Hannah Eberle-Reece
PhD Student
Curriculum Vitae
| Jan 2025 - Current |
PhD. Student. Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany Working title: "The role of epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of division of labor in the ant Temnothorax longispinosus", Supervisor: Prof Dr. Susanne Foitzik, TAC: Prof. Dr. Joseph Colgan, Prof. Dr. Jan Padeken |
| 2023 - 2025 | Biological Technical Assistant, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, AG Behrendt |
| 2020 - 2022 |
Master of Science in Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Germany Thesis Title: “Characterization of the dosage compensation in the invasive species Drosophila suzukii and its implication for pest control” Supervisors: Dr. Ying Yan, Prof. Dr. Marc Schetelig |
| 2015-2019 |
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (emphasis Biochemistry), Missouri State University, USA Undergraduate project: “Analysis of heavy metals in stream sediments in Aurora, Missouri” Supervisor: Dr. Biagioni |
Research Interests
My research interests lie at the intersection of behavioral ecology, epigenetics, and the world of insects. I am deeply fascinated by the complex mechanisms that drive insect behavior and the ways in which these behaviors may manifest in different species. Specifically, I am interested in exploring how environmental influence and genetic/epigenetic factors work together to shape behavioral patterns. Beyond my academic interests, I am passionate about making science more accessible to the general public. I believe that promoting science literacy is crucial in a world where scientific understanding can greatly influence decision-making and societal progress. By engaging with broader audiences and making complex concepts more digestible, I hope to inspire a deeper appreciation and curiosity about the natural world.
PhD Project
Ant colonies often exhibit a division of labor between individuals in the worker caste, with tasks like foraging and brood care being allocated based on several factors, including worker age and experience. The worker caste in Temnothorax longispinosus is monomorphic, and the colony size is small, making it ideal for studying behavioral plasticity and task allocation. While previous research has explored the mechanisms behind division of labor in other social insects, such as the role of vitellogenin and the insulin signaling pathway, recent studies suggest epigenetic processes also play a significant role. I will investigate the epigenetic mechanisms behind division of labor in T. longispinosus in the worker caste (i.e. nurses and foragers) and among queens.
Contact
Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution
Hannah Eberle-Reece
Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 15
01.466
Tel.: +49 6131 39 27847
55122 Mainz, Deutschland