Alexa Guerrera

Why FSU?

I conducted research at my undergraduate institution, and this opportunity revealed to me how much I love evolutionary biology, particularly the role animal behavior plays in evolutionary processes. To strengthen my knowledge further, I came to FSU to work directly under my current graduate advisor, Dr. Kimberly Hughes, who is a very well-established geneticist and evolutionary biologist. Under her guidance, I have been able to enhance my skills in population genetics, statistics, experimental design, and writing.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I applied to graduate school with the goal of becoming an inclusive research scientist, motivated by my fascination with the diverse and curious world around me. I am passionate about mentoring undergraduate students, conducting scientific outreach, mental health advocacy, implementing institutional policies that enhance equity for all, and teaching. Upon receiving my degree, I hope to one day have my own research program in which I can inspire younger scientists to continue asking important questions about our natural world.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

The focus of my research is understanding what processes maintain high levels of genetic variation in nature. From the remarkable song repertoire of the northern mockingbird to the elaborate coat colors of domesticated cats, evolutionary biologists have long been fascinated, but perplexed, by the diversity of life. We find diversity puzzling because natural selection should reduce diversity by selecting for uniform traits that enhance the survival and reproduction of individuals, yet we see many instances of incredible trait variation. Understanding how this diversity persists has fundamental implications for conservation management, which requires the restoration and maintenance of biodiversity, especially of small, isolated populations experiencing the negative effects of inbreeding and climate change; my work has direct applications for what methods of conservation we can use to save species on the brink of extinction.

Career aspirations

I aspire to one day have my own research program as a university professor.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Be intentional at the beginning of your journey when you are trying to discover the focus of your research. Choose the questions that intrigue you most and drive you on days when you feel stuck, confused, and overwhelmed.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am very proud of my scientific outreach efforts. I served as the FSU Ecology and Evolution graduate student outreach coordinator for two years. During that time, I coordinated several K12 graduate student-led classroom visits with over 700 students all over Florida through a program called Scientists in Every Florida School. I have also facilitated several Evolution and Ecology-themed booths within the local community at the Tallahassee Science Festival, the MagLab Open House, and Tallahassee School of Math and Science. I facilitated a Leon County Virtual School lesson, led a community nature walk, and ran several undergraduate workshops for FSU students interested in pursuing a graduate degree or career in biology. In addition to outreach, I am also proud of my role as a mental health advocate in my department here at FSU. In 2019, I became Mental Health First Aid Certified and have since conducted several presentations in my department about the importance of mental health in graduate school; specifically, I have spoken at the last two new student orientations and I have run a graduate student-only mental health conversation each spring for the last three years. I am also an active member of our department's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, where I have continued to work on mental health initiatives within the department and facilitated several important dialogues on the following topics: Sexism in STEM and Enhancing Departmental Community.

I've been fortunate to receive several grants and awards, including the Lewis and Clark Fund Grant, Animal Behavior Society Student Research Grant, and the Society for the Study of Evolution Local and Regional Outreach Grant the Understanding of Evolutionary Biology.