Capstone Project

I had the opportunity to be a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) intern at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences for Fall 2020 (August-November). My mentor was marine benthic ecologist, Dr. Yvonne Sawall, and our project dealt with studying carbon cycling in reefs. More specifically, we investigated the dominant reef photosynthesizers- common Bermudan coral and algae- and their total carbon intake and output. By using a combination of oxygen, light, and temperature sensors in outdoor aquarium chambers, I measured gross photosynthesis (total oxygen production from consuming carbon) during the day, and respiration (total oxygen consumption from producing carbon) during both the day and night.

The goal of the research is to create a model for the diurnal (daily) pattern of oxygen-carbon dynamics for application to the carbon budget of coral reefs, which face degradation and elimination due to ocean acidification, warming oceans, bleaching, eutrophication, and coastal erosion.

Capstone Project | Internship: About

This REU was extremely rewarding. I made a million mistakes both in presentations and project execution, but my awareness of project matters had augmented over time as well as anticipating what to do next when stumbling on a mishap-along with having the confidence to tackle it and voice it. My mentor was so patient and everyone- other scientists, lab techs, and the REU's-were very supportive. This experience, at the culmination of my final time as an undergrad, definitely has solidified my resolve to go to grad school for Marine Biology.

Capstone Project | Internship: Quote