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Alissa Armstrong

@armstrongflylab.bsky.social
3.9K followers 1K following 111 posts

Using Drosophila melanogaster to study inter-organ communication in nutritional responses. Posts by Alissa Armstrong. She/her

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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Happy to share the lab’s latest preprint! Led by PhD student @isaiahwill.bsky.social, we hope that this thorough characterization of expression patterns for many #drosophila fat body driver lines will be a useful resource to the fruit fly community.
Panel from a composite figure showing 6 images of fat body patches taken using confocal fluorescence microscopy
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
I’m so proud of J’nea and Lena ! Both have been a joy to train and mentor as they’ve developed academically and personally. Yesterday at #DiscoverUSC2026, they showcased their research projects with expertise, confidence, and enthusiasm.
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Huge CONGRATULATIONS to @isaiahwill.bsky.social on being awarded a SPARC grant from @uscresearch.bsky.social, which will help support his awesome PhD work! #drosophila 🪰🔬👨🏽‍🔬
Isaiah standing in front of his research poster
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
A different, refreshing way to do group lab meeting suggested by @jennagraham10.bsky.social Ideas brewing, projects moving! 🪰👩🏾‍🔬👨🏾‍🔬👩🏼‍🔬👩🏽‍🔬👩🏻‍🔬🪰
Four trainees writing on a whiteboard Two trainees writing on a whiteboard
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to the new Dr. David Duncan for successfully defending his doctoral dissertation today!!!🥳🎊👨🏾‍🔬🪰
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
One of the things I do to decompress - cross stitch. I’ve been making pieces that are related to my research. This is the first one I completed (a while ago) of a germarium of the #drosophila ovary.
Multicolor cross stitch piece of a Drosophila germarium
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Dr. Michael D. L. Johnson @copperbae.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
STEM Black History Fact 23/28 George Washington Carver’s work on crop diversification improved nutrition, soil health, and food security, key determinants of public health. kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
kids.nationalgeographic.com
Black Scientists and Inventors | Black History Month
Learn about these inspiring men and women.
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
My visit to Berkeley last week to give a talk about the lab’s research for the MCB seminar series was AWESOME! Many stimulating conversations about science, mentoring, lab culture and community outreach. The icing on the cake was meeting @ongkaty.bsky.social. I love her pins, stickers, and patches!
Two women, Katy (left) and Alissa (right), posing together. Katy is holding two fruit fly stickers
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Katy Ong @ongkaty.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
I've emerged from my faculty job app cocoon to open up the Etsy shop for a bit. Come grab some #Drosophila swag and support @flybase.bsky.social ! All proceeds are donated, here's the belated donation from December's sales.
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Biology Open @biologyopen.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
James Walts & co use #Drosophila melanogaster to investigate how exercise impacts body composition, specifically, protein content. doi.org/10.1242/bio.... #ExercisePhysiology #Metabolites #TreadWheel #GWAS
Experimental set-up. 3 to 5-day-old virgin flies were collected and separated into groups of ten by sex, using ten vials of ten flies per sex/genotype/treatment combination. Flies in the exercise-treated group underwent five consecutive days of exercise using the Treadwheel, while animals in the control group were handled the same way, but without the treatment on the Treadwheel. 1 day after completing the exercise treatment, climbing ability of all animals was measured. At this point, the animals were weighed and frozen for metabolite analysis.
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
Excited that Lena's undergraduate research efforts have been recognized by funding in the form of a Magellan Scholar Grant. We look forward to learning more about how RTK-mediated signaling allows fat tissue to communicate to ovarian tissue in #drosophila. 🪰🔬
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Today we celebrated @chsphd.bsky.social earning his doctoral degree at the hooding ceremony. It’s the end of an era, with all members of the first generation of Armstrong lab earning their degrees. #uofsc25 #uofscbiologicalsciences
Chad and Alissa taking a selfie with their doctoral regalia onFull body picture of Chad and Alissa in their doctoral regalia
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Denis Wirtz @deniswirtz.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
Download our large database of funding opportunities for early-career faculty and researchers Download it here: research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-... 433 funding opportunities.
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
End of Fall 2025 Celebration with the Armstrong Lab!
Photograph of Armstrong Lab members - from left to right, Olivia, Chad, Carly, David, Isaiah, Dr. Armstrong, Lena, Jenna, Payal, Ymani, and ShaniekaPhotograph of Armstrong Lab members - from left to right, Chad, J'nea, Shanieka, Payal, Olivia, Dr. Armstrong, Carly, Lena, Isaiah, and Ymani
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Biology Open @biologyopen.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Aurélia Joly, @micro-megs.bsky.social & co show that stem cell-intrinsic NF-κB activity is crucial for preventing apoptosis and ensuring proper intestinal epithelial repair following injury in #Drosophila. 🪰 doi.org/10.1242/bio.... #StemCells #Intestine
Rel is not essential for DSS-dependent ISC proliferation but impacts survival rates after DSS treatment. (A) 10-day-old unchallenged (UC) esgts/+ flies fed PBS/5% sucrose solution for 48 h; and DSS-treated esgts/+ or esgts/RelRNAi flies fed 3% DSS in 5% sucrose for 48 h. Scale bars: 25 µm. DNA (cyan), esg+ progenitors (yellow), and Dl+ ISCs (magenta) labelled.
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Played a modified version of BINGO in my Fundamental Genetics class today, and the students enjoyed it!
Photo of BINGO cards containing terms related to recombinant DNA technology, like restriction enzymes, plasmid, multiple cloning site, transformation, vector, etc.
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Today a major milestone was achieved as @chsphd.bsky.social gave a beautiful presentation and successfully defended his dissertation. CONGRATULATIONS to the newly minted Dr. Simmons!!! 🎉🥳🍾🪰🔬👨🏾‍🔬
Chad standing next to a podium presenting one of his data slides from his dissertation talkSelfie of Chad and Alissa after the news was delivered that Chad had passed his defense with flying colors Chad’s celebration cake with a pumpkin border design A picture of the Armstrong lab at Chad’s celebration
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
An Armstrong lab trainee is preparing to leave the nest - @chsphd.bsky.social presents his doctoral work and defends is dissertation next week.
Flyer announcing a dissertation defense for Chad Simmons, a doctoral student in the Armstrong Lab
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Mark Peifer (He, him) @peiferlabunc.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
If you are a researcher whose lab uses FlyBase, consider a tax-deductible personal contribution. A lot of $100 contributions would help bridge the gap until we can set up a user fee system, and even $10 donations send the folks there the message we're behind them. Please share
My own donation
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Yesterday’s #OOTD for the first day of genetics class. Topic: DNA structure
Selfie of Alissa who is wearing a dress with a DNA double helix pattern
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Shefali @iamshef.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
#Drosophila community in the US and non- EU countries, please donate to help us support #Flybase. People behind the scenes have put in incredible effort over the past few months - as someone who has seen some of it first hand at #IUBloomington, they deserve all the praise. Please share and donate !
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Dee @dee4ever.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
#Bluesky #Blacksky #Edusky Would you repost to help my students in rural SC? Your donation can brighten the classroom experience for our students. Your generosity will make a huge difference in the lives of our students, & I would really appreciate your assistance. www.amazon.com/baby-reg/die...
media.tenor.com
a thank you card with watercolor hearts on a white background
ALT: a thank you card with watercolor hearts on a white background
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Dr. Kat Napaaqtuk❄️ @napaaqtuk.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
I am really excited to be a part of this team. We took our time writing this, putting a lot of thought into how our journeys as #NativesInSTEM were affected by different aspects of Universities and looking for commonalities across the world. I hope folks in academia appreciate this work.
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
Early-career #Drosophila biologists (grad students, postdoc, pre-tenure faculty) looking to add a me tore to your mentoring network, be sure to complete the survey by 9/1 so that you can be matched to the best mentor possible.
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Moe Mahjoub @mahjoublab.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
👇 Contact me if you're interested!
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Biology Open @biologyopen.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Will you be at #SEB2025 this week? Visit the @biologists.bsky.social booth (#3 & 4) in the exhibition hall to ask about the @biologyopen.bsky.social Fast & Fair peer review initiative. bit.ly/41N31tO @sebiology.bsky.social
The Society for Experimental Biology Presents:

SEB Annual Conference
8-11 July 2025
A room with a Zoo, Antwerp

sebiology.org
#SEBCONFERENCE

SEB logo
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USC Research @uscresearch.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Letters of intent are due Friday, August 1!
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
It’s official! Fall 2025, I go from “Assistant” to “Associate” Professor. Thanks to trainees (ugrad/grad/postbacs), professional/personal networks, & family for supporting my goal of establishing a vibrant research program that puts people before projects. More science, scientists, & understanding!
Screenshot that says “Dear Professor Armstrong:
By action taken during the June 20, 2025 meeting of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, I am pleased to inform you approval was given to the administration's recommendation that you be awarded tenure and promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, effective August 16, 2025.
Congratulations on your achievement.”
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Summer brings new @sc.edu undergraduates to the lab - learning some #drosophila genetics...
Two undergraduate students, Merelin (left) and Acchia (right), working out a genetics cross in Dr. Armstrong's office
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Shefali @iamshef.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Hey #Drosophila folks ! #FlyCROSS is back and #Mentor surveys are open NOW ! If you're a faculty/postdoc/ equivalent in any scientific career & have #Drosophila research experience - we'd be delighted to have you as mentors to empower early career scientists in the #Dros community !
docs.google.com
Summer 2025 Survey For Mentors : FlyCROSS Mentor Mentee Matching Program
We appreciate you taking the time and volunteering to be a mentor! Add dmelcross@gmail.com to your email address book or safe sender list, so that you can receive our emails. To be a participating me...
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Chanda Prescod-Weinstein 🌌 @chanda.blacksky.app · 23/05/2025
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JUNE 7!! SAVE THE FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE! MAKE A COMMENT TODAY!!! news.chanda.science/archive/urge...
news.chanda.science
Urgent: Take Action to Protect Public Services
Photo by Katie Rodriguez on Unsplash MAY 23 UPDATE: The comment period has been extended until June 7. Please keep submitting comments! (Thanks to the reader...
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Part of the Armstrong and Ables lab crews met up for dinner at the #SESDB2025 @socdevbio.bsky.social meeting yesterday evening.
Picture of lab members after dinner. From left to right - David, Chad, Isaiah, Dr. Armstrong, Carly, BiClareline, Vicky, and Dr. Ables in an outside patio
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Grateful that students in my lab/department and one that I mentor were able to attend the @pair-up.bsky.social workshop at the MBL!
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Lab alum and recent USC graduates really know me! Thanks to Helena and Ivory for my necklace 🧬👩🏾‍🔬
Gold DNA double helix necklace
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Jennifer Polk @fromphdtolife.com · 12/05/2025
Burned out by academic work that never ends? You’re not alone. My free webinar is for professors, postdocs, and PhDs ready to find a better way forward. #AcademicSky Watch here:
fromphdtolife.com
Free Training for PhDs - From PhD to Life
Leaving academia? You want a new career as a PhD without wasting time applying for the wrong jobs, but don’t know where to start. Get clarity with Dr. Jen Polk in this free training.
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chasingmicrobes @chasingmicrobes.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
1/3 PLEASE READ, LIKE, REPOST this "1/3" post There is a Senate Hearing May 14th with RFK Jr to discuss Trump's proposed HHS budget. Please find call/email the members of the committee every day until then (I have compiled contact info for the members in post 2/3)
05.02.2025
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate HELP Committee to Hold Hearing with Secretary Kennedy on HHS Budget

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, May 14, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee will hold a hearing with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to discuss President Trump's proposed HHS budget for fiscal year 2026. This is the first time in at least two decades that the HHS Secretary is testifying on a presidential budget before the HELP Committee.

Agenda: Hearing on Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Health and Human Services Budget;

Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM ET/ 12:00 PM CT

Location: 430 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Witnesses: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
15 years ago, I turned in printed copies of my dissertation with baby in tow. I like to repost this as a reminder to myself and others - we can do hard things. @rkuruvi1.bsky.social will remember the backdrop 😃
Photo of Alissa with a pink pacifier in her mouth, carrying her sleeping baby in a baby carrier, and holding several printed copies of her dissertation in manila folders.
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Our very own J'nea won a FIRST PLACE poster award at #DiscoverUSC2025. The Armstrong Lab is proud!
J'nea posing at her poster during Discover USC 2025Announcement of J'nea's first place poster win for Discover USC 2025
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Whitney Gibbs @whitgibbs.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
My lab at NYU is hiring a postdoc interested in RNA biology and local translation in neurons following axonal injury/neurodegenerative diseases!! Apply here: apply.interfolio.com/165681
apply.interfolio.com
Apply - Interfolio {{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
The notice and COMMENT PERIOD OPENED TODAY AND CLOSES MAY 23. Anyone who would like to register an objection or comment should go to this page and click on the green “public comment” button at the top: www.federalregister.gov/documents/20... 6/n
federalregister.gov
Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is proposing a rule to increase career employee accountability. Agency supervisors report great difficulty removing employees for poor performance or misconduc...
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
A🧵that exemplifies why I do what I do - training and mentoring the next gen of physicians and researchers. Armstrong lab undergrads made a strong showing at #DiscoverUSC2025. 1/4
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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
ATTENTION: NSF GRANT RECIPIENTS We received a heads up from a trusted source that you should proactively download/print/screen shot any documentation on research.gov pertaining to your NSF awards, both those that are current and any that have closed in the last 5-6 years. 1/n
media.tenor.com
a cartoon of a man holding a frying pan and a spoon with red alert written above him
ALT: a cartoon of a man holding a frying pan and a spoon with red alert written above him
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Andreas Prokop @poppi62.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
If using Bloomigton #Drosophila Stock Center stocks, pls. acknowledge them & their NIH funding (P40 OD018537). Papers listing this no. are being harvested as evidence. We massively depend on the @bdsc.bsky.social & they need our support in these dire times! @flybase.bsky.social @fly-eds.bsky.social
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Jordan Meier @doc-jlmeier.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Great news: NIH postbac program is recruiting again! If your grad school plans were affected by program cutbacks or admissions freezes this year I highly encourage you to apply, this could be a perfect opportunity. Please repost. www.training.nih.gov/research-tra...
training.nih.gov
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Feeling very icky, and angry, after having to share the awful news about PREP termination with the current scholars. 💔😡
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Sarah Stern @sarahstern.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
If you’re a scientist whose funding has recently been cut or impacted, I would love to interview you and amplify your work! Hoping to release our first two podcast episodes next week. Please share widely!
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Developmental Biology @devbiol.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Why Publish in Developmental Biology? 1/8 Reason #1 - DB is strongly committed to supporting trainees and junior scientists. Publish your first paper with us! DB is the official journal of the SDB @socdevbio.bsky.social Learn more here elsevier.com/locate/ydbio
Developmental Biology, the official journal of the SDB, publishes original research on mechanisms of development, differentiation, growth, homeostasis and regeneration in animals and plants at the molecular, cellular, genetic and evolutionary levels.
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jp flores (he/him) @jpflores.rbind.io · 04/04/2025
UNC Gillings School of Public Health is eliminating their Health Equity & Social Justice Concentration. This program is home to many of my friends — some of the most thoughtful, caring, and innovative researchers I know. @standupforscience.bsky.social @sciforgood.bsky.social
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Alissa Armstrong @armstrongflylab.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
All this *waves hands wildly* makes it SUPER hard to focus on anything...
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@LaBonneLaB @labonnelab.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
My ode to Curiosity Driven Research www.statnews.com/2025/04/03/b...
statnews.com
Why we study shrimp on treadmills: The case for curiosity-driven research
“If we cut or limit funding for curiosity-driven research, we risk shutting down the pipeline of future innovation,” writes Carole LaBonne of Northwestern.
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