Successful research-seminar with Kevin Peterson

On the occasion of the visit of our long term collaborator Prof Kevin J. Peterson at the Museum, we organized a seminar with the support-team from UiT, four PhD students and Kevin Peterson on the 21st of December. Dr. Peterson is Professor of Biological Sciences at the Dartmouth college and has been working on molecular clocks, genome evolution and developmental regulatory mechanisms with a focus on animal microRNAs.

While the title of the seminar was relatively restricted to Zoology and Palaeontology, we aimed at making this a seminar for a wider audience and everyone who is interested in support for MSCA, ERC and the Aurora Outstanding program, but also career paths in academia in general.

First presentation Kata Bohus and Inger Lin Uttakleiv Ræder of the Aurora Outstanding program, the Arctic MSCA Program and ERC Mentoring program presenting possibilities for grants and support for young researchers at UiT

The second presentation was by Anette Högströms PhD student Linn Novis entitled “High peaks, deep valleys and the knowledge in-between” who presented insights into her academic career and her project on stunning (trace-) fossils.

Andreas Altenburgers 1st year PhD student Joel Vikberg Wernström presented next: ”My past, present and future in biology” with insights on his background and his ambitious project involving fascinating meiofauna.

Followed by the labs own students Vanessa Molin Paynter talking about her undergraduate time in India, Masters in London and research assisstant activities in India involving studies on bats and viruses, but also laid out plans for her "microRNAs as time capsules" project in the lab

The final PhD students presentation was by our own first year PhD student Anju Angelina Hembrom who spoke about her background in microRNA research and the plans she has for her projects (see picture).

After a cozy coffee break with some Norwegian treats, Kevin Peterson held his presentation which was an organic mix of his career path, his experiences in academia (good and bad!) and his research interests spanning from T-rex to rotifers and microRNAs.

Altogether a very nice afternoon with great discussions and a real Science buzz at our beautiful Rotunden at the Museum.

Thanks to all participants and presenters for taking part and the Museum's exhibition staff for their help organizing it.