Taylor Szasz-Green: My Next Great Impossible

“Understanding how wildlife management practices impact genetic diversity can influence future policies and practices…”

I am studying the impact of anthropogenic interventions on genetic diversity in the American alligator using a population genetics approach. Briefly, I am collecting whole genome sequences from alligators across their range, measuring autosomal heterozygosity (or, levels of genetic variability) of these samples. I am also looking for recent signatures of inbreeding through a Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) approach, wherein I look at the size and distribution of tracts of homozygous (same allele in each copy of the gene) genetic information.  Understanding how wildlife management practices impact genetic diversity can influence future policies and practices to preserve threatened species.

“Alligators are charismatic apex predators and play an essential role in their ecosystem.”

I am inspired by the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, which has a robust population of alligators. “Noxubee” comes from the Choctaw word “nakshobi,” meaning “to stink” - appropriate for the swamps found there. Funnily enough, alligators aren’t native to the refuge. They were introduced in 1969 because of their endangered status and to help curb the local beaver population after we drove off the rest of their natural predators. However, they fit well into their man-made niche. Alligators are charismatic apex predators and play an essential role in their ecosystem. The refuge has swamp land for them to make their homes, and these ‘gator holes’ provide water sources and essential habitats for other refuge citizens. They also greatly benefit the refuge’s many threatened and endangered migratory birds, by eating the raccoons and other critters with a taste for eggs. The refuge provides opportunities to view gators safely, and one of the benefits of this is seeing new babies every year, continuing the cycle. Visiting the refuge and watching the alligators live their lives reinforces how important it is to preserve and protect this incredible species.

“When I’m feeling frustrated, I remember my progress...”

Computational biology is 99% failure and 1% eureka moments, and it is important to keep this in perspective to prevent burnout. When I’m feeling frustrated, I remember my progress and skill-building during the past few years. I switch gears to another project for a while (science-related or not), then come back renewed and ready to try and tackle the problem again! 

FAQ

Q: What kind of mindset do you need to achieve the Next Great Impossible?

A: I think it's important to be patient and mindful. Sometimes I’ll come back to an analysis I’ve been running for a couple of days and realize a small typo in my code renders my results useless! However, it’s good practice for double/triple-checking your work and being intentional about the tests you’re running and the inputs they require. It’s so important to remember that no one does this work perfectly every day, especially when many of us are high achievers and prone to blaming ourselves.