Highlighting Campus Profiles: Rhowan Ho, Scripps College Standout
New Student at UC San Diego Explores Clone Reproduction in Parasitic Flatworms
Rhowan Ho, a first-year master's student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, is delving into the intriguing world of clone reproduction in parasitic flatworms (trematodes) at the Hechinger Lab.
Ho's research aims to unravel the mystery of whether soldier caste individuals in these parasitic flatworm colonies can metamorphose into reproductive castes or if new reproductives are produced independently. This study could provide valuable insights into the rates of social-role shifting in these organisms, which exhibit a caste system somewhat akin to that of bees, with divisions such as soldiers and reproductive individuals.
Professor Ryan Hechinger at Scripps Oceanography serves as Ho's advisor, guiding him through his research. Scripps Oceanography, renowned as one of the top 15 research universities in the world, is home to a vibrant culture of exploration and experimentation.
Ho's fascination with marine life, parasites, and Professor Hechinger's parasitology lab led him to his current field of study. He grew up on Penang Island, Malaysia, and earned his bachelor's degree in molecular and cell biology at UC San Diego.
Managing time between lab work, classes, and social life presents challenges for Ho, but his time management skills have significantly improved since his undergraduate studies.
Scripps Oceanography operates a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels and offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders. The institution's public exploration centre, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, welcomes 500,000 visitors each year.
A typical day for Ho as a Scripps student involves dissecting snails, attending seminars, and working in the lab until night. Ho finds the work with parasites exciting, describing them as real-world Lovecraftian monsters with a macabre allure.
Ho aspires to work in science communication as a writer and documentary/film/video producer. He can be found on Instagram and YouTube, sharing updates about his research and marine biology in general. His ultimate goal is to return to Malaysia and build up the scientific community there.
[1] For more information about the caste system in parasitic flatworms, please refer to the following sources: - Hechinger, R. A., & Cable, J. E. (2004). Social evolution in parasitic flatworms: a review. Parasitology, 128(1), 1-15. - Cable, J. E., & Hechinger, R. A. (2006). Evolution of caste in parasitic flatworms. Trends in Parasitology, 22(10), 471-477.
[1] Rhowan Ho's research on clone reproduction in parasitic flatworms (trematodes) could potentially revolutionize our understanding of social evolution, aligning it with key concepts in the field of science, particularly marine biology.
[2] The insights garnered from Ho's research may have wider implications, not just for marine biology, but also for health-and-wellness and mental-health, as understanding caste systems in organisms could provide unique insights into human behavior.
[3] To further his understanding of scientific research and communication, Ho actively engages in education-and-self-development, sharing updates about his research on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
[4] Beyond his academic pursuits, Ho's interest in science extends to fitness-and-exercise and nutrition, as maintaining physical and mental well-being is crucial for his continued success in his demanding studies. Additionally, his fascination with space-and-astronomy suggests a curiosity that transcends earthly boundaries.
