Taylor Galaszewski, a recent Northern Michigan University biology alumna, coauthored a recent publication titled “On the taxonomic status of two large species of East African freshwater crabs” with NMU Biology Professor Emeritus Neil Cumberlidge and other collaborators.
The study re-examined two types of freshwater crabs found in East Africa; one that lives in rivers and streams (A. johnstoni) and another that only lives in a specific lake and is considered threatened (Arcopotamonautes platycentron). Galaszewski and other researchers updated the descriptions and locations of the two crab species and compared their DNA.
The two crab species were previously believed to be closely related or even the same species, but their different habitats and distinct evolutionary development gave Galaszewski and her fellow researchers cause to question their genetic similarity.
“The goal of this project was to classify the species as separate from each other with support of some genetic evidence to aid in conservation efforts in the Lake Chala area,” Galaszewski stated. “Our findings indicated just that, with classification of separate species. Finding that these species are classified separately aids in conservation efforts because these crabs are only really found in this area.”
Galaszewski worked for more than two years in the Cumberlidge Crustacean Systematics Laboratory and Museum in NMU's Biology Department. She is currently doing pre-clinical drug development research at Labcorp in Madison, Wis. as part of their infusion team.
“Not only did this project allow me to discover that my passion really lies in research, but it showed me that dedication to this line of work was going to be a lot to undertake,” Galaszewski said. “Now I work on the infusion team at my company working to find pharmaceuticals that work for rare diseases, taking the dedication and passion I found through this experience and applying not only in my current career but in day to day life as well.”
This research project featured in the ZOOTAXA publication was produced in collaboration with colleagues from Stellenbosch University in South Africa and the National Museum of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.