The Canals made shipping more efficient, but as an unintended consequence also allowed rapid expansion of the zebra mussel's range. By the 1830s, these mussels covered much of Europe and Britain. <span> Successful introduction of zebra mussels into the Great Lakes probably occurred in 1985 or 1986, after transoceanic ships discharged contaminated ballast water from foreign ports into lakes St. Clair and Erie.</span>
An epigeneticist studies the influence of the environment on gene expression. So, things like long-term exposure to sun light or family dynamics would be good things to look for in her project.