This analysis by Mie Dahl includes several quotes by Dávalos. While minor compared to the deforestation caused by clearing for pasture, coca cultivation still affects local communities through contamination of soil and water, violence and crime — yet remains a vital source of livelihood for more than 230,000 families.
Doctoral candidates Alexis Brown and William Thomas presented at Evolution 2023. While Lexi presented “Evidence for novel molecular mechanisms for resisting sensorineural hearing loss in echolocating bats,” Bill presented “Comparative transcriptomics reveal life history tradeoffs associated with the evolution of a seasonal size plasticity in shrews.” Congratulations to both!
A newly established Fulbright Scholar Program called Fulbright Amazonia supports an international network of scientists who will carry out research dedicated to protecting the diverse wildlife and indigenous communities of the Amazon. Dávalos will investigate the effect of coca cultivation and cocaine trafficking on Amazonian wildlife and communities.
The job in brief
The purpose of this job is to oversee operations of our on-campus research laboratory focusing on biodiversity genomics at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York. This is a lab manager position encompassing about 50% bench and 50% administrative lab support. While the position is currently funded for 5 years, I aim to renew it and it may become a permanent staff position.