Lisa Whitenack, PhD
@whitenacklab.bsky.social
Biology professor & Director of Faculty Development at Allegheny College. Biomechanics, evolution, and paleobiology of sharks, snails, crabs, and more. She/her
Doomscroll safety stop 🛑
Seeing this longhorn cowfish at the Birch Aquarium this week brought a smile to my face.
Like other boxfishes, they are fins-only swimmers because their scales fuse together, preventing the body from bending.
And they look like Zoolander
doing blue steel.
Ok carry on
Seeing this longhorn cowfish at the Birch Aquarium this week brought a smile to my face.
Like other boxfishes, they are fins-only swimmers because their scales fuse together, preventing the body from bending.
And they look like Zoolander
doing blue steel.
Ok carry on
November 22, 2025 at 1:11 AM
Doomscroll safety stop 🛑
Seeing this longhorn cowfish at the Birch Aquarium this week brought a smile to my face.
Like other boxfishes, they are fins-only swimmers because their scales fuse together, preventing the body from bending.
And they look like Zoolander
doing blue steel.
Ok carry on
Seeing this longhorn cowfish at the Birch Aquarium this week brought a smile to my face.
Like other boxfishes, they are fins-only swimmers because their scales fuse together, preventing the body from bending.
And they look like Zoolander
doing blue steel.
Ok carry on
One of my all time favorite authors! If you haven’t discovered her work yet, please drop everything and pick up either “The Fifth Season” or “The City We Became” from your local bookstore.
✨ Please join SFWA in celebrating the announcement of our latest Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award: N. K. Jemisin. ✨
Learn more here about @nkjemisin.bsky.social, the Grand Master Award, and how the work goes on after the accolades for all we've already done:
www.sfwa.org/2025/11/16/p...
Learn more here about @nkjemisin.bsky.social, the Grand Master Award, and how the work goes on after the accolades for all we've already done:
www.sfwa.org/2025/11/16/p...
November 17, 2025 at 1:56 AM
One of my all time favorite authors! If you haven’t discovered her work yet, please drop everything and pick up either “The Fifth Season” or “The City We Became” from your local bookstore.
Reposted by Lisa Whitenack, PhD
I also found it useful for regular human anatomy class!
November 16, 2025 at 1:15 PM
I also found it useful for regular human anatomy class!
Hey, if you’re thinking about comparative anatomy textbooks for the Spring semester, you should check out ours! Free, open access, and peer-reviewed!
Y’all!!! Our comparative anatomy textbook is out!!! Free, open access, and just in time for the fall semester!
November 16, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Hey, if you’re thinking about comparative anatomy textbooks for the Spring semester, you should check out ours! Free, open access, and peer-reviewed!
Today while shopping, my 12yo casually dropped a 1.5 ft tall light-up plastic dinosaur wearing a Santa hat into our cart, assuming that I would buy it no questions asked. 🦖
They were not wrong.
It will go well with the 4 ft octopus holding ornaments that was already in the cart. 🐙
They were not wrong.
It will go well with the 4 ft octopus holding ornaments that was already in the cart. 🐙
November 15, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Today while shopping, my 12yo casually dropped a 1.5 ft tall light-up plastic dinosaur wearing a Santa hat into our cart, assuming that I would buy it no questions asked. 🦖
They were not wrong.
It will go well with the 4 ft octopus holding ornaments that was already in the cart. 🐙
They were not wrong.
It will go well with the 4 ft octopus holding ornaments that was already in the cart. 🐙
Busted out my reliable brain slug for Halloween 🎃
October 31, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Busted out my reliable brain slug for Halloween 🎃
This is yesterday’s postcard-perfect view from my office in our Center for Research and Teaching Excellence at Allegheny. I love the show that Mother Nature puts on in the autumn!
October 30, 2025 at 11:52 AM
This is yesterday’s postcard-perfect view from my office in our Center for Research and Teaching Excellence at Allegheny. I love the show that Mother Nature puts on in the autumn!
😮
Talk about an in-flight meal.
For the first time, researchers have captured rats hunting bats by grabbing them from the sky. Learn more: https://scim.ag/3Jqldmn
For the first time, researchers have captured rats hunting bats by grabbing them from the sky. Learn more: https://scim.ag/3Jqldmn
October 28, 2025 at 2:33 AM
😮
Happy Mole Day!
You know that May 4 is Star Wars Day.
You've seen that March 14 is Pi Day.
Bringing it all together is Oct 23:
TODAY IS MOLE DAY! 10²³
Celebrated, more accurately, between 6:02a & 6:02p, the holiday is based on Avogadro’s Number (6.02 × 10²³).
You've seen that March 14 is Pi Day.
Bringing it all together is Oct 23:
TODAY IS MOLE DAY! 10²³
Celebrated, more accurately, between 6:02a & 6:02p, the holiday is based on Avogadro’s Number (6.02 × 10²³).
a picture of a mole with its arms outstretched and the words mole day below it
Alt: a picture of a mole with its arms outstretched and the words mole day below it
media.tenor.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Happy Mole Day!
I know I’m not the only comparative anatomy prof that has been shipped Mustelus instead of Squalus for lab. Is anyone working on a lab manual or online resource that has head muscles & digestive system images?
I can’t - I don’t have the capacity right now.
I can’t - I don’t have the capacity right now.
October 22, 2025 at 10:56 AM
I know I’m not the only comparative anatomy prof that has been shipped Mustelus instead of Squalus for lab. Is anyone working on a lab manual or online resource that has head muscles & digestive system images?
I can’t - I don’t have the capacity right now.
I can’t - I don’t have the capacity right now.
Discworld QOTD, from Feet of Clay
October 18, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Being part of the team that has brought our Center for Research and Teaching Excellence to fruition has been an absolute delight! We’ve created a vibrant and welcoming space for our faculty.
Also, I got to use the giant scissors!
Also, I got to use the giant scissors!
Center for Research and Teaching Excellence Cuts Ribbon in Joyous Celebration
The official ribbon cutting for Allegheny’s new Center for Research and Teaching Excellence (CREATE) was celebrated with faculty, trustees, students and staff on Thursday, Oct. 16. CREATE lab is a new...
allegheny.edu
October 17, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Being part of the team that has brought our Center for Research and Teaching Excellence to fruition has been an absolute delight! We’ve created a vibrant and welcoming space for our faculty.
Also, I got to use the giant scissors!
Also, I got to use the giant scissors!
Things I said at work today:
"Where did I put that bag of cats, I just had them earlier this week..."
"Sorry about the smell, I've got a lamprey"
"Can you please bring these chemicals up to the lab? I want to clear and stain Nemo."
"I've got chickens, cow, pig, horse, a goat, and 3 dinosaurs"
"Where did I put that bag of cats, I just had them earlier this week..."
"Sorry about the smell, I've got a lamprey"
"Can you please bring these chemicals up to the lab? I want to clear and stain Nemo."
"I've got chickens, cow, pig, horse, a goat, and 3 dinosaurs"
October 15, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Things I said at work today:
"Where did I put that bag of cats, I just had them earlier this week..."
"Sorry about the smell, I've got a lamprey"
"Can you please bring these chemicals up to the lab? I want to clear and stain Nemo."
"I've got chickens, cow, pig, horse, a goat, and 3 dinosaurs"
"Where did I put that bag of cats, I just had them earlier this week..."
"Sorry about the smell, I've got a lamprey"
"Can you please bring these chemicals up to the lab? I want to clear and stain Nemo."
"I've got chickens, cow, pig, horse, a goat, and 3 dinosaurs"
Oh.
Chocolate plant-based protein shake with a banana and spoon of peanut butter has been my go-to work day breakfast for several years, since dairy has become a no-no for me. Protein helps keep my blood sugar stable, but I still need a carb kickstart with it (banana).
😞
Chocolate plant-based protein shake with a banana and spoon of peanut butter has been my go-to work day breakfast for several years, since dairy has become a no-no for me. Protein helps keep my blood sugar stable, but I still need a carb kickstart with it (banana).
😞
my latest investigation for @consumerreports.org is based on months of reporting and 60+ lab tests of leading protein supplements
we found that most protein powders and shakes have more lead in one serving than our experts say is safe to have in a day (🧵)
www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein...
we found that most protein powders and shakes have more lead in one serving than our experts say is safe to have in a day (🧵)
www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein...
Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead - Consumer Reports
CR tests of 23 popular protein powders and shakes found that most contain high levels of lead.
www.consumerreports.org
October 14, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Oh.
Chocolate plant-based protein shake with a banana and spoon of peanut butter has been my go-to work day breakfast for several years, since dairy has become a no-no for me. Protein helps keep my blood sugar stable, but I still need a carb kickstart with it (banana).
😞
Chocolate plant-based protein shake with a banana and spoon of peanut butter has been my go-to work day breakfast for several years, since dairy has become a no-no for me. Protein helps keep my blood sugar stable, but I still need a carb kickstart with it (banana).
😞
Reposted by Lisa Whitenack, PhD
Vought posted on X that RIFs have begun. We have not heard of them impacting CDC, or if this is another bluff to induce more trauma and terror before a long weekend. Nevertheless, some tips to prepare if you get a RIF notice below 👇
www.cnbc.com/2025/10/10/t...
www.cnbc.com/2025/10/10/t...
Trump administration begins layoffs of federal workers amid government shutdown
The Trump administration and Republicans have sought to blame Democrats for the government shutdown, and any negative fallout from it.
www.cnbc.com
October 10, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Vought posted on X that RIFs have begun. We have not heard of them impacting CDC, or if this is another bluff to induce more trauma and terror before a long weekend. Nevertheless, some tips to prepare if you get a RIF notice below 👇
www.cnbc.com/2025/10/10/t...
www.cnbc.com/2025/10/10/t...
Reposted by Lisa Whitenack, PhD
A gentle reminder for whoever needs it: you don't have to make yourself small for anyone. You are perfect, exactly the way you are.
October 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
A gentle reminder for whoever needs it: you don't have to make yourself small for anyone. You are perfect, exactly the way you are.
It’s band-tober, which means that marching band is our entire life right now. Tonight was a small show (4 HS bands and 1 college band), but the closer had them all playing Sweet Caroline together.
Music brings such joy in a timeline where it is tough to find.
Music brings such joy in a timeline where it is tough to find.
October 5, 2025 at 12:48 AM
It’s band-tober, which means that marching band is our entire life right now. Tonight was a small show (4 HS bands and 1 college band), but the closer had them all playing Sweet Caroline together.
Music brings such joy in a timeline where it is tough to find.
Music brings such joy in a timeline where it is tough to find.
My comparative anatomy students had a blast learning with these @3danatomystudios.com shark skull models this week!
October 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM
My comparative anatomy students had a blast learning with these @3danatomystudios.com shark skull models this week!
Reposted by Lisa Whitenack, PhD
Check out this rare faculty-curator position at OU:
🚨We're hiring! The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History is seeking a tenure-track split position as Assistant Curator of Ichthyology and Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences. Please retweet & share with colleagues! 🐟🐠🧪
Apply here: apply.interfolio.com/174674
Apply here: apply.interfolio.com/174674
October 2, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Check out this rare faculty-curator position at OU:
Reposted by Lisa Whitenack, PhD
Today marks the first day in public media’s history without federal funding. And we’re not going anywhere.
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
October 1, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Today marks the first day in public media’s history without federal funding. And we’re not going anywhere.
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
Reposted by Lisa Whitenack, PhD
New paper alert!!!🚨 in our new study we find that Antarctic icefishes added a new module in their skulls during their adaptive radiation special shout out to @mayaranevesbio.bsky.social who led this project!
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
PNAS
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) - an authoritative source of high-impact, original research that broadly spans...
www.pnas.org
September 29, 2025 at 8:05 PM
New paper alert!!!🚨 in our new study we find that Antarctic icefishes added a new module in their skulls during their adaptive radiation special shout out to @mayaranevesbio.bsky.social who led this project!
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Reposted by Lisa Whitenack, PhD
Happy to share that @taorminalepore.bsky.social and I are featured in @cp-trendsecolevo.bsky.social's continuing series sharing disabled scientists in ecology and evolution spaces! www.cell.com/trends/ecolo...
Disability in ecology and evolution
In this TrendsTalk series, ‘Disability in ecology and evolution,’ in Trends in Ecology
and Evolution, we will be hearing from people about their experiences being disabled
in ecology and evolution. We...
www.cell.com
September 24, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Happy to share that @taorminalepore.bsky.social and I are featured in @cp-trendsecolevo.bsky.social's continuing series sharing disabled scientists in ecology and evolution spaces! www.cell.com/trends/ecolo...
One more cephalopod video for your enjoyment: clumsy Nautilus
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September 24, 2025 at 9:19 PM
One more cephalopod video for your enjoyment: clumsy Nautilus
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Doomscroll safety stop! 🛑
Watch this wickedly awesome video of a sperm whale eating a giant squid!
AND if you read the thread, you’ll see it’s been fact checked.
🤯
Ok, carry on
Watch this wickedly awesome video of a sperm whale eating a giant squid!
AND if you read the thread, you’ll see it’s been fact checked.
🤯
Ok, carry on
I get that the news cycle is packed right now, but I just heard from a colleague at the Smithsonian that this is fully a GIANT SQUID BEING EATEN BY A SPERM WHALE and it’s possibly the first ever confirmed video according to a friend at NOAA
10 YEAR OLD ME IS LOSING HER MIND (a thread 🧵)
10 YEAR OLD ME IS LOSING HER MIND (a thread 🧵)
September 24, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Doomscroll safety stop! 🛑
Watch this wickedly awesome video of a sperm whale eating a giant squid!
AND if you read the thread, you’ll see it’s been fact checked.
🤯
Ok, carry on
Watch this wickedly awesome video of a sperm whale eating a giant squid!
AND if you read the thread, you’ll see it’s been fact checked.
🤯
Ok, carry on