Stentor are single-celled microorganisms that live in ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and the ocean! They are fascinating filter feeders that have the ability to regenerate, make decisions, and learn (all without a brain).

Since receiving my first microscope in 2022, I have been dedicated to learning everything I can about the microscopic world, specifically Stentor.

This past summer, I worked as a visiting Research Assistant for Dr. Cortes at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. I am now a Research Assistant in Dr. Cortes' lab at Virginia Tech, currently working on identifying Stentor species through genome sequencing.

There are 13 documented species of Stentor, and I had the privilege of doing phototaxis experiments on our most recently discovered species, Stentor stipatus. In the last 2 years, I have discovered at least 3 new species, verified by genome sequencing. In October 2025, Dr. Cortes and I found a new marine Stentor that we are excited to learn more about.

I have been invited back to the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts this summer. I will be staying significantly longer than last year. Housing expenses for 20 days will be $2000, which is a substantial discount from the usual rate. I will be driving to the MBL from North Carolina, so travel expenses such as fuel and tolls will be a factor, as well as food costs.

As many of you know, I have a chronic illness and receive a small amount of Disability income every month. I drive 3.5 hours to Virginia Tech to work in the lab one day every 2-4 weeks, because that income is just enough to cover one night in a hotel. Ultimately, I would like to move to Virginia when funding becomes available. Until then, I am doing the best that I can with what I have.

This trip to the MBL will be an amazing learning opportunity for me, and will also be a great addition to my resume.

I am so grateful to have found my passion and to have the opportunity to contribute to science in a meaningful way.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, as I am more than happy to discuss the details of this incredible journey. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I appreciate your support!

Kricket