Research fellow: Ivy Burns
Hometown: Jamestown, RI
Major: Biological Sciences, with plant science focus
School: University of Rhode Island
Mentors: Carol Thornber, Lindsay Green
Project: Tracking harmful algal blooms in Narragansett Bay via ecological and aerial technology approaches

Conducting research as an undergraduate in the Thornber lab, Ivy Burns has gained the opportunity not only to contribute to a larger project, but also the freedom to chase her own scientific pursuits while building critical skills.

“Even though I’m more interested in terrestrial plants from an academic standpoint, algae is the perfect model,” said the rising senior, who is spending her Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURF) in the lab of Carol Thornber, associate professor and RI NSF EPSCoR principal investigator. “I really enjoy the research. I’m learning all the basics of experimental design — anything that I will need to work in any lab.”

Burns is assisting postdoctoral researcher Lindsay Green with her work, which, one day this week, involved building mesocosms, or little environments, that will help determine whether Ulva seaweed produces a chemical that inhibits the growth of other seaweed and, if so, how.

Having worked in the Thornber lab last summer, too, Burns seized the chance to conduct independent research once she discovered that one species of Ulva had holes in it and another did not. In particular, she said, she is investigating the difference in the amount of holes produced under different conditions, and what role the holes may play.

Both species are responsible for harmful algal blooms. Burns said the presence of Ulva and the trouble it can cause for the environment as well as for fishermen make it an important species to study. According to Green, Ulva is especially opportunistic, growing between 22 to 30 percent per day, which means doubling bloom size every two days.

“It’s a really important species to know about,” said Burns. “Anything we can learn about the differences, what makes it grow, will be helpful.”

Set to graduate in the spring, Burns anticipates she will pursue a master’s degree and possibly work in a lab or seek out an opportunity that involves both research and connecting with the public: “I really love science communication, getting people to understand science.”

Story and photo by Amy Dunkle