Phytoplankton Ecology URE
Internship Mentor: Dr. Vince Lovko
Projects under the Phytoplankton Ecology Program will focus on the biology and ecology of phytoplankton, typically with an emphasis on the red-tide dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis. Projects may include laboratory and/or field-based studies exploring population and bloom dynamics, species interactions, or phytoplankton community composition and species distribution. URE students will have opportunities to learn aspects of phytoplankton culture, identification and enumeration, bioassay techniques, light and fluorescent microscopy, field sampling of phytoplankton communities and data analysis techniques.
Internship Mentor: Dr. Josh Alarcon
REU students under the Phytoplankton Ecology Program with Dr. Josh Alarcon will focus on mitigation strategies for toxic freshwater cyanobacteria, including Microcystis spp. Projects may include laboratory and/or field-based analysis of toxic freshwater cyanobacteria, their toxins and/or toxin-producing genes, and the environmental and human health impacts imposed by cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. REU students will have the opportunity to learn various laboratory and field-based techniques including sampling strategies and techniques, identification and enumeration, fluorometry, ELISA, and qPCR as well as other laboratory and field-based equipment. REU students will be provided opportunities to learn from various experts at Mote as well as participate in various projects.
