Studying Evolutionary Relationships in Wasps
Lyda Castro
School of Biological Sciences
Lyda Castro’s research focuses on
evolution of mitochodrial genomes and phylogenetic relationships in parasitic
wasps. Phylogenetic information contains the imprint of evolutionary processes.
This has allowed Lyda to learn about very interesting things such as how the
enormous variety of parasitic lifestyles has evolved within the wasps or why the
mitochondrial genome of this particular group is so special when compared to
other related taxa. Additionally, advances in genomics, bioinformatics, and the
way phylogenetic trees are constructed and interpreted will increase our
knowledge of the tree of life and will give an evolutionary framework with which
to base conservation strategies. This will also contribute enormously in other
important areas such as public health (knowledge of the phylogenetic
relationships of viruses has proven critical for our understanding of the
diversity of these pathogens and how to predict the risk to humans), agriculture
(research on major crops such as wheat or rice has provided insights into the
origins of these economically important agricultural products), or knowledge of
invasive species (understanding their origin and associations with other groups
is critical for predicting their spread and implementing control measures).
Lyda tells of how she came to this research: “I came to Australia with my husband 4 years ago to study. I am in the last year of my PhD. I have had a great experience here doing what I like the most: Science. Australia has given me great opportunities and I’m very proud of being a postgrad student in this country. I’m definitely enjoying what I do. This is something scientists generally have in common and it’s great. Some day, I would like to go back to Colombia and give my people a little bit of what I am.
As a woman, I would like to have a family someday. Doing research, time flexibility is generally allowed and with the help of my husband I’m sure that would be possible. However, I have to admit I am a bit scared. Nowadays science has become very competitive and finding a good job, or a good postdoctoral position requires you to be very successful on your research, and it usually involves moving to another country or town. As an international student that’s not easy. Although it is evident that things for women are a lot different now, for postgrad women with children it is still difficult, and maybe likely to become even harder as competition increases.”
