Read Jessica's co-authored publication on small genomes, published in The Conversation.

Not all genes are necessary for survival – these species dropped extra genetic baggage

Author affiliations at time of publication were:

Jessica M. Velez is affiliated with the Genetics Society of America as a co-chair of the Early Career Scientist Leadership Program's Communication and Outreach Subcommittee. Jessica M. Velez is also a PhD candidate in the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Alison Gerken is affiliated with the Genetics Society of America as a past member of the Communication and Outreach Subcommittee of the Early Career Scientist Leadership Program. She is a graduate of Kansas State University and a current postdoctoral researcher at the USDA ARS in Manhattan, KS. The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S Government determination or policy.

Amey Redkar is affiliated with the Genetics Society of America and participates in Early Career Scientist Leadership Program's Communication and Outreach Subcommittee. He is also a Postdoctoral Scientist at the Universidad de Cordoba, Spain.