Bioluminescence is perhaps the most mesmerizing ability that life has evolved. From deep sea fish to glowing mushrooms, organisms have harnessed their light for a variety of pursuits including confusing predators, catching prey and even reproduction.

It makes for a fascinating area of study, as doctoral student Emily Lau(link is external) would know. Her research on the phenomenon earned her a $20,000 Scholar Award from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. The award recognizes women doctoral students for their academic achievements and potential for positive impact on society. Lau was sponsored by Chapter OK of Santa Barbara.

“I feel extremely honored to receive this award from the P.E.O. Sisterhood,” Lau said, “and I’m grateful to be recognized as an innovative scientist.”

Lau and her co-advisor, Professor Todd Oakley(link is external), recently discovered(link is external) that bioluminescence evolved independently at least 94 times across the tree of life. This makes it an excellent trait for investigating longstanding questions in evolution.