top of page
Other research at The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory includes assisting in sports fish and elasmobranch work up, as well as inspecting fish for tags. Participating on boat trips for other labs (fisheries) diversifies skills from my previous benthic lab work. Data collection involves deploying, setting and retrieving gillnets of various mesh sizes. From my experience gillnetting I am able to handle and remove a variety of fish (Garr, Gafftop and Hardhead catfish) quickly and efficiently.
Parasitology gave me skills to extract and handle delicate parasites. I am able to identify and remove whole Monogeans, Digeneans, Cestodes, Nematodes and Isopods. I can preserve, stain and mount these parasites in both semi-permanent and permanent mounts.
Tropical Ecology Research
The University of Southern Mississippi
Belize and Guatemala
My assistance with Dr. Aimée Thomas' research in Belize included capturing all arachnids within a section of forest. Collection was done in teams, and effective sweeping of the area was only accomplished when the group communicated effectively and efficiently. Tasks were distributed among each member and teamwork was essential to data collection. Attention to detail was important during collection of kissing bugs (Triatominae) as they can carry chagas disease, transmitted upon contact.
Personally designed experiments were preformed with
hermit crabs (Coenobita) and a red rump tarantula (Brachypelma vagans) to test feeding rates and aggression levels.
Endocrine Research
Endocrinology Labratory
Hattiesburg, MS
I assist with a Ph.D. candidate’s research on Eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) physical and behavioral responses at two separate sites. My tasks involve quantifying aggression, aiding in mist netting and capture of birds. I assist in processing the birds, which involves weighting, measuring, banding and bleeding. Recording provisioning rates of parent bluebirds to their offspring and locating feeding ranges required for accurate comparison between sites. Both sites are open to the public and therefore I explain and convey the importance of the experiment to the public.
Benthic Ecology Labratory
The Gulf Coast Research Labratory
Ocean Springs, MS
Fisheries and Parasitology
The Gulf Coast Research Labratory
Ocean Springs, MS
My undergraduate marine biology research is on artificial Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) reefs in the Mississippi Sound. I work on a Ph.D. candidates project in the benthic ecology lab constructing and deploy artificial reefs and monitoring their productivity. The project examines trophic interactions, predation rates and spatial growth of Eastern oyster spat (Crassostrea virginica).
My personal research project investigates the cryptic fish found at each reef site and compares their distribution to each sites abiotic factors. Previously collected data suggested a correlation in abundance, diversity and seasonality among sites and within species. Continuing research is being conducted to investigate these correlations. Understanding abiotic factors effect on cryptic fish could provide a link to better understanding the reef ecosystem as a whole!
Research
Cownose Population Genetics
My master's research focuses on population structure of Rhinoptera bonasus and Rhinoptera brasiliensis throughout the entire Gulf of Mexico.
bottom of page