Hello, I am interested in marine invertebrates and their sensory biology. Currently, my work in towards chemosensory abilities considering size and range of odor plumes, and organism orientation within plumes.
My current thesis research investigates the chemosensory abilities for Asterias forbesi (a sea star).
Some other topics of my research has been the reactions of the bysuss of Mytilus edulis (blue mussel) to varying predators, 'optimal' foraging with Carcinus maenus (green crab). Those were all laboratory experiments.
My natural experiments have inlcuded determining distrubition of Ascophyllum nodosum in ia site matched zone compared to an exposed shore to an unexposed shore, the size and distribution of limpets and their morphology relevant to habitats on exposed or sheltered shores, utilization of datalogging technology to study the effect of light and temperature on the growth of Laminaria saccharina (a kelp), the use of new iButton datalogging technology to show differences in temperature of larval recruitment sites for Mytilus edulis (blue mussel) (this was a pilot study to show differences in temperature these recruits experience through a day given a 7 day cycle in their natural environment).
I have work experience as a laboratory preparator for vertebrate and plant physiology labs, a teaching assistant for marine science and marine biology undergraduate classes, marine biology student programs coordinator, marine tank maintainer (I used this as an educational an aesthetic display for Unity College).
I have working knowledge of many chemistry lab techiques focusing on distillation methods, chromatography, water quality testing, and more.
Other lab skills include electron microscopy, PCR skills, and necropsies (for marine mammals and invertebrates.
My field and data collection skills include but are not limited to the following: plankton tows, collection and analysis of CTD data, use/deployment of secchi discs, otter trawls, box dredging, gill netting, purse seining, site matching.
I wish to pursue the highest level of education in the aquatic sciences field concentration for sensory biology within the marine environment. I can use this to have more flexibility in future life choices and be one of the few minorities visible in this science. My interests also concern aquarium science; I wish to design and maintain large open and closed marine aquaria systems. Currently, I have experience with 1 55 gal, 1 20 gal, and 1 10 gal home project aquariums, being a nano reef, an invertebrate tank, and a standard reef tank that are all closed water systems.
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