# CAREER: Testing the roles of evolutionary processes and plasticity in driving the northern range expansion of a tropical jellyfish

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Texas A&M University (TX) · $864,805

## Abstract

Major consequences of thermal changes in oceans globally include species movement into previously unoccupied regions and the proliferation of species that can tolerate a broad range of environments. In the oceans, jellyfish populations are increasing and expanding into new regions, which can have dramatic impacts on fisheries, tourism due to stings, and how nutrients are cycled in coastal ecosystems. However, the ability to understand how, why, and if jellyfish populations are increasing and the downstream consequences, is hindered by the lack of understanding of jellyfish basic biology and what contributes to their survival, reproduction, and movement patterns. The proposed research will track and study the upside-down jellyfish, which is expanding their range northward along both coasts of Florida. Genetics, epigenetics, and thermal tolerance of range expanding northern Florida populations will be compared to original founding populations in the Florida Keys, ultimately revealing how these jellyfish adapt, move, and establish new populations. This work involves strong collaboration with community scientist programs in Florida, who will help track these newly established populations. The research goals will also be integrated into the classroom at Texas A&M University through development of a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE), where clonal jellyfish propagated in the lab will be used to study how different aspects of the environment promote reproduction a

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2441777
- **Awardee organization:** Texas A&M University (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JF6XLNB4CDJ5
- **PI:** Marie Strader
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $864,805
- **Funds obligated:** $671,310
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2441777

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2441777, CAREER: Testing the roles of evolutionary processes and plasticity in driving the northern range expansion of a tropical jellyfish. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2441777. Licensed CC0.

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