Research fellow: Stephen Russo
Hometown: Wallingford, CT
Major: Environmental Science
School: Roger Williams University
Faculty mentor: Dale Leavitt
Project: Enhancing oyster settlement for aquaculture and restoration through the application of a unique underwater soundscape.

Stephen Russo knew Roger Williams University had a marine biology program, but hadn’t experienced it firsthand as an environmental science major.

One recent day, dockside on Mount Hope Bay, the rising senior was elbow deep in marine life, shucking oysters. Associate Professor Dale Leavitt, biology, he said, wanted the students to learn the task as a good skill to have and for an oyster festival some were helping with the coming weekend.

For his Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) project, Russo said he was studying how varying temperatures affect the burying rate of quahogs.

“Usually the warmer temperature gets them more active, and they bury and grow faster, but there is a point which at it gets too warm and effects them negatively,” he explained. “This is where climate change comes into play. If the water gets too warm, it can negatively affect them, making them more open to predators and harsh conditions.”

Russo said the early weeks of the fellowship have taught him many new skills and provided a great group of peers. The intensive 10-week research experience also provides workshops on leadership and communication, and culminates with a poster conference that showcases the accomplishments of the undergraduate fellows.

Looking ahead, Russo said he planned to go to graduate school and then find a job in his field of study, either with a private company or a government organization: “There are just so many options, it’s tough to choose.”

Story and photo by Amy Dunkle