Olivia Stanzer '10
The Persistence of Pink: Potential ecological influences of ovorubin in egg clutches of Pomacea insularum
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Research Summary: My research studied the ecological function that "ovorubin" plays in terrestrial/riparian-aquatic links in
hopes of understanding the implications of moving ovorubin from above the surface to under the water will have on applesnail management
strategies. "Ovorubin" is a protein found in the eggs of a related species of apple snail (the golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata)
to the one that we have in Texas. For now, we have assumed that that a similar protein occurs in both species as island apple snails,
pomacea insularum, also lay pink eggs like golden apple snails. I did a series of experiments to testing whether snails themselves
consumed a surrogate of ovorubin or whether the substance could be considered deterrent. I did not find that the presence of pink deterred
snails from consuming eggs. Current researcher Allyson Plantz '13 has started to investigate whether
riparian predators such as turtles may consumed egg clutches. More follow-up work will need to be done with other aquatic invertebrates.
Where I've been and Where I'm going:
After graduating from Southwestern last year, I took a year to discover what career I really
wanted to pursue. I am currently working on my doctorate in physical therapy at UNTHSC so that I can pursue a career in which I can
help patients with neurological disorders. I hope to continue to be involved in conducting research in my field.
