Instructor Spotlight: Brittany Velikaneye
Tell us about your background and what inspired you to teach this course
My background is established in biology and ecology, with a focus on biodiversity conservation and human-environment interactions. I am currently a PhD candidate in Integrative Biology at UMass Dartmouth, where my research focuses on the effects of elevated temperature on insect reproduction and the molecular mechanisms that underlie these thermal effects. My professional journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of various biological concepts and techniques, ranging from molecular biology to ecological conservation, which has not only enhanced my scientific skills but also fueled my passion for understanding the variety of relationships within our natural world.
What truly inspired me to teach this course was my deep passion for conveying the importance of biodiversity and the intricate relationships within ecosystems. Over the years, I’ve seen how human actions—whether it’s urbanization, overharvesting, or agricultural practices—can dramatically alter these systems, sometimes with irreversible consequences. However, I’ve also witnessed the incredible resilience of nature when given the chance to recover, and the ways that sustainable practices and conservation efforts can make a positive difference. I want to share this knowledge and experience with my students, helping them understand that biology is not just about learning facts, but about seeing the interconnectedness of life and the impact we have on the world. I hope to inspire a sense of responsibility and empowerment, encouraging students to think critically about their role in shaping the future of our planet.
You discuss the concept of the Tree of Life in your course. Could you explain more about what this means and how it ties to biodiversity?
The Tree of Life is a metaphor used to describe the evolutionary relationships among all living organisms on Earth. The Tree of Life begins with a single point, representing the common ancestor of all life. From this origin, the branches of the tree represent the evolutionary paths that different species have taken. Each branch point, or node, represents a divergence from a common ancestor, leading to new species. This branching pattern shows how all life forms are related to some extent, no matter how different they seem. It also visually captures biodiversity by showing how species have diverged and evolved over time. Human activity, like habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, can cause the extinction of species, effectively pruning branches from the Tree of Life. This reduces biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems. Studying the Tree of Life helps biologists understand how species are connected and how the loss of one species can impact others.
What is a surprising reality of how humans alter their local environment that you think is missing from public discourse?
One surprising reality that is often missing from public discourse is how light pollution significantly alters local environments and disrupts ecosystems. While the focus of environmental degradation usually centers on deforestation, pollution, or climate change, the pervasive impacts of artificial lighting on wildlife and plants are often overlooked. For example, many birds, especially migratory species, use natural light from the moon and stars to navigate. Artificial lighting confuses them, leading to fatal collisions with buildings, towers, or other structures.
Light pollution is not just a problem for urban environments; it radiates far into rural areas, affecting wildlife across large distances. This can lead to reduced biodiversity, changes in species behavior, and ecological imbalance. The loss of night skies also disrupts the cultural and spiritual connection many communities have to stargazing, further eroding our relationship with nature.
Addressing light pollution through better lighting design, shielding outdoor lights, or reducing unnecessary lighting could help mitigate these effects, but public awareness of this issue remains low compared to other environmental threats. Recognizing how something as seemingly innocuous as artificial light can reshape ecosystems highlights the importance of holistic approaches to conservation and sustainability.
How can Tufts students reduce their negative impact on local biodiversity?
Students can adopt sustainable practices and engage in environmental conservation efforts both on and off campus. For example, one of the best ways is to minimize the use of single-use plastics. Plastics often end up in local waterways, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems. Students can opt for reusable items like water bottles, utensils, and bags. Moreover, students can get involved in campus or local community programs focused on conservation and sustainability. I would encourage students to participate in or support student-run organizations focused on environmental issues, such as the Tufts Climate Action or the Tufts Food Rescue Collaborative, which are dedicated to promoting eco-friendly behavior on campus.
Has there been a class that you were particularly excited about?
One of the things I was really excited about in the course was our virtual attendance of the Raptor-Safe Rodent Control Forum that was hosted by several New England state Audubon chapters. The forum focused on sustainable alternatives to traditional rodent control methods that are safer for birds of prey and other wildlife. This discussion tied directly into our topics on human impact on ecosystems, and it was really exciting for students to engage with experts and explore practical solutions to wildlife conservation issues.
Brittany Velikaneye is a PhD candidate and Distinguished Doctoral Fellow in Integrative Biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Her dissertation examines how heat alters reproduction in European corn borer moths and the underlying molecular mechanisms of these changes, with the hopes of addressing broader implications for biodiversity conservation in butterflies and moths. She volunteers as a Responsibility Bird Monitor and Bluebird Monitor with her local Audubon chapter.