Ian Wilson

• SOAR Position: Member
• Major: Biology
• Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Donald Walker

Current Focus: Experimental evolution study to better understand the ecology and evolution of the snake skin microbiome under the effects of O. ophidiicola

Project Description

I am working with a fellow undergraduate student on a long-term experimental evolution project in which we explore the gradual changes to the snake skin microbiome after colonization by Snake Fungal Disease (SFD). This is namely to to observe how the evolution of select bacterial species is shaped by colonized conditions compared to a typical host environment.

Why does this topic interest you?

I have always been interested in evolutionary biology and the way ecology is shaped over longer periods of time.Further, I am passionate about conservation and looking for means to remediate problems that our natural world face. This project is especially interesting to me as it aims to better understand the microbiome of snake skin within the context of Snake Fungal Disease, which is a major fungal pathogen for snakes in North America.

What are your professional aspirations?

I am interested in pursuing research in evolutionary biology and ecology into my graduate studies, and would love to be involved in conservation within the Southeast United States.

Do you have any advice for future researchers?

I don't really know if I have any advice because I feel like I am just starting, but I would say to start as soon as you're able, and to not be afraid to go around meeting people and trying to make connections so that you can get involved with work that you're interested in.

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