Diversity/Equity Statement for Proposal TNK-412: Role of Peptide Ganglia in Digestive Processes of the Arctic Snow Worm
Submitted by: Dr. Frederick Yarf
Institution: University of Iowa (Department of Biology)
Date: March 19, 2021
At first glance it might not appear that the proposed research project could shed significant light on critical issues of racial privilege and social justice currently facing our nation.
Such a conclusion would be premature.
Please consider the following:
— The arctic snow worm’s natural habitat is the region surrounding the North Pole. This area is largely composed of snow and ice, both of which are almost entirely white. Why is that? The digestive system of the snow worm could hold the key to answering this question.
— Polar bears, whose diet consists of snow worms, are also white. What’s up with that? There seems to be an emerging pattern here. Archaeological evidence suggests that, approximately 2,500 years ago, polar bears drove penguins and other birds of color out of the northernmost region of the Arctic Circle. Was this “power play” a natural consequence of the massive size of the bears, or were the dynamics more complex? Focus groups will be held with polar bears, snow worms, and penguins to explore this issue in depth.
— Finally, there is the long-standing mystery of what motivated the Beatles to record their legendary “White Album” in 1968. Were snow worms involved? What about polar bears? The research team will interview Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison (JL and GH via Skype) concerning this matter.
Thank you for considering my application.
Respectfully submitted,
Frederick Yarf, Ph.D.