Prosanta Chakrabarty
@prosanta.bsky.social
Hunter #SciComm Chair & Prof, Director & Curator of Fishes Museum of NatSci @LSU, TED Fellow, F@AAAS, Fulbrighter, #Evolution #TeamFish, ASIH Past President, he/him #BLM ✊🏿 #ProtectTransKids #SaveTheNSF
Pinned
New post by me on #MITPressReader @mitpress.bsky.social
On the 100th anniversary of the #ScopesMonkeyTrial
the ways we depict #evolution can still give an erroneous progressive view (that evolution leads to humans or ‘increased complexity’).
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/is-our-pictu...
On the 100th anniversary of the #ScopesMonkeyTrial
the ways we depict #evolution can still give an erroneous progressive view (that evolution leads to humans or ‘increased complexity’).
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/is-our-pictu...
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
Just gonna leave this here 🐈
January 2, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Just gonna leave this here 🐈
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
As of today, I am a FULL professor. I do not care much for occupational status markers. Still, it is not lost on me that only 2% of full professors are Black women. This goes beyond personal accomplishment. It is a responsibility to do as much as I can for others. That is exactly what I aim to do.
January 1, 2026 at 9:09 PM
As of today, I am a FULL professor. I do not care much for occupational status markers. Still, it is not lost on me that only 2% of full professors are Black women. This goes beyond personal accomplishment. It is a responsibility to do as much as I can for others. That is exactly what I aim to do.
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
I am excited to share my new book, California Amphibians and How To Find Them, hot off the press from Heyday Books and ready to help guide your wet winter frog and salamander adventures! It is available now from my website or Feb 3 at bookstores.
www.centralcoastsnakeservices.com/shop.html
www.centralcoastsnakeservices.com/shop.html
January 1, 2026 at 1:23 PM
I am excited to share my new book, California Amphibians and How To Find Them, hot off the press from Heyday Books and ready to help guide your wet winter frog and salamander adventures! It is available now from my website or Feb 3 at bookstores.
www.centralcoastsnakeservices.com/shop.html
www.centralcoastsnakeservices.com/shop.html
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
Bycatch is a neologism of the olde englysh "Bye Ketch", referring to the small poacher ships which were overfishing off the coast of Nantucket.
If a fish was caught Bye Ketch, it is "fromcatch".
If a fish was caught Bye Ketch, it is "fromcatch".
December 29, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Bycatch is a neologism of the olde englysh "Bye Ketch", referring to the small poacher ships which were overfishing off the coast of Nantucket.
If a fish was caught Bye Ketch, it is "fromcatch".
If a fish was caught Bye Ketch, it is "fromcatch".
My New Year’s resolution (besides ❤️🩹 from ♋️) is to ask more questions during conversations (versus me blabbing on) and listening 👂 more to what people are saying.
December 29, 2025 at 8:21 PM
My New Year’s resolution (besides ❤️🩹 from ♋️) is to ask more questions during conversations (versus me blabbing on) and listening 👂 more to what people are saying.
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
The National Science Foundation starts 2026 with a new management structure that affects every scientist with--or applying for--NSF funding. Here's what you need to know. www.science.org/content/arti...
The National Science Foundation just had a big reorganization. Here are five things to know
Divisions and rotators disappear as more career staff become supervisors
www.science.org
December 29, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The National Science Foundation starts 2026 with a new management structure that affects every scientist with--or applying for--NSF funding. Here's what you need to know. www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
Awesome article in @science.org on @danielgeldof.bsky.social Master's thesis on the secret of the rockhead poacher’s (Bothragonus swanii) unusual cranial anatomy. Daniel did some beautiful CT scans on this odd fish's head.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
This fish seems to use its bizarre skull like a drum
The rockhead poacher’s unusual cranial anatomy may help it communicate
www.science.org
December 28, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Awesome article in @science.org on @danielgeldof.bsky.social Master's thesis on the secret of the rockhead poacher’s (Bothragonus swanii) unusual cranial anatomy. Daniel did some beautiful CT scans on this odd fish's head.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Awesome article in @science.org on @danielgeldof.bsky.social Master's thesis on the secret of the rockhead poacher’s (Bothragonus swanii) unusual cranial anatomy. Daniel did some beautiful CT scans on this odd fish's head.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
This fish seems to use its bizarre skull like a drum
The rockhead poacher’s unusual cranial anatomy may help it communicate
www.science.org
December 28, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Awesome article in @science.org on @danielgeldof.bsky.social Master's thesis on the secret of the rockhead poacher’s (Bothragonus swanii) unusual cranial anatomy. Daniel did some beautiful CT scans on this odd fish's head.
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
New Job Search Announcement: Curator of Paleontology at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science:
careers.share.nm.gov/psc/hprdcg/E...
careers.share.nm.gov/psc/hprdcg/E...
An error has occurred.
careers.share.nm.gov
December 23, 2025 at 7:08 PM
New Job Search Announcement: Curator of Paleontology at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science:
careers.share.nm.gov/psc/hprdcg/E...
careers.share.nm.gov/psc/hprdcg/E...
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
First-of-a-kind study shows encouraging data for trans kids who socially transition
Ninety-four percent of participants in a new study stood firm in their trans identity after five years, and "detransitioning" is rare.
www.popsci.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:16 PM
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
Just translated an excellent academic paper from Spanish about how Tropical Gar (or pejelagarto) were influential in Yokotan Mayan people. They noted the close similarities between gars and crocodiles and prepared sacrificial gar stews to offer to their river deity for good luck on crocodile hunts!
December 22, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Just translated an excellent academic paper from Spanish about how Tropical Gar (or pejelagarto) were influential in Yokotan Mayan people. They noted the close similarities between gars and crocodiles and prepared sacrificial gar stews to offer to their river deity for good luck on crocodile hunts!
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
Curator of Education job (tenure-track Assistant Professor) at the Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado Boulder! Salary $90-$100K, 9 month full time position. Apply by Jan 21. jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
Assistant Professor - Curator of Education (Tenure-Track)
jobs.colorado.edu
December 22, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Curator of Education job (tenure-track Assistant Professor) at the Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado Boulder! Salary $90-$100K, 9 month full time position. Apply by Jan 21. jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
You is sharks, sartin; but if you gobern de shark in you, why den you be angel; for all angel is not’ing more dan de shark well goberned.
December 21, 2025 at 9:47 AM
You is sharks, sartin; but if you gobern de shark in you, why den you be angel; for all angel is not’ing more dan de shark well goberned.
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
More details coming soon, but mark your calendars ...
Breakout meeting for @systbiol.bsky.social The Society of Systematic Biologists - will be Jan 9-11 in Baton Rouge!
Topic is 'The Importance of Natural History Collections'
@jembrown.bsky.social is primary host/organizer
ssb2026.github.io
Breakout meeting for @systbiol.bsky.social The Society of Systematic Biologists - will be Jan 9-11 in Baton Rouge!
Topic is 'The Importance of Natural History Collections'
@jembrown.bsky.social is primary host/organizer
ssb2026.github.io
December 16, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
I am *so sorry* and also *so grateful* to you and your colleagues for your resilience and commitment in the face of all of this. The science community sees everything you're doing to keep funding moving during this insane disruption.
December 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM
I am *so sorry* and also *so grateful* to you and your colleagues for your resilience and commitment in the face of all of this. The science community sees everything you're doing to keep funding moving during this insane disruption.
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
NSF
- Forced reorg
- POs down ~ 40% (DRP, most rotators not renewed, retirements)
- Forced move (and we have to pack and clean) to a building with no furniture, little to no conference space for panels, inadequate 🛜, …)
I personally love the boxes they gave us for packing.
“Details matter” 🙃
- Forced reorg
- POs down ~ 40% (DRP, most rotators not renewed, retirements)
- Forced move (and we have to pack and clean) to a building with no furniture, little to no conference space for panels, inadequate 🛜, …)
I personally love the boxes they gave us for packing.
“Details matter” 🙃
December 11, 2025 at 11:16 AM
NSF
- Forced reorg
- POs down ~ 40% (DRP, most rotators not renewed, retirements)
- Forced move (and we have to pack and clean) to a building with no furniture, little to no conference space for panels, inadequate 🛜, …)
I personally love the boxes they gave us for packing.
“Details matter” 🙃
- Forced reorg
- POs down ~ 40% (DRP, most rotators not renewed, retirements)
- Forced move (and we have to pack and clean) to a building with no furniture, little to no conference space for panels, inadequate 🛜, …)
I personally love the boxes they gave us for packing.
“Details matter” 🙃
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
Axolotls are famous for regenerating limbs. Turns out they can also regenerate their thymus—and that may show us how to someday to the same. That story and more of the best from @science.org and science in this edition of #ScienceAdviser: www.science.org/content/arti... 🧪
a close up of a white axolotl with pink ears standing on a rock .
ALT: a close up of a white axolotl with pink ears standing on a rock .
media.tenor.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Axolotls are famous for regenerating limbs. Turns out they can also regenerate their thymus—and that may show us how to someday to the same. That story and more of the best from @science.org and science in this edition of #ScienceAdviser: www.science.org/content/arti... 🧪
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
"We are just another branch in the Tree with no more special a designation than a flea or a cow.”
Is Our Picture of Evolution Still Stuck in the Past?
We may have ditched the monkey-to-man meme, but the myth of humans as nature’s “pinnacle of evolution” persists in subtler ways.
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu
December 2, 2025 at 12:40 AM
"We are just another branch in the Tree with no more special a designation than a flea or a cow.”
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
New post by me on #MITPressReader @mitpress.bsky.social
On the 100th anniversary of the #ScopesMonkeyTrial
the ways we depict #evolution can still give an erroneous progressive view (that evolution leads to humans or ‘increased complexity’).
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/is-our-pictu...
On the 100th anniversary of the #ScopesMonkeyTrial
the ways we depict #evolution can still give an erroneous progressive view (that evolution leads to humans or ‘increased complexity’).
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/is-our-pictu...
December 1, 2025 at 5:56 PM
New post by me on #MITPressReader @mitpress.bsky.social
On the 100th anniversary of the #ScopesMonkeyTrial
the ways we depict #evolution can still give an erroneous progressive view (that evolution leads to humans or ‘increased complexity’).
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/is-our-pictu...
On the 100th anniversary of the #ScopesMonkeyTrial
the ways we depict #evolution can still give an erroneous progressive view (that evolution leads to humans or ‘increased complexity’).
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/is-our-pictu...
New post by me on #MITPressReader @mitpress.bsky.social
On the 100th anniversary of the #ScopesMonkeyTrial
the ways we depict #evolution can still give an erroneous progressive view (that evolution leads to humans or ‘increased complexity’).
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/is-our-pictu...
On the 100th anniversary of the #ScopesMonkeyTrial
the ways we depict #evolution can still give an erroneous progressive view (that evolution leads to humans or ‘increased complexity’).
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/is-our-pictu...
December 1, 2025 at 5:56 PM
New post by me on #MITPressReader @mitpress.bsky.social
On the 100th anniversary of the #ScopesMonkeyTrial
the ways we depict #evolution can still give an erroneous progressive view (that evolution leads to humans or ‘increased complexity’).
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/is-our-pictu...
On the 100th anniversary of the #ScopesMonkeyTrial
the ways we depict #evolution can still give an erroneous progressive view (that evolution leads to humans or ‘increased complexity’).
thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/is-our-pictu...
Just finished Sarah Boon’s ‘Meltdown’ - a very personal memoir of being a women in academia and a field biologist struggling with mental illness (not easy things to be). It can be a tough read and I wish there was more about her post academic life but maybe that will have to wait for a sequel.
December 1, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Just finished Sarah Boon’s ‘Meltdown’ - a very personal memoir of being a women in academia and a field biologist struggling with mental illness (not easy things to be). It can be a tough read and I wish there was more about her post academic life but maybe that will have to wait for a sequel.
Spent the Thanksgiving break in costal Mississippi where BlueSky is unavailable. Each state really is like a different country. Anyway my kids caught lots of fish and I woke up early on my birthday and caught some mullet before 7am. Good times.
November 30, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Spent the Thanksgiving break in costal Mississippi where BlueSky is unavailable. Each state really is like a different country. Anyway my kids caught lots of fish and I woke up early on my birthday and caught some mullet before 7am. Good times.
Reposted by Prosanta Chakrabarty
Ahead of the 15-year anniversary of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning book “The Emperor of all Maladies,” we catch up with its author, oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee.
‘A Multi-Headed Beast’: Telling The Story Of Cancer
Science writer and oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee discusses what we get wrong about cancer, and why he leans into nuance as an author.
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Ahead of the 15-year anniversary of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning book “The Emperor of all Maladies,” we catch up with its author, oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee.
I wanted to re-read Gould’s ‘Full House’ because I know he wrote it after a cancer diagnosis with a short average life expectancy made him look more closely at the nature of variation (which can look progressive if you cherry pick). I think this might be my favorite book of his. #evolution
November 23, 2025 at 9:58 PM
I wanted to re-read Gould’s ‘Full House’ because I know he wrote it after a cancer diagnosis with a short average life expectancy made him look more closely at the nature of variation (which can look progressive if you cherry pick). I think this might be my favorite book of his. #evolution