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.

The past 2 summers, 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 accepted 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 10 potential new species, some verified by genome sequencing. In October 2025, Dr. Cortes and I found a new marine Stentor that we are excited to learn more about.

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, and now that the labs funding has been exhausted, I am doing this on a volunteer basis until a grant is received. Ultimately, I would like to attend grad school when funding becomes available. Until then, I am doing the best that I can with what I have.

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