By The fifth annual Darwin Day Research Symposium highlighted the ongoing influence of evolutionary theory on modern biology.
This event featured research presentations and a keynote address by Dr. Kathryn Turner, an Idaho State University biologist, on plant invasion biology.
The symposium was held from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 at the Wiegand Amphitheater on Carroll College’s Campus.
The event was open to all students, faculty, and the Helena community, and encouraged conversation about all things evolution.
Turner, an associate professor of ecological genomics and invasion biology at Idaho State University, presented her research on plant invasion biology, focusing on the evolutionary processes that drive the spread of invasive mustard species.
Spencer Berger, a Carroll College senior and biology major from Billings, found the presentation very amusing.
“It is really interesting being late in my undergraduate experience and being able to take what I’ve learned and interpret Dr. Turner’s data, specifically how she’s approaching the genetics behind invasive species,” said Berger. “Also, understanding how these species have grown and evolved throughout their time in non-native habitats.”
Jackson Barney, another senior biology major, added that he especially enjoyed learning about herbarium specimens.
“It was really cool to see how we can use herbarium specimens and modern genomics to better understand invasive species,” said Barney, the Kalispell native. “Dr. Turner did an amazing job of sharing how new methods can give us a glimpse into the evolutionary history of a species.”
The symposium honored the legacy of Charles Darwin while emphasizing the continued relevance of his ideas.
The Darwin Day event was a large success and will be back again next year.
