Mentor: Lindsay Green-Gavrielidis (Salve Regina University)
Co-Mentor(s): Carol Thornber (University of Rhode Island), Lucie Miranda (University of Rhode Island)

Project Location

Salve Regina University

Project Description

Testing materials for resistance to biofouling is essential to advance the collection of data in the marine environment, since biofouling can impact the functioning of sensors within a few days of their deployment. Zoospores of the marine alga Ulva are commonly used as model organisms for biofouling screening tests. Current protocols to screen for antibiofouling properties rely on the field collection of reproductive Ulva, which make the tests extremely vulnerable to perturbations in the environment such as unexpected weather events, marine heat waves, and shifts in Ulva species abundance and distribution. These unexpected events severely hinder our capability to perform assays consistently, causing delays in critical marine sensors research. This project will address these issues by developing novel and unique infrastructure that could provide year-round Ulva specimens for testing. Our interdisciplinary team will support researchers developing new antifouling compounds as well as streamline the deployment of these materials in the future.

This project involves:

• field work
• lab work

Available for SURF Flex?

Yes

Required/preferred skills

An ability to work carefully and independently, excellent organizational skills, an interest in both lab and field based research, independent transportation is preferred but not required

2022