Zach has received a 2024 Evolutionary, Ecological, and Conservation Genomics (EECG) Research Award ($6,000) from the American Genetics Association for his project “Unveiling the mysteries of fog lichens: Phylogenomic insights into the phenotypic diversity of a niche-specific radiation. Congratulations!

Crystal (Zhu) was awarded a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship from the UConn Office of Undergraduate Research for her project “More than meets the eye: Unveiling the diversity of lichen-forming fungal species in Chile using DNA barcoding”.  The project focuses on Lobarioideae (Peltigerales) and primarily the genus Pseudocyphellaria. The award consists of a stipend and funds to cover research expenses. Congratulations. 

The SURF program is jointly sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research, the Provost’s Office, the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Honors Program, donors to the university, and the Deans of the Schools and Colleges.

Crystal will be traveling to subantarctic Chile in May to see the various species in the Nothofagus forests on Navarino Island and near Punta Arenas.