Rita’s poster, entitled “WHAT’S ON THE MENU? DIET DIVERSITY IN RAPIDLY SPECIATING GROUPS OF WEAKLY ELECTRIC FISH” examined gut content biodiversity in Paramormyrops electric fish we collected from Gabon in 2019, and she’ll be working with us over the summer to write up these exciting results soon!

Dr. Gallant considers this award to be especially meaningful by the fact that it was student-nominated. This award reflects his ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive, and intellectually vibrant learning and research environments. These are core lab values that he strives to uphold through mentorship, teaching, and community building at MSU and beyond.

MSU GMSD is an opportunity for middle school students to work with enthusiastic and knowledgeable scientists at MSU to experience a variety of science fields through activities and demonstrations. Alyssa and Ella were active in organizing and actually participating in the event! So glad to have them participating in these events!

For More info about GMSD, click here!

This prestigious award recognizes Alyssa’s creative and impactful efforts to connect science with diverse audiences—from organizing Biology on Tap and science panels at pop culture conventions, to hosting events on animal behavior at the Constellation Cat Café, and designing crochet patterns of model organisms.

She’s also engaged K–12 students through local school science nights and GMSD, and shared her research on podcasts like The Sci-Files and Journeys of Scientists. Alyssa recently brought her passion for advocacy to Washington, D.C., attending the AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering workshop.

Her work exemplifies the power of combining science, creativity, and public engagement—congratulations, Alyssa!

Check out the full release here!