Kristýna Bubeníková, a PhD student from Charles University in the Czech Republic, arrived in the U.S. in November as a Fulbright Scholar and will continue her research at the University of Iowa until July. She is currently working in the Forbes Lab, where she studies parasitoid wasps and their evolutionary interactions with oak gall wasps. This article highlights her journey, research, and the insights she has gained from her time as a Fulbright Scholar.
Background & Fulbright Experience
Kristýna's academic background in entomology and evolutionary biology laid the foundation for her Fulbright research. Her prior work focused primarily on European insect species, but she sought to expand her research to include North American species, leading her to apply for the Fulbright Masaryk Program.
Motivated by her interest in Dr. Forbes' research and the opportunity to collaborate internationally, she designed a project investigating Torymus parasitoid wasps in North America. The experience has allowed her to gain valuable research skills, work with new species, and establish collaborative relationships between researchers in the Czech Republic and the U.S. She has found that working in a different academic environment has provided fresh perspectives and expanded her professional network.
Research in the Forbes Lab
Kristýna's research focuses on the evolutionary relationships and ecological roles of Torymus parasitic wasps, particularly their interactions within tritrophic systems involving oak trees and gall wasps. Her work aims to understand how these parasitoids diversify, shift hosts, and adapt to new ecological conditions.
Key Research Goals
Cryptic Diversity – The Torymus tubicola species-group is highly variable, with at least 23 distinct species. Her research seeks to uncover hidden diversity within this group.
Phylogenetic Comparisons – She investigates whether Torymus species evolved alongside their gall wasp hosts or frequently shifted between them, comparing their phylogenetic relationships.
Nearctic (North American) vs. Palearctic Species (European and Asian) – Her work examines whether unrelated Nearctic species attack hosts with similar ecological traits as their Palearctic counterparts.
Research Methodologies & Techniques
Kristýna employs a combination of morphological, ecological, and genomic techniques to analyze these parasitoid-host interactions. Her methods include:
Sorting and Sequencing: Sorting wasp specimens and sequencing one gene called COI that is used as a barcode to delimit.
Ultraconserved Elements (UCEs): Analyzing bigger genomic data to uncover deep evolutionary relationships.
Data Analysis: Using bioinformatics tools to interpret phylogenetic relationships and host specificity.
Field Collection: Gathering additional samples to expand her dataset.
Challenges & Growth
One of the biggest challenges Kristýna faced was adjusting to the North American species she had never studied before. "I had to learn to identify and analyze entirely new specimens, which pushed me to refine my skills in morphology," she explains. However, the supportive environment of the Forbes Lab has allowed her to develop confidence in her research.
Dr. Forbes' mentorship has also been a significant factor in her professional growth. "He provides a balance of responsibility and guidance, which has helped me feel more independent and confident in my research decisions."
Kristýna encourages students and researchers to seek out international research opportunities, as they offer a fresh perspective and valuable career development. "Stepping outside your academic comfort zone allows you to grow both as a researcher and as a person," she says.
Her experience as a Fulbright Scholar has reinforced the importance of scientific collaboration and discovery. "This project has not only expanded my dataset but also changed my understanding of insect evolution. International cooperation in science is crucial for uncovering new insights."
As she continues her research through July, Kristýna remains committed to exploring the fascinating world of parasitoid wasps, contributing to the field of evolutionary biology, and fostering scientific connections between her home country and the U.S.
