The American Genetic Association grants Evolutionary, Ecological, or Conservation Genomics Research Awards to graduate and post-doctoral researchers who are at a critical point in their research, where additional funds would allow them to conclude their research project and prepare it for publication. This years, Nick Barts was one of the recipients, receiving $8,000 in support of his project Exaptation as a potential mechanism facilitating colonization of extreme habitats. Congratulations, Nick!