We Did It!

Thank you to the 52 backers who got me to my funding goal of $2200, which will fund the library preparation (RNA extraction and laboratory work) and RNA sequencing of my control and 3 month exposure samples. This sequencing will give us a never before seen glimpse into the molecular mechanisms responsible for coral stress and death due to algae overgrowth. Not only that, but this will be the first step towards identifying target genes of interest - those that are heavily affected by this stressor - to use in comparisons between the three species: lobe coral, rice coral, and lace coral. 

I believe that this work is very timely and important in the face of rapid global change and human expansion. We need a better understanding of the natural dynamics of coral reef ecology and we need tools to let us identify stressors that threaten the health of the reef before corals bleach - a sign that they will die soon if conditions do not rapidly improve. 

Thank you so much for showing me that you also believe in the importance of this research by backing my project. 

There are still 4 days left in the campaign, so I have added a stretch goal of $1100, which would let me process and sequence one more set of samples: the 2 month exposure samples. Sequencing multiple time points will help us understand what effect the duration of the stressor has on the stress response of the coral, which is an element missing from many coral sub-lethal stress experiments. 

If you have been waiting to get involved in this project, it is not too late - you have 4 more days!

Thank you again for your support, I will keep you updated here about the progress of the research, so stay tuned! The next step will be crushing my frozen coral nubbins with a hydraulic press, and you won't want to miss it. After the campaign ends, all of my lab note updates will be for backers only, so if you want a front row seat to my research progress, now is your chance!