Visiting PhD student from Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain)
1st year PhD student Daniel Saureu from the Autonomous University of Barcelona visited the Sumner Lab for a month between November and December 2024. His visit aimed to learn the most relevant techniques to analyse transcriptomic data for an experiment regarding caste fate conflict in the Argentine ant.
“My time on the Sumner Lab was an incredibly enjoyable and insightful experience! Although my stay was relatively short, I returned home with a deeper understanding of bioinformatics analyses and loved every moment I spent there.
I was also incredibly lucky to attend Wasp day 2024 during my stay at the Lab. Exploring the Natural History Museum’s entomological collection was an unforgettable experience, and I especially enjoyed looking at a particular group of wingless wasps – better known as ants!
Another major highlight of my visit was presenting my findings on the transcriptomic response to juvenile hormone in the Argentine ant at the NW-section IUSSI meeting. The feedback I received from both Lab members and meeting attendees was incredibly valuable and will help me refine my ideas for the experiment.
“Overall, my visit to the lab was an amazing experience that I believe will help me become a better scientist. Thank you to everyone in the Sumner Lab for welcoming me so warmly, and for showing me how fun and inspiring scientists can be! I am already looking forward to visiting you again. Until then, keep on spreading the wasp love!!! I can say I appreciate wasps even more after sharing some time with all of you ;)”
