Questionnaire: Dr Umilaela Arifin
Your Title, Name, Place of work?
Dr Umilaela Arifin, Hamburg
What is your current position/function at our institute?
Marie Curie Postdoctoral Researcher, Herpetology Department, ztm (Centre for Taxonomy and Morphology)
What do you like about your job/position?
This job allows me to be independent and to have the flexibility to work. Additionally, I can travel and meet people from around the globe, which not only improves my understanding of earth’s biodiversity but also cultural diversity in the world.
Can you please describe your tasks at the LIB?
My main task is currently to do independent research on the phylogenetic systematics and evolution of ranid frogs that possesses a unique tadpoles with adhesive belly suckers for adhering to rocks in swift-flowing streams called “gastromyzophorous“ tadpoles. (Learn more here: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/846040). Other than that, I have been doing a lot of public outreach to communicate my science to a broader audience.
Keyword
biodiversity
Is there something about the Institute that particularly appeals to you?
Among others, the idea that LIB was established as an institution dedicated to biodiversity research and its change appeals to me most.