WSA Career Navigator Travel Grant for Lisa Wolany from Aquatic Ecosystem Research Group, University of Duisburg-Essen

Linking classic taxonomy and potential of genetic methods in dipterology

Through their aquatic and terrestrial life stages, Diptera are a key link between both environments. This highly diverse and abundant taxon, comprising e.g., flies and mosquitoes, are an ecologically pivotal component in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In her quest to investigate how Diptera communities respond to droughts and other extreme weather events, Lisa Wolany attended the Diptera symposium hosted by the “Arbeitskreis Diptera”, in Bavaria. In this two-day Meeting, Diptera experts meet to discuss and gather insights into different aspects and specific topics of dipterology. 

Working mainly with DNA metabarcoding data from long-term Malaise trap samples in her PhD-project, Lisa was offered hands-on learning in specimen collection, improved her field identification skills and connected her theoretical knowledge with practical experience in a unique national environment. Furthermore, the symposium gave her the opportunity to discuss the role and potential of genetic methods in dipterology with classical taxonomists. Through the meeting she gained a broader overview of recent questions in Diptera research. 

We are excited, how attending the symposium will strengthen the scientific foundation of Lisa’s project and will also refine her personal skills in addressing ecological questions using the metabarcoding data.