Gabriella Malmqvist will investigate molecular processes leading to evolution
Gabriella Malmqvist recently started her doctoral studies at the Department of Marine Sciences. After completing her master's thesis on the population genetics of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory last year, she grew to like the island, the research station, and her supportive colleagues.
What will you be doing here?
"It's not exactly set in stone what I'll be doing, but it will be about the molecular processes that lead to evolution. That is, which processes in DNA, RNA, and proteins that lead to actual physical changes in a species, for example in appearance. I'll be working with with a marine snail of the Littorina genus. There are a number of researchers working on Littorina snails here, and there is a global network, so a lot has been done and there's a lot to build on."
What have you done previously?
"I did my master's degree in marine sciences at the Department of Marine Sciences, and I also did my bachelor's degree in marine sciences with a focus on biology here. In between, I took some courses in mathematics and physics as well."
What do you do in your spare time?
"I have many many hobbies but in conclusion: I enjoy being outdoors. I snorkel all year round, both in fresh and salt water. I like hiking very much, me and my partner have a boat we go out with sometimes and then I press algae and pick berries."
Anything else you want to tell us?
"I think it is very fun to be here at Tjärnö. I'm quite curious as a person, so it feels great to do research and that curiosity is so appreciated here. Now, I have between four and five years to be as curious as I want, so it's fun and I'm super excited! It will also be very exciting to see where my project ends up, what doors it opens, what new questions will be asked, and how to build on it."
Interview: Kajsa Centre
