Mentor: Julie Maurer (University of Rhode Island)
Co-Mentor(s): Bethany Jenkins (University of Rhode Island)

Project Location

University of Rhode Island – Kingston

Project Description

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by the single-celled algae (phytoplankton) Pseudo-nitzschia have recently begun to occur in Narragansett Bay. This phytoplankton genus produces a potent neurotoxin called domoic acid which can bioaccumulate in the food web, for example shellfish, and be consumed by humans. Consuming high concentrations of domoic acid has been associated with cases of serious illness and even death due to Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning. Domoic acid production is known to be influenced by a variety of limiting nutrients and bacterial interactions, though we don’t fully understand why or how Pseudo-nitzschia make domoic acid. This SURF project aims to study the cellular mechanisms behind domoic acid production in the genus Pseudo-nitzchia from Narragansett Bay isolates through culture-based experiments, microbiome analysis, and DNA sequencing.

Responsibilities will include: Dissecting/compound microscopy for Pseudo-nitzschia culture isolation and assessing culture growth, maintaining culture bank, DNA extraction and amplification, PCR, analysis of genetic data, experimental design and testing (hypothesis, control/treatment, etc.), time management, and research notebook maintenance. The student should expect to assist with field work and field sample processing as well.

This project involves:

• field work
• lab work
• computational work

Available for SURF Flex?

Yes

Required/preferred skills

Preferred qualifications include experience with aseptic laboratory technique, laboratory safety, attention to detail, basic knowledge of molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR), basic R skills.

No prior field experience required, though student will have opportunities to assist with offshore field work on a small boat.

2022