US national reported that 1-2% of students are diagnosed with autism. Autism is difficult to treat because it is based on many subtle mutations in multiple genes.
The 2017 ARCS Scholar Foundation Honolulu Chapter Award (the 2017 Sarah Ann Martin Award in Biology) is a $5000 award in funds to advance the recipient's education and research.
One key aspect of my research is focused on the origin, use, and loss of the adhesive system of geckos, a key innovation that has promoted diversification.