Cynthia Watson, MA
University of Missouri
Department of Biology
Home Country: Guyana

Cynthia completed undergraduate studies at the University of Guyana. Following graduation, she worked with several governmental and non- governmental organizations in Guyana that focus on the environment and sustainable development including The Iwokrama International Center for Rain Forest Conservation and Development and The Center for the Study of Biological Diversity. Currently, she is reading for her Masters Degree. Cynthia is particularly interested in the effects of small-scale gold mining on aquatic food chains and the subsequent contamination of the human environment with mercury, which is used as an amalgam in the gold mining industry. The well being of these streams are biologically and economically essential, because they are the nursery grounds for vital food and tropical aquarium fishes. While the impact of mining activities on fish assemblages is unknown, increased turbidity is likely to smother fish eggs and benthic invertebrates, clog the gills of delicate fry, and alter fish behavior and cause displacement of numerous fish species. Metallic mercury, which can be converted to its organic and toxic form methyl mercury, accumulates in fish, which is a main source of protein for local residents. She also has a strong interest in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. Cynthia is a co-founder of the Guyana Nature Foundation, a group dedicated to the education of Guyanese, by Guyanese about Guyana’s Biodiversity. For her thesis research, Cynthia is working with a less well-known relative of the guppy, the pentamorphic livebearer, Poecilia parae. She is looking at the evolution of personality types specifically shy and bold individuals. A thorough understanding of the evolution of shyness and boldness can only be attained through knowledge of the costs and benefits, and heritability of these traits.