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.