Support Groundbreaking Genomic Research on Humpback Whales

At The Unknown Scientist Institute, we are driving cutting-edge marine genomic research to advance conservation efforts for Humpback whales worldwide. As part of my PhD studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, I am leading this project to uncover the genetic relationships between whale populations, improve their conservation, and deepen our understanding of their evolutionary history.


We have already published the first full reference genome of the Humpback whale, which is freely available on NCBI and Dryad. Building on this foundation, this project will use Illumina sequencing—a gold standard for high-accuracy genomic analysis—to investigate population structure and genetic diversity among North American Humpback whales.


How Your Donation Helps

Your contributions will directly fund:

  1. Sample Acquisition: We partner with organizations like NOAA and NIST to collect and ship tissue samples from Humpback whales to our labs.
  2. Illumina Sequencing and Analysis: Each sample will undergo DNA extraction, high-throughput Illumina sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis to generate comprehensive genomic data.


Each sample costs approximately $450 to process, and our initial project includes 120 samples—30 from each of the four North American Humpback whale groups. This totals $54,000 for Phase 1.

Why This Research Matters

Humpback whales are currently divided into 14 recognized groups worldwide, including four in North America. However, are these groups accurately defined, or do genetic connections tell a different story?


This research will:

  • Refine population designations for more effective conservation planning.
  • Assess genetic health and identify potential risks.
  • Inform sustainable management of Humpback whales globally.


Using Illumina technology and building on the first reference genome, this project will produce high-resolution insights into population structure, genetic diversity, and evolutionary patterns.


Academic and Conservation Impact

This research is part of my dissertation work, and I will rely on the expertise of my PhD committee, including Professor Nolan Kane, a leading expert in evolutionary genomics at the University of Colorado Boulder. Additionally, all genomic data will be made publicly available on Dryad, creating a lasting resource for scientists and conservationists worldwide.


Our Vision for the Future

If we exceed our funding goal, we will expand this research to include other Humpback whale groups worldwide. This next phase will allow us to study the remaining 10 populations and further enhance global conservation efforts.


Join Us in Making a Difference

Your support will drive critical genomic research to safeguard Humpback whales. Together, we can expand this project to benefit populations worldwide while contributing to a deeper understanding of marine biodiversity. Donate today to help bring this transformative project to life.

This version highlights your academic role, the use of Illumina sequencing, and your reliance on your committee, while maintaining the focus on the project's scientific and conservation significance. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to include!

 

Contribution rules

  1. Charitable donations made through this form are received and processed by ActBlue Charities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization formed to democratize charitable giving, and are subject to ActBlue’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The merchant of record for this transaction is ActBlue Charities, Inc. We subsequently give your contribution to the organization or cause that you have selected on the contribution form within 30 days. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by contacting us at actblue.com/contact or calling (617) 517-7600. Alternatively, our report detailing our programs, a financial summary, and the percentage of contributions dedicated to our charitable purpose, along with a copy of our license, may be obtained from the following state agencies: FLORIDA (registration #CH46938) – A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com; GEORGIA (registration #CH012361) – contact ActBlue Charities; MARYLAND (registration #29971) – For the cost of copies and postage, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401; MISSISSIPPI (registration #100024326) – Secretary of State’s Office 1-888-236-6167; NEW JERSEY (registration #CH3867000) – INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm; NEW YORK (registration #45-25-27) – New York Attorney General’s Charities Registry at www.charitiesnys.com or, the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or (212) 416-8686; NORTH CAROLINA (registration #SL009830) – FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION AND A COPY OF ITS LICENSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE STATE SOLICITATION LICENSING BRANCH AT 1-888-830-4989.; PENNSYLVANIA (registration #104758) – Department of State, 800-732-0999; VIRGINIA – Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218; WASHINGTON (registration #37969) – Secretary of State, Charities Division, Olympia, WA 98504-0422, 800-332-4483; WEST VIRGINIA (registration #9826) – Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305; WISCONSIN (registration #16203-800) – contact ActBlue Charities. Registration with and reporting to these agencies does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation of ActBlue Charities.
  2. By making a contribution, you attest that the contribution is made from your own funds or the funds of an authorizing corporation or other entity, and the funds are not being provided by any other person or entity.
The Unknown Scientist Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your donation. Donations will be used to support genomic research on Humpback whales, including costs related to sample acquisition, Illumina sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and other project expenses. Any funds raised beyond the stated goal will be allocated to expanding the project to include additional Humpback whale populations worldwide or to furthering similar conservation genomics initiatives. By contributing, you acknowledge that your donation is voluntary and non-refundable. We are committed to transparency and will provide regular updates on the progress and outcomes of the project. Thank you for your support in advancing critical conservation research.

By proceeding with this transaction, you agree to ActBlue's terms & conditions.