UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #341

Submission information
Submission Number: 341
Submission ID: 7951
Submission UUID: 575be44d-a525-453d-b166-6f8bdb148971

Created: Fri, 06/23/2023 - 08:52 AM
Completed: Fri, 06/23/2023 - 08:52 AM
Changed: Thu, 10/05/2023 - 10:31 AM

Remote IP address: 144.174.212.113
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Primary Research Mentor Name Tara Stewart Merrill
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns she/her
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific? Dr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) tstewartmerrill@fsu.edu
Position Title Faculty
FSU College (if applicable) Arts and Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory
Headshot (optional)
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above) Grace Westphal
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns She/they
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) ghw22@fsu.edu
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable) David DuBose
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns he/him
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated) dd22bj@fsu.edu
Title of the Project Utilizing a non-lethal sampling method for detecting oyster parasites
Project Keywords Biology, Oysters, Disease, Aquaculture, Marine
Are you currently looking for research assistants? No
Number of Research Assistants Needed 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s) Biology/Biological Sciences, Oceanography, Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Conservation
Project Location: 3618 US-98, St Teresa, FL 32358
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation? Yes
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s): In-person
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work? 8-10
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work? During business hours
Overall Research Project Description The Stewart Merrill laboratory focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of parasitism and infectious disease in aquatic ecosystems. By looking at the impacts of disease on existing oyster populations in Apalachicola Bay, we aim to inform future restoration and management efforts following the 2012 ecosystem collapse. Current efforts in the Stewart Merrill lab involve rigorous disease monitoring and laboratory experiments to understand interactions between oyster hosts, parasites, and the environment. Our current methodology to monitor oyster disease involves lethal sampling, limiting our ability to assess changes in infection over time (i.e. disease recovery or progression). This UROP project will focus on testing and optimizing a non-lethal sampling method to extract oyster hemolymph and perform disease assays. Students will work with graduate students and laboratory technicians to design and execute a pilot study. This project will involve field work, microscope work, and oyster husbandry. Additionally, there will be opportunities to assist in various projects at the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory and in Apalachicola Bay.
Research Tasks a. Field Sampling: Kayaking to oyster reefs and obtaining experimental oysters
b. Oyster Husbandry: Feeding oysters, maintaining water quality, general aquarium maintenance
c. Lab Bench Skills: Using a centrifuge, pipettes, balances, and shucking oysters
d. Microscope work: Quantifying disease using a compound scope
e. Data Entry / Analysis: Use excel to input data, opportunity to analyze data in RStudio (prior knowledge NOT expected)
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: a. Available at least one day per week to meet with mentor for check-ins and training assistance. *Required*
b. Available to work at FSU Coastal and Marine Lab 1 – 2 days per week (there is a 1 hour commute from Tallahassee) *Required*
c. Proficiency in the basics of MS Excel and MS Word *Required*
d. Open to physical tasks like kayaking and dissection of oysters *Required*
e. Foundational knowledge of experimental design *Recommended*
f. Foundational knowledge of statistical analysis *Recommended*
Mentoring Philosophy We believe the mentor-mentee relationship should be one of collaboration and we value fostering an environment where students can develop their identities as scientists. Scientifically, we will provide training in experimental design, oyster husbandry, and critical thinking necessary for data analysis/interpretation. We understand that the UROP program can be challenging, and we will work with students to develop project and time management skills to meet realistic goals. We believe the most important aspect of collaboration is active and honest communication. Therefore, we ask that our students communicate with us throughout the project to ensure a positive work- life balance and allow us to best support them in their scientific journey.
Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable): https://tarastewartecology.weebly.com/
Please add any additional information here (if applicable): FSU CML Website: https://marinelab.fsu.edu/
Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation Yes
Materials Grant Yes
UROP Poster Presentation Yes
Year 2023
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