Olga’s path to ZooCELL has been anything but linear. After nearly 30 years in diverse research roles, she joined us as a DC, bringing together expertise in electron microscopy, molecular biology, and genomics to study how the sea urchin nervous system develops and evolves. ๐
๐ What inspired you to become an Evo Devo scientist?
My first experience studying echinoderm development sparked my interest in EvoDevo. Over the years Iโve been lucky to work with inspiring people, and Pr. Veronica Hinman especially shaped my path toward GRN. I still often wonder, โWhat would Veronica ask here?โ
๐ What led you to join the Arnone lab?
Iโve worked on echinoderms for several years, so I was already very familiar with Inaโs research. Joining the Arnone lab felt like a natural next step.
๐ฌ Briefly describe your current research project.
I’m exploring the development and evolution of the sea urchin larval nervous system. Using electron microscopy alongside molecular and genomic approaches, I’m investigating how these surprisingly complex neurons work.
๐งช What tool or technique do you use most?
As an EvoDevo biologist, I combine approaches from ultrastructure analysis to synthetic biology. Returning to electron microscopy has been like reconnecting with an old passion. Integrating classical morphology with modern molecular biology helps me uncover how nervous systems develop, function, and evolve.
โจ Any surprising findings so far?
Sea urchin larvae don’t follow the usual sodium-based mechanism for nerve firing, they use calcium instead! That has definitely been my biggest “Wait, what?!” moment.
๐ What do you enjoy outside the lab?
I love exploring, whether it is archaeological sites, hiking trails, or simply wandering through new cities.
๐ก If you weren’t a scientist, what would you do?
Science is a mindset for me. Even outside the lab, I’d still be driven by curiosity, asking questions and chasing new ideas.