- Area of Study Ecology & Conservation Biology
Where are you from?
Franklinville, New Jersey.
What is your major? Do you have any minors?
My major is Ecology Conservation Biology with a minor in Marine Science. I was also accepted into the combined BA/MS in Biology. I decided on this major in order to combine my love for shallow marine environments with my passion to restore, preserve, and understand the complex ecosystems which neighbor our own, as well as teach those who inhabit them how to do so mindfully.
What is your favorite Biology course?
BI 541: Coral Reef Restoration and Resilience. We had the opportunity to travel to a remote island in Belize and do real research every day on incredible coral reef ecosystems! It was an eye opening experience as to what real marine biology work is like, and taught me how to conduct myself in the field, within an intense research group, and as a member of a community.
What kind of research have you done?
My Master’s thesis under Dr. Alyssa Novak will look at microplastic abundance and distribution on associated seagrass species zostera marine along Massachusetts coastal zones, in order to search for biotic and abiotic relationships which may dictate microplastic accumulation patterns in seagrass beds. The understanding of these patterns will aid in the selection of donor populations for site restoration and help identify the most appropriate locations for pollution cleanup and restoration initiatives. I also work in the Rotjan Lab developing photomosaic maps of coral reefs in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. I use Adobe Photoshop to analyze taxonomic and spatial data of reef systems to create a quantitative study of change in coral biomass and species distribution over time.
How did you get your research position?
Initially I joined the Rotjan lab as a sophomore working with photomosaic coral reefs from the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. During the marine semester under the guidance of Dr. Zoe Hughes and Dr. Alyssa Novak I developed a worthwhile research project concerning microplastics in seagrass beds. After presenting my findings to Dr. Randi Rotjan, we agreed to work cross departmentally between the Biology Department and Earth and Environment to develop a Master’s thesis!
How has your research tied into classroom learning?
My research thesis was born during the marine semester, and is thus a direct result of my classwork. Studying under Alyssa Novak and Zoe Hughes in Coastal Ecosystems, I fell in love with seagrass ecosystems and developed a project worthwhile of a masters thesis and publication, as well as endless field, lab, and presentation skills. Without the marine semester I wouldn’t be the scientist I am today!
What extracurriculars do you participate in?
Division 1 Track and Field, science communicator for student government. I’ve also participated in research through UROP.
What is your favorite dining spot on or around campus?
Granby Commons! Not many people know of this spot so there is almost no one there. They have awesome vegan options, definitely the best on campus.
What is the best place on campus to study or relax?
Third floor conference room of BRB, there is almost never anyone in there. I go there to eat my lunch and study or just unwind in between classes.
Favorite BU memory?
My freshman year I came in second at patriot league championships in the 200 meter dash on a torn hamstring. I proved to myself and my team my capabilities as a sprinter, and gained confidence in myself on and off the track. I will always remember crossing the finish line and having to be carried to the award stand to receive my medal; the pain and hard work was all worth it.
What’s one BU tip you wish you knew sooner?
Get an electric scooter! I save hours a week on my commute, it’s especially great if you have a tight schedule like myself.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Move to San Diego or Sydney, Australia and get a job in restoration management before going back to school for my PhD.