CMU research team sets off to discover new species in Antarctica

A Central Michigan University research team is on a voyage to Antarctica to collect invertebrates in areas of water that have never been explored. On previous research trips to Antarctica, Assistant Professor of Biology Andy Mahon uncovered four new species. 

 

“Because there have been so few people who have been to Antarctica to conduct research, we find new things,” said Mahon. “Whether it’s a new area where we didn’t think a particular species lived or a species that’s new to science completely, every time we go we find new things.”

 

Mahon, as well as December CMU graduate Carlos Coronado and CMU senior Abigail Hollingsworth have joined scientists from Auburn University of Alabama for a six-week journey gathering and analyzing small invertebrate animals in one of the most remote regions of the world.

 

“From my experience, these trips are life-changing,” said Mahon. “You get to see things that nobody has ever seen. You get to go places where nobody else has ever been.”

 

The crew boarded the Nathaniel B. Palmer, a National Science Foundation research vessel, Jan. 1 in Punta Arenas, Chile. During the grant-funded research trip, the scientists will collect invertebrate samples by dropping nets to depths of up to 1,000 feet.

 

They will be studying DNA and other genetic information from the small animals they gather. Each species will be documented, and samples will be sent to biology labs at CMU for research.

 

Coronado of Hazel Park is most excited for what they will discover in the nets and the opportunity to see the world.

 

“We’re studying in Antarctica because it’s a very unique system,” said Coronado. “Not a lot of people get to go there. Particularly this spot where we’re going, pretty much no one has been there.”

 

Hollingsworth of Lexington says she is lucky to have this opportunity as an undergraduate student.

 

“The kind of opportunities this trip will open up for me and the work experience it will give me … I feel very grateful,” said Hollingsworth.

 

Mahon and his team will be communicating with several K-12 classes throughout Michigan during their trip via email messages, social media and blog posts. Follow their voyage at these links: www.facebook.com/cmich; https://twitter.com/CMUniversity; and http://people.cst.cmich.edu/mahon2a/MahonLab/Antarctica/Antarctica.html.