Trading feathers for flies for flora
Biology project gives UC student studying genetics an opportunity as lead author of a study on Antarctic wingless flies
In grade school, Geoffrey Finch was convinced he was going to be an ornithologist. However, since arriving at the University of Cincinnati he’s ditched feathers for flies – specifically a species of tiny, wingless flies that thrives in the harsh climate of Antarctica. And, as he finishes up his last semester of undergraduate studies, Finch plans to turn his attention to plants—his true passion—as he moves forward with his Ph.D.
“Kind of like a bug that can survive in Antarctica is cool, cacti that can survive in the desert with no rain are cool,” Finch said. “Anything that’s a little quirky or survives in a strange environment is interesting to me.”
Jumping from birds to bugs to plants seems like a confusing road to follow until one thinks about what all of these organisms, and all organisms in general, have in common; genetic makeup.
In between classes and searching for research opportunities, Finch was pointed in the direction of assistant professor of biology at UC’s College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Joshua Benoit. The research Finch wanted to conduct, referred to as bioinformatics, is an interdisciplinary field which essentially uses computer software to study genetics. The practices used in this field can be applied to any living organism which appealed to Finch and his passion for plants.
Biology student Geoffrey Finch at work in a UC lab. Photo credit: John(na) Jackson
“So even though [Dr. Benoit] studies bugs and I want to study plants, the type of research that he does is exactly what I wanted to learn,” Finch said. “And I told my adviser that and she told me that I should talk to Dr. Benoit and sure enough he came to my class and I was like ‘Alright, the universe is speaking to me now.’”
Another aspect of working in Dr. Benoit’s office which appealed to Finch was the opportunity to author research papers. As a result, Finch served as the lead author on the scientific paper based off of the research he and Dr. Benoit conducted. After receiving various grants from the university, Finch was able to work every day in the lab last summer extracting RNA, running tests on the midges and comparing genes in males and females.
“That was my favorite part,” he said. “Just being able to do this stuff every day, and it also kind of reaffirmed that I want to (study) science.”
Finch hopes to go into research and education at the university level after completing graduate school and believes the opportunities given to him through the College of Arts and Sciences will allow him to achieve this goal.
“I would say that mostly it has been the biology department faculty and staff that have made a difference,” he said. “Dr. Benoit himself has played a very important role, giving me endless opportunities to gain new experience. Other faculty have always been willing to talk and offer advice as well.”
To learn more about this research project, visit UC Study: Antarctic flies protect eggs with antifreeze.
Featured image at top: Antarctic sea ice. Photo/Pixabay
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