Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
@jfmclaughlin92.bsky.social
Evolutionary biologist and professional nerd. Asst Prof, University of Alaska Anchorage.
queer af, they/them. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️✡️
jfmclaughlin.org
queer af, they/them. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️✡️
jfmclaughlin.org
Pinned
Hello new followers! I'm Jess (they/them), and I'm a newly minted Assistant Professor at U University of Alaska Anchorage! I study evolutionary genomics, mostly in birds, and mainly post my various (mis)adventures and pet pictures. Welcome!
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
This is my Chinese cave gecko. It caves less than the Democrats.
November 11, 2025 at 3:41 AM
This is my Chinese cave gecko. It caves less than the Democrats.
I really need to learn how to knit instead of just crochet
I designed a horseshoe crab sweater and published it on Ravelry on National horseshoe crab day! If you ever thought to yourself “man, I really want a hand knit sweater with horseshoe crabs on it” boy do I have great news for ya
www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...
www.ravelry.com/patterns/lib...
November 11, 2025 at 6:12 AM
I really need to learn how to knit instead of just crochet
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
One of my HS classmates is a trucker who has hit hard times because of an on the job injury and since this country’s social safety net is trash, needs to raise funds to support his recovery. Please consider donating, even if you can’t offer much 🫶🏽
www.gofundme.com/f/help-jason...
www.gofundme.com/f/help-jason...
Donate to Help Jason Bell's Family During Spinal Surgery & Recovery, organized by Jason Bell
Hello everyone,
My name is Tony Patterson and I’m reaching ou… Jason Bell needs your support for Help Jason Bell's Family During Spinal Surgery & Recovery
www.gofundme.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:10 AM
One of my HS classmates is a trucker who has hit hard times because of an on the job injury and since this country’s social safety net is trash, needs to raise funds to support his recovery. Please consider donating, even if you can’t offer much 🫶🏽
www.gofundme.com/f/help-jason...
www.gofundme.com/f/help-jason...
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
Hats off to the Wikipedia editor(s)/author(s) who went all out on this article about the extinct Stellar’s Sea Cow, did not expect nearly this much detail.
Never thought to ask which extant animal had the most similar poop (horses) or how long the sea cows’ penis was (very long).
Never thought to ask which extant animal had the most similar poop (horses) or how long the sea cows’ penis was (very long).
November 11, 2025 at 3:44 AM
Hats off to the Wikipedia editor(s)/author(s) who went all out on this article about the extinct Stellar’s Sea Cow, did not expect nearly this much detail.
Never thought to ask which extant animal had the most similar poop (horses) or how long the sea cows’ penis was (very long).
Never thought to ask which extant animal had the most similar poop (horses) or how long the sea cows’ penis was (very long).
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
In the century leading up to 1975, nearly 6000 freighters went down in the Great Lakes.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
November 11, 2025 at 1:50 AM
In the century leading up to 1975, nearly 6000 freighters went down in the Great Lakes.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
The Edmund Fitzgerald was the last.
The last. In 50 years, not a single commercial freighter has been lost in the Great Lakes.
Why?
It's NOAA. Of course it's NOAA.
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
Y'all.
This is a clear, specific ask. Black artists with stock art assets for sale.
Getting unhelpful responses to this post including the evergreen "I'm not a black artist but..." or "why black artists?"
Also: "what are you looking for? Msg me." And "what is stock art?"
Not helpful.
This is a clear, specific ask. Black artists with stock art assets for sale.
Getting unhelpful responses to this post including the evergreen "I'm not a black artist but..." or "why black artists?"
Also: "what are you looking for? Msg me." And "what is stock art?"
Not helpful.
Hey, are there any black artists with #ttrpg stock art? Asking for a friend, who is me. (Stock art only please! If I could commission something from an artist specifically, I 100% would.)
June 20, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Y'all.
This is a clear, specific ask. Black artists with stock art assets for sale.
Getting unhelpful responses to this post including the evergreen "I'm not a black artist but..." or "why black artists?"
Also: "what are you looking for? Msg me." And "what is stock art?"
Not helpful.
This is a clear, specific ask. Black artists with stock art assets for sale.
Getting unhelpful responses to this post including the evergreen "I'm not a black artist but..." or "why black artists?"
Also: "what are you looking for? Msg me." And "what is stock art?"
Not helpful.
Damn I need to rewatch BSG again
Stop doomscrolling and watch a rescue mission in fascist territory instead.
November 11, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Damn I need to rewatch BSG again
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
@niadavenport.bsky.social has been an incredible part of the SSF community. She's someone who has helped many others, including myself.
Please donate, if you can, to help her and her family through this awful loss.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ni...
Please donate, if you can, to help her and her family through this awful loss.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ni...
Donate to Support Nia and Her Children After Tragic Loss, organized by Lindsey Hart
Our hearts are with Nia, a beloved friend, author and advocate who has pou… Lindsey Hart needs your support for Support Nia and Her Children After Tragic Loss
www.gofundme.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:05 PM
@niadavenport.bsky.social has been an incredible part of the SSF community. She's someone who has helped many others, including myself.
Please donate, if you can, to help her and her family through this awful loss.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ni...
Please donate, if you can, to help her and her family through this awful loss.
www.gofundme.com/f/support-ni...
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
Good literary translation requires understanding (language, culture, genre--on both sides of the translation) and an ability to write well. "AI" can't do that. There are no shortcuts. Treat your work and foreign language readers with the respect they deserve. You won't fool anyone with this.
Amazon has launched a new AI-driven translation service, Kindle Translate, for Kindle Direct Publishing authors 👇 #BookSky
Amazon launches AI translation service for indie authors
ebx.sh
November 7, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Good literary translation requires understanding (language, culture, genre--on both sides of the translation) and an ability to write well. "AI" can't do that. There are no shortcuts. Treat your work and foreign language readers with the respect they deserve. You won't fool anyone with this.
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
Immensely proud to share that I am the designer of the official badge for LGBT+ History Month 2026.
Last night, @lgbthm.bsky.social revealed that the 2026 theme for the month will be 'Science and Innovation', so get ready to learn about some amazing queer scientists next year!
Last night, @lgbthm.bsky.social revealed that the 2026 theme for the month will be 'Science and Innovation', so get ready to learn about some amazing queer scientists next year!
November 8, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Immensely proud to share that I am the designer of the official badge for LGBT+ History Month 2026.
Last night, @lgbthm.bsky.social revealed that the 2026 theme for the month will be 'Science and Innovation', so get ready to learn about some amazing queer scientists next year!
Last night, @lgbthm.bsky.social revealed that the 2026 theme for the month will be 'Science and Innovation', so get ready to learn about some amazing queer scientists next year!
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
Anyway mental health drugs are little tiny pills filled with miracles and I’m always absolutely astonished by how a slight chemical change in my body can completely alter my entire life.
November 10, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Anyway mental health drugs are little tiny pills filled with miracles and I’m always absolutely astonished by how a slight chemical change in my body can completely alter my entire life.
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
Hey everyone, is there anyone from Italy here who could help me get this scholarship?
University of Trento Education Project for International Students from Conflict Zones 2025/2026 - Scholarships.af
The University of Trento, Italy, invites applications for its Education Project for International Students from Conflict Zones.
scholarships.af
November 10, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Hey everyone, is there anyone from Italy here who could help me get this scholarship?
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
Read Performatively with Effin' Birds buttons, shirts, mugs and stickers.
20% off with the code SHOPWIDE20:
eatf.art/reading
20% off with the code SHOPWIDE20:
eatf.art/reading
November 10, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Read Performatively with Effin' Birds buttons, shirts, mugs and stickers.
20% off with the code SHOPWIDE20:
eatf.art/reading
20% off with the code SHOPWIDE20:
eatf.art/reading
Not going to weigh in on the argument at hand but damn is this thread proof the Amoraim would have loved bsky lmao
is having sex with angels considered monster-fucking
kind of in a weird mood today, should we have an off piste skeet
November 10, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Not going to weigh in on the argument at hand but damn is this thread proof the Amoraim would have loved bsky lmao
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
The 2026 Gulf Conference will be here in Mobile, AL from May 4-7
Open to coastal scientists & stakeholders in government, academia, non-profit, and private sectors to discuss current Gulf research and help plan for the future of the Gulf.
Abstracts due Nov 7
gulfofamericaalliance.org/gulfcon2026
Open to coastal scientists & stakeholders in government, academia, non-profit, and private sectors to discuss current Gulf research and help plan for the future of the Gulf.
Abstracts due Nov 7
gulfofamericaalliance.org/gulfcon2026
October 7, 2025 at 5:35 PM
The 2026 Gulf Conference will be here in Mobile, AL from May 4-7
Open to coastal scientists & stakeholders in government, academia, non-profit, and private sectors to discuss current Gulf research and help plan for the future of the Gulf.
Abstracts due Nov 7
gulfofamericaalliance.org/gulfcon2026
Open to coastal scientists & stakeholders in government, academia, non-profit, and private sectors to discuss current Gulf research and help plan for the future of the Gulf.
Abstracts due Nov 7
gulfofamericaalliance.org/gulfcon2026
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
The Hearth (1/21)
A sapphic horror comic about witchcraft and hunger in the dead of winter.
A sapphic horror comic about witchcraft and hunger in the dead of winter.
October 6, 2025 at 3:30 PM
The Hearth (1/21)
A sapphic horror comic about witchcraft and hunger in the dead of winter.
A sapphic horror comic about witchcraft and hunger in the dead of winter.
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
a few months ago I said "having generative AI handle absolutely anything with regards to healthcare is a nightmare and should be banned" and a bunch of people made fun of me and called me stupid. anyways,
November 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM
a few months ago I said "having generative AI handle absolutely anything with regards to healthcare is a nightmare and should be banned" and a bunch of people made fun of me and called me stupid. anyways,
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
some years, Circulatory System Walking Through the Kitchen Day just completely sneaks up on you
November 10, 2025 at 1:28 PM
some years, Circulatory System Walking Through the Kitchen Day just completely sneaks up on you
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
Pre-ACA, I was a postdoc on an NSF fellowship at a university that didn't offer employment benefits to independent fellows. At that time, being a woman meant that my premiums were double that of my male counterparts. The extra cost came out of my grant's budget for benefits, equipment, and travel.
November 10, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Pre-ACA, I was a postdoc on an NSF fellowship at a university that didn't offer employment benefits to independent fellows. At that time, being a woman meant that my premiums were double that of my male counterparts. The extra cost came out of my grant's budget for benefits, equipment, and travel.
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
In a normal democracy, a total collapse of party leadership would result in an no-confidence vote and immediate snap elections to find leaders who can lead
November 10, 2025 at 3:18 AM
In a normal democracy, a total collapse of party leadership would result in an no-confidence vote and immediate snap elections to find leaders who can lead
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
#EntSoc25 Are you neurodivergent (ND), care about someone who is ND, and/or employ ND folks? If so, we invite you to our workshop "Diverg-Ent" on Tuesday from 2-6p! We have EntSoc member panelists of many neurotypes and want to hear from you, and hope to make Entomology a safe science for diversity!
November 9, 2025 at 11:57 PM
#EntSoc25 Are you neurodivergent (ND), care about someone who is ND, and/or employ ND folks? If so, we invite you to our workshop "Diverg-Ent" on Tuesday from 2-6p! We have EntSoc member panelists of many neurotypes and want to hear from you, and hope to make Entomology a safe science for diversity!
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
"Government funding through Jan. 2026" — destroying the healthcare system for 2 months of gov funding
"backpay for federal employees" — existing law signed by Trump in '19 already guarantees this
"Furlough prevention" — I don't know what the fuck this means
"backpay for federal employees" — existing law signed by Trump in '19 already guarantees this
"Furlough prevention" — I don't know what the fuck this means
Outline of the deal:
-Government funding through Jan. 2026
-backpay for federal employees
-Furlough prevention
-A vote on the ACA credits in December
-Undoes reductions in force from the shutdown put in place by Russ Vought
www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
-Government funding through Jan. 2026
-backpay for federal employees
-Furlough prevention
-A vote on the ACA credits in December
-Undoes reductions in force from the shutdown put in place by Russ Vought
www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
www.appropriations.senate.gov
November 10, 2025 at 1:50 AM
"Government funding through Jan. 2026" — destroying the healthcare system for 2 months of gov funding
"backpay for federal employees" — existing law signed by Trump in '19 already guarantees this
"Furlough prevention" — I don't know what the fuck this means
"backpay for federal employees" — existing law signed by Trump in '19 already guarantees this
"Furlough prevention" — I don't know what the fuck this means
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
I know nothing is official yet, but I feel like I could throw up.
Hi, this is me. 70% of my reliable teaching income next year will be eaten up by my health insurance, which I need because I'm chronically ill.
I hope those 8 dems who voted yes never have a moment's peace.
Hi, this is me. 70% of my reliable teaching income next year will be eaten up by my health insurance, which I need because I'm chronically ill.
I hope those 8 dems who voted yes never have a moment's peace.
Kara is a New Jersey resident who is seeing her healthcare costs skyrocket without the help of ACA premium tax credits.
Stories like Kara's are why we need to find a solution that will give families the healthcare relief they need and end this shutdown.
Stories like Kara's are why we need to find a solution that will give families the healthcare relief they need and end this shutdown.
November 10, 2025 at 2:53 AM
I know nothing is official yet, but I feel like I could throw up.
Hi, this is me. 70% of my reliable teaching income next year will be eaten up by my health insurance, which I need because I'm chronically ill.
I hope those 8 dems who voted yes never have a moment's peace.
Hi, this is me. 70% of my reliable teaching income next year will be eaten up by my health insurance, which I need because I'm chronically ill.
I hope those 8 dems who voted yes never have a moment's peace.
Reposted by Jess McLaughlin, PhD (they/them)
Just called Senator @schumer.senate.gov and told him he is a disgrace, that I don’t care that he negotiated a public “no” to save his own ass, and if he can’t keep the caucus together on something as basic as healthcare for millions, he needs to immediately resign as minority leader. 202-224-6542
November 10, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Just called Senator @schumer.senate.gov and told him he is a disgrace, that I don’t care that he negotiated a public “no” to save his own ass, and if he can’t keep the caucus together on something as basic as healthcare for millions, he needs to immediately resign as minority leader. 202-224-6542