Medusozoa is one of the two great branches of Cnidaria, and my overriding priority in this project is to work toward uncovering its vast phylogenetic history. To do this, I will collect and identify specimens, extract DNA, derive sequence data, conduct phylogenetic analysis, and collaborate as widely as possible. In addition to the big picture, I will focus on two twigs of Medusozoa, Trachylina and Stauromedusae. Trachylina is one of the two main clades of Hydrozoa and consists of the Limnomedusae (taxonomic home of the freshwater jellyfishes) and two holopelagic groups, Narcomedusae and Trachymedusae. Stauromedusae is a fascinating group, comprised by the exceptionally beautiful species known as “stalked jellyfishes”. While the main goal of the project is deriving phylogeny, we will use our phylogenetic results to elucidate character evolution, assess hypotheses about life cycle evolution, and systematize the taxa of Cnidaria in a manner that is most useful to other biologists. Finally, I will be involved in our education outreach efforts by hosting a curriculum writer who will create a web-based lesson plan based on our research.