Budding Marine Scientists Report For Mystic Boot Camp

From Mystic Aquarium: Hailing from throughout the US, eight college students arrived in Connecticut this week to begin the 2018 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program funded by the National Science Foundation. “Boot Camp” for the ten-week program started on Monday for aspiring marine science students. The REU program offers a unique collaboration between Mystic Aquarium and the University of Connecticut, Avery Point. Throughout the ten-week program, which runs from June 4-August 10, 2018, students will enjoy a ‘true view’ into the world of research; focusing on cutting-edge marine research while receiving extensive training in professional development, teamwork, and more.

Gretchen Johnson, from Whitehall, PA, is a junior at the University of Delaware where she is studying Biology. Oriana Strieleman of Deerfield, IL studies Biochemistry as a junior at Loyola Marymount University. From Apple Valley, MN, Sydney Hedberg is a junior Biology & Environmental Science major at Gustavus Adolphus College. Senior Sydney Stark of Mebane, NC, is studying Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina. Samantha Pena is a senior studying Environmental Biology at her hometown school, University of Texas, El Paso. Catherine Guinovart attends a five-year program studying Sustainability and the Environment at Florida International University in her hometown of Miami. Tonia Osborne is a senior hailing from Nome, AK, and is studying Marine Biology at the University of Alaska Southeast. Micayla Shirley, Stockbridge, GA, is a junior at Georgia State University majoring in Biology.

These students have been selected based on a personal statement of interest in marine sciences, academic record, letters of recommendation, and explanation of desired research mentors.

As part of their ten-week program, these students will work on a broad range of mentored research topics designed to support their investigation of how global changes are impacting marine ecosystems each with a focus on different levels of the food web.

Taking advantage of the expertise and partnership of two leading research and educational establishments focused on marine sciences, the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) is funded by the National Science Foundation’s Division of Biological Infrastructure in the Directorate for Biological Sciences and the Division of Oceanic Sciences.

All research projects will be carried out at UConn, while professional development activities, seminars and job shadows will take place at Mystic Aquarium.

During this first ‘boot camp’ week, general campus tours at both Mystic Aquarium and UConn Avery Point will be followed by mentor meet and greets and overviews of research. Students jump right into course work like Introduction to Ocean Environments, Measuring Environmental Variances, and more with UConn Marine Sciences faculty.

Each of the students has selected a mentored research topic designed to support their investigation in relation to multiple trophic levels of the marine ecosystem. Regular trips to Mystic Aquarium will be a major component, including educational tours, animal and ecosystem exhibit observations, job shadowing, group professional development seminars, and interaction with Aquarium resources as well as the general public. Mentors include Mystic Aquarium scientists Dr. Tracy Romano (PI and project leader) and Dr. Paul Anderson, as well as UConn-DMS scientists Dr. Hans Dam, Dr. George McManus, Dr. Evan Ward, Dr. Hannes Baumann, Dr. Penny Vlahos, and Dr. Catherine Matassa.

Having been an REU student himself, Co-PI, Dr. Michael Finiguerra (UConn), will work with and mentor individual students throughout the 10 weeks and oversee the day-to day operations of the REU.

Ultimately, the goal of the REU program is to broaden the impact on the future STEM workforce by increasing its diversity, promoting scientific literacy in underrepresented communities and exposing students to expanded STEM career opportunities.

In an effort to provide a well-rounded experience, the students will be provided with opportunities to explore the surrounding area, visit other research institutions as well as other cultural attractions. Each receives a stipend and housing along with meal and travel allowances.

The REU will culminate with an oral presentation symposium featuring all eight (8) students at UConn on Wednesday, August 8 followed by scientific poster presentations in Mystic Aquarium’s Main Gallery (open to Aquarium guests) on Friday, August 10.

Progress on the 2018 REU Program will be available throughout the two-week program by following Mystic Aquarium’s social media channels.

Mystic Aquarium is the first aquarium to host an REU.

Image Via Shuttershock