Mentor(s)

Lindsay Green-Gavrielidis, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Salve Regina University

Project Location

Salve Regina University

Project Description

Coastal environments are undergoing changes because of human-influenced impacts including excess nutrient loading (eutrophication), increasing sea surface temperature, and the spread of non-native species. In Narragansett Bay, habitat-forming seaweeds including rockweeds and kelp are foundational species that create habitats for countless organisms. Previous research has shown that kelp populations are declining in Narragansett Bay, while rockweed populations have increased at certain sites and decreased at others. Research has also shown that rockweeds are sensitive to nutrient loading and display decreased growth rates and increased consumption by herbivores when exposed to increased nutrients. However, we do not know if different populations of rockweeds respond differently to environmental stressors including nutrient loading and sea surface temperature. If populations display different tolerances, this may explain why some sites have seen increases in rockweed while others have seen declines over the past several decades.

The goal of this research is to expose individuals from different rockweed populations to stressors (e.g., nutrient loading, increased sea surface temperature, and/or a combination of the two) and determine if they have different responses. Growth rates and other relevant measurements of rockweeds at field sites will also be monitored. SURF student(s) will work with the mentor to conduct field-based sampling and collection at a minimum of three sites throughout Narragansett Bay and laboratory-based experiments manipulating nutrients and/or temperature. Students will work in an inclusive environment to develop skills in field and laboratory science that will be transferable to other fields and advance career development.

This project involves field and lab work

Required/Preferred skills

Required:
-Ability to work independently or in a team setting, after appropriate training has occurred
-Willingness to conduct field sampling and collection in coastal environments, potentially in hot or inclement weather
-Interest in learning about experimental design in laboratory experiments
-Good organizational skills

Will the project require transportation to field sites? No

Is this project open to Surf Flex? Yes

In which core facilities might student conduct research? RI Genomics & Sequencing Center, Marine Science Research Facility @ URI-GSO

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