Wenqian Xu and Yangbing Xu recently showcased their cutting-edge research at the 2024 Conference on Genomics of Unicellular Eukaryotes (CGUE). Wenqian Xu’s poster, titled “Genome-Resolved Insight into the Diversity and Function of Small Marine Protists in Subtropical Waters,” offered a deep dive into the complex ecosystem of microscopic marine life. Her research utilizes advanced genomic techniques to unravel the mysteries of these tiny yet crucial organisms that play a vital role in oceanic food webs and global carbon cycling. Yangbing Xu’s presentation, “Reconstruction of eukaryotic genomes reveals the diversification and adaptation of cosmopolitan picophytoplankton Mamiellales,” focused on a specific group of widespread marine algae. By reconstructing their genomes, Yangbing’s work provides valuable insights into how these organisms have adapted to various marine environments across the globe. The conference served as an exceptional networking platform for these young researchers. They had the opportunity to engage with leading figures in the field, including Dr. Alex Worden, a renowned marine microbiologist and the postdoctoral supervisor of Charmaine. The duo also connected with Charmaine’s collaborators, Dr. Gwenael Piganeau, an expert in evolutionary genomics, and Dr. Sheree Yau, a specialist in marine viral ecology.
