MARLIN students

2025

Monisha Bharate

PhD student, University Museum of Bergen, University of Bergen, Norway

PhD project title: The role of ecology, historical climate change and tectonic events on the evolution and diversification of extant rocky-shore marine species: The case of Smaragdinella snails

Martina Turani

PhD student, University Museum of Bergen, University of Bergen, Norway

PhD project title:Understanding diversity patterns, speciation, and biogeography of shallow-water marine organisms in the Atlantic realm

Host in Brazil: University of São Paulo

Dates of visit: 31.07-17.08.2025

Highlights of the trip: In August, we had the opportunity to attend the World Congress of Malacology 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil. The event brought together scientists, early-career researchers, and students from around the world to share the latest developments in malacological research.

The program featured a rich mix of plenary lectures, thematic sessions, and poster presentations covering topics from taxonomy and evolution to ecology, conservation, and applied research. Beyond the formal sessions, we especially valued the informal conversations during coffee breaks and social events. These moments allowed for meaningful connections and relaxed discussions with fellow researchers.

Monisha presenting her research in the Young Taxonomist session, where she was honored to receive the **first place for student presentation** from **Unitas Malacologica**.

After the congress, we joined a field trip to São Sebastião focused on sea slug collection. Through snorkeling and intertidal sampling, we gained hands-on experience in specimen collection, photography, and preservation.

We also had the chance to work at the Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo, studying malacological collections. Handling museum specimens offered insights that complemented our fieldwork and deepened our understanding of the subject.

Overall, this experience was an inspiring combination of academic exchange, practical training, and professional growth. We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to applying what we’ve learned in our future research.

Thaís Kananda

PhD student, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

PhD project title: Study of phylogenetic relationships in Leodice Lamarck, 1818 (Annelida, Errantia)

Host in Norway: University of Bergen

Dates of visit: 01.011.2024-30.04.2025

Highlights of the trip: Between November 2024 and April 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to undertake a sandwich PhD program at the University of Bergen in Norway.

At the end of my stay I became a part of MARLIN project which supported my laboratory activities. As part of my training, I completed a hands-on course in molecular biology, where I gained in-depth knowledge of the DNA sequencing process—from sample preparation to result interpretation.

Left – Thais at the DNA lab checking a gel after electrophoresis; Right – light microscopy images the front end of the bristle worm *Leodice biformicirrata* (Photo: T. Kananda).

My stay also granted me access to valuable materials from various parts of the world, including type specimens housed at the University Museum of Bergen. I conducted both morphological and molecular analyses of several polychaete species from the genus Leodice, a highly diverse and poorly understood group of marine bristle worms.

I attended several presentations and seminars on ongoing projects at the University Museum, which significantly broadened my scientific perspective. Beyond the scientific experience, my time in Bergen was also marked by personal growth, cultural exchange, and interactions with researchers from diverse backgrounds which has undoubtedly contributed to my professional development.