Meet the Expert, Biology: Dr. Amber Stokes VIRTUAL EVENT

Dr. Amber Stokes is a chemical ecologist working to better understand the rough skinned newt and its toxin tetrodotoxin (TTX). Newts use TTX to defend themselves from predators, but there is little known about where or how they acquire the toxin. Their main predator, garter snakes, are resistant to TTX and can eat newts without harm. Recent studies have shown that not only does TTX protect the newts from predators like snakes, but it also protects newts from parasites! Further research has indicated that newts have a REALLY interesting method of communicating with other organisms. But, you’ll have to attend the talk to learn more about that!

Dr. Stokes is currently an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at California State University, Bakersfield. She grew up here in Bakersfield from age seven and attended CSUB as an undergraduate earning her BS in Biology. She then earned her MS and PhD from Utah State University, studying newts and their toxins under Dr. Edmund D. Brodie, Jr. After completing her degree she started at CSUB as an assistant professor in the Biology Department. She currently does research in addition to teaching physiology, ecology, and zoology courses.

Only one reservation needed per group