Student Shakthi Rajesh from Computational Biology at Florida State University is striving to inform individuals about reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Rajesh has devoted his academic endeavors to exploring some of the most misconstrued beings in our ecosystem—scorpions, snakes, and other invertebrates. Originating from Dallas and having completed his secondary education in India, Rajesh offers a distinctive viewpoint in his research.

His IDEA Grant-supported investigation examines the genomics of venom variability in scorpions, aiming to uncover the genetic elements that influence these creatures’ functions within the ecosystem. His contributions in Associate Professor Darin Rokyta’s lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have already garnered him the esteemed Helen Louise Lee Undergraduate Research Award.

Furthermore, he is the creator of the Association of Herpetologists and Entomologists at FSU, a student-led organization focused on public education about reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Rajesh aims to diminish the anxiety related to these creatures and to foster a deeper understanding of their contributions to our surroundings.

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What academic achievement are you most proud of?

The research project I am most proud of at FSU is my work on the genomics of sex-based venom variation in the Florida bark scorpion within Professor Darin Rokyta’s lab. This research was supported by the Helen Louise Lee Undergraduate Research Award from the IDEA Grant program.

My current endeavor seeks to illuminate the genetic underpinnings regulating venom variation by examining the differences in venom between male and female scorpions. This project underscores the importance of understanding the origins of venom diversity and the factors that influence the evolution of these distinct venom profiles.

How do you contribute to the FSU community and beyond?

One of my most notable contributions to the FSU community was founding the Association of Herpetologists and Entomologists at FSU. This recognized student organization focuses on educating the public regarding reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. I aspire to mitigate the fear often linked to reptiles and invertebrates, enabling more students to appreciate these remarkable organisms for their true nature and significance.

Additionally, I organized and directed a summer “bug camp” for a Tallahassee homeschool group. I guided several students aged 7 to 13 on excursions to local nature reserves. The mission of this camp was to showcase the diversity of arthropods (such as insects, spiders, millipedes, and centipedes) in our locality and educate them about the advantages these species offer to our environment and daily lives.

How have you used your experiences at FSU to strengthen the local community?

The primary aim of my research is to enlighten people about the intriguing animals with whom we share our planet. I seek to alleviate the fear that many individuals possess towards snakes and various invertebrates, allowing them to genuinely value the world surrounding us. I believe I have successfully assisted individuals in overcoming their fears by educating them about “scary” creatures within a supportive setting.

Furthermore, I think that by establishing the Association of Herpetologists and Entomologists at FSU, I have created a platform where individuals can learn about our local species of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates without facing judgment from their peers.

The article Shakthi Rajesh was originally published on Florida State University News.