Profile – Ytterbium Zone

Education:

Farnborough Hill (2002-2009), University of Liverpool (2009-now)
Qualifications:

A Levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry, Level 1 Beekeeping and Bsc Zoology (Hons)
Work History:

Greggs the bakers!!
Current Job:

PhD research student

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I work on parasites that change their host’s appearance to avoid being eaten. This happens in a number of ways, the parasites make their host (or the maggot they infect and live in) turn red, smell and taste bad and even glow in the dark! We think all these changes are for different predators, such as birds, beetles and mice that encounter the infected maggot. Beetles, being more active at night will rely more on the bad smell than birds who have excellent eye sight.
My Typical Day:

A typical day for me varies a lot, I can either be in the lab, field or office
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A typical day for me is quite variable. If i’m busy doing experiments with birds then I will spend days out in the field setting up sites and watching birds come down to feed.

Robin feeding from the feeding station

I can also be in the lab setting up parasite infections, ready for either fieldwork or more lab work. Or i could also be in the office with the office pets writing up some experiments!

Shell, the friendly office hamster
What I'd do with the prize money:

With the money I’d like to run a ‘parasite fun day’ where people could understand the fascinating world of parasites.

Rebecca Jones