Jacob Harrison Email & Phone Number

Ann Arbor, Mi, Us

Livonia, Michigan, United States

Bermuda

I am investigating the effects of common marine plastic leachates (chemicals released from the material matrix) on ocean microbial communities with Dr. Andrew Peters and Rachel Parsons. Specifically, DAPI staining in combination with microscopy, FISH, FISH-CARD, and DNA will be used to understand microbe growth and composition. Past toxicity studies focused on the exposure of species and genera specific organisms to certain pollutants. In contrast, this experiment attempts to characterize the response of the broader microbial community to realistic chemical mixtures from plastics, the most abundant marine pollutant. Importantly, this study will help to identify environmentally resilient and/or hydrocarbon degrading taxa; these organisms could potentially be applied in waste treatment and recycling facilities to reduce land source pollution. Further, this experiment will serve as a baseline for future studies about plastics, microbes, and biogeochemical cycling. In the future, I will design posters and presentations to present to my fellow interns, BIOS faculty, and local classrooms. Ideally, my presentations will help encourage other young scientists from underrepresented communities into considering science and engineering as a future career path.

Traverse City, Michigan, United States

Collectively, the team aspired to develop sustainable technologies for the empowerment of Bangladesh people in underdeveloped areas. I collaborated on and discussed methods of media distribution to expand the network of women receiving prenatal health and wellness material from our partner organization, Spreeha.

Pellston, Michigan, United States

Project 1: Investigated the antimicrobial effectiveness of Pinaceae species tree resins against gram negative bacteria E. coli. From this experience, I learned tree sapping and agar plating techniques, sterile lab procedures, and how to evaluate mass spectrometry data (to compare terpenoid concentrations of tree resins.)Project 2: Collected physical, chemical, and observational data at several points along the Sturgeon River and compared it to other sources of academic research to assess the opportunity for a self sustaining sturgeon population. My team (Sturgent & Company) synthesized an action plan and presented our recommendations to the Burt Lake Association.Project 3: Surveyed native Northern Michigan clam species in a variety of freshwater bodies to assess effects of cohabitation with invasive mussels (especially in response to chemical applications, physical removal of mussels, and barrier walls.) For all projects, I practiced the scientific method and the process of scientific report writing.

Traverse City, Michigan, United States

Serviced and cleaned tenants rooms and private villas. Recommended 'must-see' locations like naturalist sites and parks to visitors. Awarded several pay raises and employee of the month.

Bachelor Of Science, Engineering - Bse, Environmental Engineering, Senior

M-Stem Academy Cohort 11

Early college and academic scholarship program for selected stem applicants.

Cultural Studies

During this short-term study abroad opportunity, I was fortunate to visit Revet, a recycling plant, and En-Eco, a manufacturer.

Aquatic Biology/Limnology, Ethnobotany, And General Ecology

Activities and Societies: I practiced identifying Northern Michigan plant species (150+; additionally, I studied applicable Anishinaabe.

Education record

Activities and Societies: Varsity Lacrosse (4 years), Summer Lacrosse Teams (Cherry Crush, Thunder Squirrels, and Momentum; 4+ years).