would be interested in giving a seminar at a PUI?
December 8, 2023 at 3:31 PM
Can anyone recommend a biologist (maybe it's you??) in the Chicagoland area that would be interested in giving a seminar at a PUI?
Bug sex alert!
Fortuitously had mating silkmoths in the lab on reproduction lecture day. Added bonus that silkmoths are objectively the cutest moth in existence.
Fortuitously had mating silkmoths in the lab on reproduction lecture day. Added bonus that silkmoths are objectively the cutest moth in existence.
November 3, 2023 at 11:21 PM
Bug sex alert!
Fortuitously had mating silkmoths in the lab on reproduction lecture day. Added bonus that silkmoths are objectively the cutest moth in existence.
Fortuitously had mating silkmoths in the lab on reproduction lecture day. Added bonus that silkmoths are objectively the cutest moth in existence.
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
BBC: Why don't women use ChatGPT?
Woman: I tried it and it just barfed out useless garbage
BBC: Women don't use ChatGPT because it's too difficult for their pretty little heads
Woman: I tried it and it just barfed out useless garbage
BBC: Women don't use ChatGPT because it's too difficult for their pretty little heads
Bit of an odd story this one - the main analysis says women don't use AI because they lack STEM skills, confidence and value in the workplace. Yet the anecdotes suggest that women excel at communication, whether writing or interpersonal, and can spot ChatGPT's flaws
www.bbc.co.uk/news/busines...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/busines...
Why are fewer women using AI than men?
The use of artificial intelligence appears to have a significant gender imbalance.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 2, 2023 at 1:52 PM
BBC: Why don't women use ChatGPT?
Woman: I tried it and it just barfed out useless garbage
BBC: Women don't use ChatGPT because it's too difficult for their pretty little heads
Woman: I tried it and it just barfed out useless garbage
BBC: Women don't use ChatGPT because it's too difficult for their pretty little heads
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
Yesterday’s story identified that Wigeon poop every 3.1 minutes. At 338 poops per day, I expect this is actually the highest poop rate of any bird (maybe any animal - there’s a challenge!) so it obviously set me thinking about which #bird poops the least. Inquiring minds want to know.
#birds 🧪🌿🌏1/5
#birds 🧪🌿🌏1/5
October 30, 2023 at 5:30 PM
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
Bluesky Nature Feeds!
Inspired by @markrubin.bsky.social, a list of nearly 50 nature-related feeds & how to post to them! Everything from birds to geoscience to bug sex!
Quick feed primer & feed building guides on additional tabs for fun!
PLZ lmk if I’ve left any off or something is incorrect 😊
Inspired by @markrubin.bsky.social, a list of nearly 50 nature-related feeds & how to post to them! Everything from birds to geoscience to bug sex!
Quick feed primer & feed building guides on additional tabs for fun!
PLZ lmk if I’ve left any off or something is incorrect 😊
Bluesky Nature Feeds
Nature Feeds
Feed Name,Description,Tags,Who to @ to Join the Contributor List
<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:36h6ttx2g23zqr4accilbvo7/feed/aaahq3wvgn4k4">🦀 Crab Time 🦀</a>,A feed dis...
docs.google.com
October 19, 2023 at 11:50 AM
Bluesky Nature Feeds!
Inspired by @markrubin.bsky.social, a list of nearly 50 nature-related feeds & how to post to them! Everything from birds to geoscience to bug sex!
Quick feed primer & feed building guides on additional tabs for fun!
PLZ lmk if I’ve left any off or something is incorrect 😊
Inspired by @markrubin.bsky.social, a list of nearly 50 nature-related feeds & how to post to them! Everything from birds to geoscience to bug sex!
Quick feed primer & feed building guides on additional tabs for fun!
PLZ lmk if I’ve left any off or something is incorrect 😊
And this is why I'm loving this app. Bug Sex in a feed.
October 27, 2023 at 5:52 AM
And this is why I'm loving this app. Bug Sex in a feed.
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
Please share widely.
The Department of Biology at Loyola University Chicago is searching for a new assistant professor in genetics, genomics, or bioinformatics. I am chairing the search and will happily answer any questions about the position.
www.careers.luc.edu/postings/26656
The Department of Biology at Loyola University Chicago is searching for a new assistant professor in genetics, genomics, or bioinformatics. I am chairing the search and will happily answer any questions about the position.
www.careers.luc.edu/postings/26656
Biology, Assistant Professor in Genetics/Genomics, Tenure-Track
Loyola University Chicago (LUC), College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology seeks qualified candidates for an appointment as Assistant Professor, beginning Fall 2024. The Department of Biolog...
www.careers.luc.edu
October 21, 2023 at 3:52 PM
Please share widely.
The Department of Biology at Loyola University Chicago is searching for a new assistant professor in genetics, genomics, or bioinformatics. I am chairing the search and will happily answer any questions about the position.
www.careers.luc.edu/postings/26656
The Department of Biology at Loyola University Chicago is searching for a new assistant professor in genetics, genomics, or bioinformatics. I am chairing the search and will happily answer any questions about the position.
www.careers.luc.edu/postings/26656
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
And my beloved banner!
October 14, 2023 at 4:55 AM
And my beloved banner!
It's Friday night and I'm yelling at Blippi because he said a spider wasn't an animal but instead a giant insect. I had to give my kids a serious talk about taxonomy 😑
October 14, 2023 at 12:01 AM
It's Friday night and I'm yelling at Blippi because he said a spider wasn't an animal but instead a giant insect. I had to give my kids a serious talk about taxonomy 😑
Reposted by Melissa Plakke
Join me, Kelly Dyer, and Rich Kliman for an open Q&A about applying to graduate school in Evolutionary Biology! (pls RT)
October 11, 2023 at 6:57 PM
Join me, Kelly Dyer, and Rich Kliman for an open Q&A about applying to graduate school in Evolutionary Biology! (pls RT)