UBCZoology
@zoology.ubc.ca
News and events of the Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia - UBC
Musqueam traditional territory
Visit us: https://zoology.ubc.ca/
Musqueam traditional territory
Visit us: https://zoology.ubc.ca/
Reposted by UBCZoology
"It’s unusual enough to qualify as what’s called a marine heat wave,” said Dr. Christopher Harley about the return of the North Pacific blob. “I hate to say it, it’s the new normal and I’m starting to get used to it."
@ubcoceans.bsky.social @zoology.ubc.ca
globalnews.ca/news/1150938...
@ubcoceans.bsky.social @zoology.ubc.ca
globalnews.ca/news/1150938...
The North Pacific heat ‘blob’ is back and experts are worried about marine life | Globalnews.ca
'This blob is a couple of degrees warmer than what we would expect for this particular time of year,' Christopher Harley, a professor of marine ecology, said.
globalnews.ca
November 4, 2025 at 5:39 PM
"It’s unusual enough to qualify as what’s called a marine heat wave,” said Dr. Christopher Harley about the return of the North Pacific blob. “I hate to say it, it’s the new normal and I’m starting to get used to it."
@ubcoceans.bsky.social @zoology.ubc.ca
globalnews.ca/news/1150938...
@ubcoceans.bsky.social @zoology.ubc.ca
globalnews.ca/news/1150938...
Reposted by UBCZoology
UBC Science is hiring a Digital Communications Specialist to enhance our online presence and reputation by creating inspirational web and other digital content, and support the development and operation of the Faculty’s digital communication initiatives and channels.
bit.ly/4hwWZn2
bit.ly/4hwWZn2
October 28, 2025 at 5:19 PM
UBC Science is hiring a Digital Communications Specialist to enhance our online presence and reputation by creating inspirational web and other digital content, and support the development and operation of the Faculty’s digital communication initiatives and channels.
bit.ly/4hwWZn2
bit.ly/4hwWZn2
Reposted by UBCZoology
Drs. Chris Harley and Steven Hallam (@zoology.ubc.ca @ubcmicroimmuno.bsky.social ) commented on the effects of marine heat waves or 'blobs' via @vancouversun.bsky.social
The blob is back in the Northern Pacific Ocean: What does that mean for B.C.?
Climate scientists say the marine heat wave could be altering the jet stream leading to a wetter than normal winter. Find out more.
theprovince.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Drs. Chris Harley and Steven Hallam (@zoology.ubc.ca @ubcmicroimmuno.bsky.social ) commented on the effects of marine heat waves or 'blobs' via @vancouversun.bsky.social
Reposted by UBCZoology
Back when Kip the coyote was first seen at UBC, he was skittish around people. But by the time he died, “he’d lost his fear of humans,” said Dr. Sarah Benson-Amram of @zoology.ubc.ca. “He was close to dangerous interactions with area pets and people."
science.ubc.ca/news/2025-10...
science.ubc.ca/news/2025-10...
What cherished campus coyote’s death tells us about his life
In his short life, Kip the coyote with the one bad leg, became an unofficial mascot on UBC’s Vancouver campus.
science.ubc.ca
October 15, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Back when Kip the coyote was first seen at UBC, he was skittish around people. But by the time he died, “he’d lost his fear of humans,” said Dr. Sarah Benson-Amram of @zoology.ubc.ca. “He was close to dangerous interactions with area pets and people."
science.ubc.ca/news/2025-10...
science.ubc.ca/news/2025-10...
Reposted by UBCZoology
Congratulations to UBC Science’s 6 new public scholars! Sean Edgerton, Drew Hall, Yunfei Li, Jessica Mukiri, Lilith South & Molly Zhang are among 36 doctoral students who are pursuing interdisciplinary, community-engaged PhD work with real world impact.
www.grad.ubc.ca/collaborativ...
www.grad.ubc.ca/collaborativ...
October 7, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Congratulations to UBC Science’s 6 new public scholars! Sean Edgerton, Drew Hall, Yunfei Li, Jessica Mukiri, Lilith South & Molly Zhang are among 36 doctoral students who are pursuing interdisciplinary, community-engaged PhD work with real world impact.
www.grad.ubc.ca/collaborativ...
www.grad.ubc.ca/collaborativ...
Reposted by UBCZoology
I gave a talk last year at TEDxNewEngland aimed at introducing the idea of viral sociality to a general audience, including implications for evolution & virology. Video now available online below.
#socialviruses #evosky #virosky 🧪
#socialviruses #evosky #virosky 🧪
The social lives of viruses | Asher Leeks | TEDxNewEngland
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
www.youtube.com
October 7, 2025 at 10:38 PM
I gave a talk last year at TEDxNewEngland aimed at introducing the idea of viral sociality to a general audience, including implications for evolution & virology. Video now available online below.
#socialviruses #evosky #virosky 🧪
#socialviruses #evosky #virosky 🧪
Reposted by UBCZoology
Evolutionary ecologist Dr. Kayla King is giving a public lecture: Pathogens and the Power of Evolution
Oct. 18 7:15 pm P.A. Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, UBC Vancouver
@kayla-king.bsky.social @ubcmicroimmuno.bsky.social @zoology.ubc.ca
More info: globalreportingcentre.org/vancouver-in...
Oct. 18 7:15 pm P.A. Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, UBC Vancouver
@kayla-king.bsky.social @ubcmicroimmuno.bsky.social @zoology.ubc.ca
More info: globalreportingcentre.org/vancouver-in...
October 2, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Evolutionary ecologist Dr. Kayla King is giving a public lecture: Pathogens and the Power of Evolution
Oct. 18 7:15 pm P.A. Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, UBC Vancouver
@kayla-king.bsky.social @ubcmicroimmuno.bsky.social @zoology.ubc.ca
More info: globalreportingcentre.org/vancouver-in...
Oct. 18 7:15 pm P.A. Woodward Instructional Resources Centre, UBC Vancouver
@kayla-king.bsky.social @ubcmicroimmuno.bsky.social @zoology.ubc.ca
More info: globalreportingcentre.org/vancouver-in...
Reposted by UBCZoology
Join us for an evening on climate change 🌏 🤒
Get a chance to meet 66 Birds / 3 Degrees Artist, Natalie Niblack & hear from all our special guests.
⏰ Oct 16th, 6-7:30pm (Doors Open 5pm)
🎟️ Admission by donation.
📲 Scan the QR code to learn more.
#climatechange #birdsofinstagram
Get a chance to meet 66 Birds / 3 Degrees Artist, Natalie Niblack & hear from all our special guests.
⏰ Oct 16th, 6-7:30pm (Doors Open 5pm)
🎟️ Admission by donation.
📲 Scan the QR code to learn more.
#climatechange #birdsofinstagram
September 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Join us for an evening on climate change 🌏 🤒
Get a chance to meet 66 Birds / 3 Degrees Artist, Natalie Niblack & hear from all our special guests.
⏰ Oct 16th, 6-7:30pm (Doors Open 5pm)
🎟️ Admission by donation.
📲 Scan the QR code to learn more.
#climatechange #birdsofinstagram
Get a chance to meet 66 Birds / 3 Degrees Artist, Natalie Niblack & hear from all our special guests.
⏰ Oct 16th, 6-7:30pm (Doors Open 5pm)
🎟️ Admission by donation.
📲 Scan the QR code to learn more.
#climatechange #birdsofinstagram
Reposted by UBCZoology
Atlantic killifish are robust little fish, but now @tblanchard.bsky.social & co reveal that fluctuating temperatures while the embryos are developing in the egg can have beneficial and damaging consequences
journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/...
journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/...
September 29, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Atlantic killifish are robust little fish, but now @tblanchard.bsky.social & co reveal that fluctuating temperatures while the embryos are developing in the egg can have beneficial and damaging consequences
journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/...
journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/...
Each winter, road salt is used as a de-icer and washes into freshwater streams.
Research from the Road Salt Project ( www.theroadsaltproject.com ) has shown that the levels of road salt found in streams can harm developing rainbow trout.
Read more: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Research from the Road Salt Project ( www.theroadsaltproject.com ) has shown that the levels of road salt found in streams can harm developing rainbow trout.
Read more: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
September 16, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Each winter, road salt is used as a de-icer and washes into freshwater streams.
Research from the Road Salt Project ( www.theroadsaltproject.com ) has shown that the levels of road salt found in streams can harm developing rainbow trout.
Read more: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Research from the Road Salt Project ( www.theroadsaltproject.com ) has shown that the levels of road salt found in streams can harm developing rainbow trout.
Read more: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by UBCZoology
UBC Science grad students Brian Duarte & Cormac Toler-Scott are finalists in NSERC's 2025 Science Exposed People’s Choice photo contest. You can vote for your favourite photo until noon Sept. 21 at bit.ly/4n0Haan
Photo: Brian Duarte's "The decisive moment".
Photo: Brian Duarte's "The decisive moment".
September 12, 2025 at 5:21 PM
UBC Science grad students Brian Duarte & Cormac Toler-Scott are finalists in NSERC's 2025 Science Exposed People’s Choice photo contest. You can vote for your favourite photo until noon Sept. 21 at bit.ly/4n0Haan
Photo: Brian Duarte's "The decisive moment".
Photo: Brian Duarte's "The decisive moment".
Reposted by UBCZoology
Congratulations to Dr. Kayla King who was awarded the 2025 Francis Crick Medal & Lecture by the Royal Society for contributions to the fields of evolutionary biology & genetics of infectious disease. @zoology.ubc.ca @ubcmicroimmuno.bsky.social @kayla-king.bsky.social @royalsociety.org bit.ly/4lGJrWB
Dr. Kayla King awarded Royal Society’s Francis Crick Medal
Evolutionary biologist Dr. Kayla King has been awarded the 2025 Francis Crick Medal and Lecture by the Royal Society of London for contributions to the fields of evolutionary biology and genetics of i...
bit.ly
August 27, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Congratulations to Dr. Kayla King who was awarded the 2025 Francis Crick Medal & Lecture by the Royal Society for contributions to the fields of evolutionary biology & genetics of infectious disease. @zoology.ubc.ca @ubcmicroimmuno.bsky.social @kayla-king.bsky.social @royalsociety.org bit.ly/4lGJrWB
Reposted by UBCZoology
our department @zoology.ubc.ca has a tenure-track faculty position opening at the level of Assistant Professor of Teaching in the educational stream with a focus on Neuroscience! please share! academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30389
University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology
Job #AJO30389, Assistant Professor of Teaching- Neuroscience, Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, CA
academicjobsonline.org
August 26, 2025 at 6:38 PM
our department @zoology.ubc.ca has a tenure-track faculty position opening at the level of Assistant Professor of Teaching in the educational stream with a focus on Neuroscience! please share! academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30389
Reposted by UBCZoology
Congrats to the winners of the Wall Research Awards–Team Faculty, for Smell Steers the Salmon which explores how stressors such as high levels of CO₂ and urban pollutants affect salmon’s sense of smell which harms their ability to spawn. @zoology.ubc.ca @benmatthewslab.bsky.social
bit.ly/3Jrt1nT
bit.ly/3Jrt1nT
August 26, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Congrats to the winners of the Wall Research Awards–Team Faculty, for Smell Steers the Salmon which explores how stressors such as high levels of CO₂ and urban pollutants affect salmon’s sense of smell which harms their ability to spawn. @zoology.ubc.ca @benmatthewslab.bsky.social
bit.ly/3Jrt1nT
bit.ly/3Jrt1nT
Reposted by UBCZoology
Come join us at UBC in Vancouver! academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30389 @zoology.ubc.ca
University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology
Job #AJO30389, Assistant Professor of Teaching- Neuroscience, Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, CA
academicjobsonline.org
August 26, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Come join us at UBC in Vancouver! academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30389 @zoology.ubc.ca
Reposted by UBCZoology
“Bioluminescence is light made by living things,” Dr. Chris Harley explains. “The sparkly glow we sometimes see in the #ocean is caused by tiny, single-celled creatures in the #plankton called Noctiluca, which means ‘night light.'” curiocity.com/bioluminesce... @zoology.ubc.ca
The ocean's 'sparkly glow': Here's where to witness bioluminescence in B.C.
Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon producing a radiant blue glow in the ocean, & here are the best places to witness it in B.C.
curiocity.com
August 18, 2025 at 4:26 PM
“Bioluminescence is light made by living things,” Dr. Chris Harley explains. “The sparkly glow we sometimes see in the #ocean is caused by tiny, single-celled creatures in the #plankton called Noctiluca, which means ‘night light.'” curiocity.com/bioluminesce... @zoology.ubc.ca
Reposted by UBCZoology
“We now have better numbers for that: we estimate 10 billion barnacles and 3 billion mussels [died] just in the strait of Georgia.”
Dr. Chris Harley (@zoology.ubc.ca @ubcoceans.bsky.social) discusses the 2021 heat dome and tidal species' surprising resilience via @theguardian.com
Dr. Chris Harley (@zoology.ubc.ca @ubcoceans.bsky.social) discusses the 2021 heat dome and tidal species' surprising resilience via @theguardian.com
Monkeys falling from trees and baking barnacles: how heat is driving animals to extinction
With the number of very hot days rising as well as average temperatures, more and more animals are vulnerable. But while some species can adapt, others are seeing huge population declines
www.theguardian.com
August 21, 2025 at 10:00 PM
“We now have better numbers for that: we estimate 10 billion barnacles and 3 billion mussels [died] just in the strait of Georgia.”
Dr. Chris Harley (@zoology.ubc.ca @ubcoceans.bsky.social) discusses the 2021 heat dome and tidal species' surprising resilience via @theguardian.com
Dr. Chris Harley (@zoology.ubc.ca @ubcoceans.bsky.social) discusses the 2021 heat dome and tidal species' surprising resilience via @theguardian.com
Reposted by UBCZoology
Swarms of tent caterpillars haunting your dreams? Don't worry: We’re not due for an infestation for another few years.
Dr. Judith Myers (@zoology.ubc.ca @landfood.ubc.ca ) has studied the hairy critters for 50 years via @timescolonist.bsky.social
Dr. Judith Myers (@zoology.ubc.ca @landfood.ubc.ca ) has studied the hairy critters for 50 years via @timescolonist.bsky.social
No leaf-munching tent caterpillar swarm this year, but likely in 2032-33, researcher says
Tent caterpillars never completely disappear — populations are winnowed down, then explode periodically
www.timescolonist.com
August 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Swarms of tent caterpillars haunting your dreams? Don't worry: We’re not due for an infestation for another few years.
Dr. Judith Myers (@zoology.ubc.ca @landfood.ubc.ca ) has studied the hairy critters for 50 years via @timescolonist.bsky.social
Dr. Judith Myers (@zoology.ubc.ca @landfood.ubc.ca ) has studied the hairy critters for 50 years via @timescolonist.bsky.social
Reposted by UBCZoology
Join us for our new exhibit 66 Birds/3 Degrees by Natalie Niblack. This project is a visual and sound environment of Pacific Northwest birds that are at risk if global warming is not mitigated. On from August 21st to December 31st.
August 15, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Join us for our new exhibit 66 Birds/3 Degrees by Natalie Niblack. This project is a visual and sound environment of Pacific Northwest birds that are at risk if global warming is not mitigated. On from August 21st to December 31st.
Reposted by UBCZoology
Now available online in Accepted Manuscript form:
"Evidence for ancient selective sweeps followed by differentiation among three species of Sphyrapicus sapsuckers"
In the Journal of Evolutionary Biology: doi.org/10.1093/jeb/...
Congrats to lead author Libby Natola!
"Evidence for ancient selective sweeps followed by differentiation among three species of Sphyrapicus sapsuckers"
In the Journal of Evolutionary Biology: doi.org/10.1093/jeb/...
Congrats to lead author Libby Natola!
August 14, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Now available online in Accepted Manuscript form:
"Evidence for ancient selective sweeps followed by differentiation among three species of Sphyrapicus sapsuckers"
In the Journal of Evolutionary Biology: doi.org/10.1093/jeb/...
Congrats to lead author Libby Natola!
"Evidence for ancient selective sweeps followed by differentiation among three species of Sphyrapicus sapsuckers"
In the Journal of Evolutionary Biology: doi.org/10.1093/jeb/...
Congrats to lead author Libby Natola!
Reposted by UBCZoology
#UBC zoologist Dr. Judith Myers has spent five decades studying a native moth species and their boom-and-bust population cycles. She discusses her journey, findings from a recent study, and the caterpillars’ surprising resistance to climate change. science.ubc.ca/news/2025-08...
Why these hairy caterpillars swarm every decade – then vanish without a trace
Western tent caterpillars might not be on your mind every year, but during their peak outbreaks, they’re impossible to ignore—hairy larvae wriggling across roads and swarms of caterpillars climbing ho...
science.ubc.ca
August 11, 2025 at 6:27 PM
#UBC zoologist Dr. Judith Myers has spent five decades studying a native moth species and their boom-and-bust population cycles. She discusses her journey, findings from a recent study, and the caterpillars’ surprising resistance to climate change. science.ubc.ca/news/2025-08...
Reposted by UBCZoology
Please repost and amplify !
We are hiring a faculty position in Evolutionary Genetics in the Biology Department at U of South Carolina!
Check us out and come be our colleague!
sc.edu/study/colleg...
Deadline for applications is Oct 1
#AcademicJobs #EvoBio
We are hiring a faculty position in Evolutionary Genetics in the Biology Department at U of South Carolina!
Check us out and come be our colleague!
sc.edu/study/colleg...
Deadline for applications is Oct 1
#AcademicJobs #EvoBio
Assistant Professor position in Evolutionary Genetics - Department of Biological Sciences | University of South Carolina
sc.edu
August 12, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Please repost and amplify !
We are hiring a faculty position in Evolutionary Genetics in the Biology Department at U of South Carolina!
Check us out and come be our colleague!
sc.edu/study/colleg...
Deadline for applications is Oct 1
#AcademicJobs #EvoBio
We are hiring a faculty position in Evolutionary Genetics in the Biology Department at U of South Carolina!
Check us out and come be our colleague!
sc.edu/study/colleg...
Deadline for applications is Oct 1
#AcademicJobs #EvoBio
Reposted by UBCZoology
‘Disease detectives’ at #UBC, the Hakai Institute and the University of Washington have discovered the cause of a wasting disease that wiped out billions of sea stars: science.ubc.ca/news/2025-08...
‘Disease detectives’ discover cause of sea star wasting disease that wiped out billions of sea stars
Researchers have identified the cause of the wasting disease that has killed billions of sea stars from Mexico to Alaska since 2013: a strain of the Vibrio pectenicida bacteria.
science.ubc.ca
August 4, 2025 at 3:31 PM
‘Disease detectives’ at #UBC, the Hakai Institute and the University of Washington have discovered the cause of a wasting disease that wiped out billions of sea stars: science.ubc.ca/news/2025-08...
Reposted by UBCZoology
SEEKING: Canada Excellence Research Chair in Ocean Ecological Modelling. Joint position at @ubcoceans.bsky.social and @eoas.ubc.ca. Associate Professor/Professor (Tenure) position.
DEADLINE: SEPT 11, 2025!
ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcfac...
DEADLINE: SEPT 11, 2025!
ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcfac...
August 1, 2025 at 5:31 PM
SEEKING: Canada Excellence Research Chair in Ocean Ecological Modelling. Joint position at @ubcoceans.bsky.social and @eoas.ubc.ca. Associate Professor/Professor (Tenure) position.
DEADLINE: SEPT 11, 2025!
ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcfac...
DEADLINE: SEPT 11, 2025!
ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcfac...
Reposted by UBCZoology
Forget the fireworks, why not check out the fireflies this long weekend?
Dr. Judith Myers (professor emerita @zoology.ubc.ca and @landfood.ubc.ca) discusses where to find these illuminated insects in B.C. (hint, it's not in Vancouver) via @viawesome.bsky.social
Dr. Judith Myers (professor emerita @zoology.ubc.ca and @landfood.ubc.ca) discusses where to find these illuminated insects in B.C. (hint, it's not in Vancouver) via @viawesome.bsky.social
Where you might spot fireflies lighting up summer nights across B.C.
Find out what you need to know about the bioluminescent insects in B.C.
www.vancouverisawesome.com
August 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Forget the fireworks, why not check out the fireflies this long weekend?
Dr. Judith Myers (professor emerita @zoology.ubc.ca and @landfood.ubc.ca) discusses where to find these illuminated insects in B.C. (hint, it's not in Vancouver) via @viawesome.bsky.social
Dr. Judith Myers (professor emerita @zoology.ubc.ca and @landfood.ubc.ca) discusses where to find these illuminated insects in B.C. (hint, it's not in Vancouver) via @viawesome.bsky.social