Spectrum

Frigid finds Research team discovers new species in seas of Antarctica CMU biologists are among the teams at the forefront of research into the frigid waters around Antarctica. This includes Assistant Professor of Biology Andrew Mahon, senior Abigail Hollingsworth and December graduate Carlos Coronado who, along with researchers from Auburn University, discovered new species on their six-week journey this past winter to a region of the southern ocean that scientists rarely explore. "Because there have been so few people who have been to Antarctica to conduct research, we were able to collect samples where nobody has ever been before and, as a result, find new species," Mahon says. From top: Abigail Hollingsworth, Carlos Coronado, Antarctica's Mount Burgess. 'I want a job that makes me work, cry and laugh as much and as hard as I have on this trip.' For 51 days aboard the National Science Foundation vessel RV Nathaniel B. Palmer, the research team studied DNA and other genetic information from small invertebrate animals they gathered by dropping nets to depths of up to 1,000 feet. Each species collected was documented, and samples were sent to CMU labs for research. Working 12-hour shifts as part of the research team, Hollingsworth says it was exhilarating every time they pulled up the nets and found a new organism. "I saw faces, drawn from exhaustion, suddenly light up into childish fascination and glee upon finding some new or rare organism," she says. "And I felt that myself; the excitement that comes from touching and learning about something completely new." Hollingsworth was amazed to handle so much wildlife, most of which she previously viewed on television and video or in a textbook. From this experience, she knows exactly what career to pursue. "I want a job that makes me work, cry and laugh as much and as hard as I have on this trip," she says. "I have challenged the boundaries of my knowledge, experience and emotional strength, and I have made friendships that I hope will last me a lifetime." A Dumbo octopus was the top find for Hollingsworth during the trip. The deep-sea creature is named after the Disney character for its big ear-like appendages. Although not an undiscovered species, it certainly was something Hollingsworth hadn't previously encountered. This was one of many reasons Mahon was looking forward to the trip. "This was my third research trip to Antarctica, but this one was especially exciting because I got to take undergraduate students," he says. "From my experience, it's really a life-changing event." – Abigail Hollingsworth 3

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