” I am Anastasiia Iakovleva, a first-year doctoral student. My recent PhD research project, conducted at the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, is dedicated to examining gelatinous zooplankton – specifically jellyfish and ctenophores – and the factors that affect their populations. I am interested in studying gelatinous zooplankton as hosts for other parasitic invertebrates. For my research I use a wide range of techniques including DNA barcoding, light and scanning electron microscopy, and underwater imaging. I am convinced of the importance of studying jellyfish populations near the shores of Israel. These fascinating creatures have a profound impact on various aspects of the environment and human activities”.

RECEIVED MEDITERRANEAN SEA SCHOLARSHIP for 2024