Studying how phytoplankton specifically harmful algae bloom species respond to agricultural runoff in Monterey Bay. My responsibilities include counting cells for wastewater samples collected during transect cruises in Monterey Bay using the Utermöhl and centrifuge method to ensure accurate quantification of microbial populations.

For the ongoing CENCOOS Grant funded by NOAA, I perform routine monitoring of Monterey Bay Municipal Wharf by collecting water samples via van dorn and phytoplankton via plankton tow nets. All samples are transported back to the Environmental Biotechnology Lab (EBL) at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) where nutrient, chlorophyll, RAI, and cell count analyses are performed.

Performing freshwater fish dissections to investigate methyl mercury, PCBs, and Selenium in fish tissue. My responsibilities also include performing rotations, maintaining the upkeep of the clean laboratory, and controlling quality of data.

Graduate assistant for the graduate level course Marine Ecology. My responsibilities include tutoring individual/group, data collection and analysis, preparing for laboratory activities, maintaining and demonstrating use of equipment, coordinating with marine operations for boating and vehicle operations, and collaborating with scientific divers to deploy and retrieve equipment, purchasing field and laboratory equipment, and providing feedback on student proposals.

A three-year USC SeaGrant was awarded to transition genetic assays (qPCR) onto a portable handheld device. Portable genetic detection technology will greatly enhance sampling efforts and provide real time results that support management efforts to identify and mitigate harmful algae bloom (HAB) threats. Through this grant, I am helping develop and test different qPCR assays for 5 different HAB species common to California. Currently, I am validating the sensitivity and specificity of an A… Show more A three-year USC SeaGrant was awarded to transition genetic assays (qPCR) onto a portable handheld device. Portable genetic detection technology will greatly enhance sampling efforts and provide real time results that support management efforts to identify and mitigate harmful algae bloom (HAB) threats. Through this grant, I am helping develop and test different qPCR assays for 5 different HAB species common to California. Currently, I am validating the sensitivity and specificity of an A. sanguinea qPCR assay via qPCR. In addition, I am collecting different HAB species via cell picking and monitoring these and already established cultures in the laboratory. Show less

I performed water quality testing on Belgrade Lakes using scientific instruments including van dorn, secchi disk, and water probe. I managed the gallery and coordinated the Gloeotrichia Observation Summer Program by collaborating with local citizen scientists on Great Pond and Long Pond. In the lab, I performed chlorophyll filtrations. At the end of the summer, my team and I had the opportunity to present our work to my peers and faculty at a two-day symposium in the Forks, Maine.