My Elevator Pitch for Genetic Analysis of Pollen

Introducing my PhD project to the outside world.

We talk a lot about ‘elevator pitches’ in science communication workshops. An elevator pitch is a short, under 3-minute description of what you do and why it matters. A good elevator pitch is clear, concise, completely without jargon, and understandable to both a Nobel Laureate and your favorite bartender. I want to practice writing to the general public about my work, and share what makes my research so exciting! I hope you enjoy learning more about my PhD project.

Flowers contain much more than beautiful views; they also hold the key to their identification in the pollen they offer for bees. Source: personal photo.

Scientists usually have an interesting, highly-complicated technique or tool that they use to ‘do’ their science work. An astronomer may use an expensive and elaborate telescope. Microbiologists use intricate microscopes that cost as much as a three-bedroom house and take months to learn how to operate. Ecologists use a myriad of different tools — microscopes, camera traps, modeling software, geographic information systems (maps!), diversity assessments (like I wrote about in my previous article of this series), and so many more.

I have my own sort of tools: genetic metabarcoding. This portion of the Elevator Pitch series will break down the tool I rely on to do my ecological work on native bees.