Science Adventurers Club student researchers, (Charles Lutz, Jessica Small, Cory Trier, Sarah Shedler), made a presentation for the Clearwater Campus Student Government Association to receive funding to attend the 26th Annual Benthologist Meeting in Eastpoint, FL and present their ocean sediment research on the discovery of invertebrates in the sediment. After much anxiety and hopes SGA has award the research team funds of over $3,000 to attend the conference with up to 10 total students.
Under the direction of Dr. Monica Lara and Dr. Heyward Mathews, the SPC students have been collecting sample data around the local reefs.
Take advantage of this opportunity to attend a scientific research conference meeting, attend lectures, and make contacts with other scientists. Letters will be sent to instructors informing them about your absence to attend a Scientific Conference. Signup today before it is to late: Benthologist 26th Annual Meeting
Student Abstracts:
Artificial Reef Sediment Experiment-Biological Analysis
Jessica J. Small, Charles T. Lutz, Grant C. Trier, Sarah M. Shedler
Dr. Monica Lara, Dr. Heyward H. Mathews -Advisors
St. Petersburg College
Sediment samples were collected from local artificial reefs and natural ledges. Artificial reefs are believed to enhance an area by increasing abundance and diversity of organisms. Samples were collected from immediately adjacent to the reef and from a distance away from the reef. The sediment samples were preserved in formalin and ethanol and stained with Rose Bengal to reveal the organic material. Benthic infauna was sorted into various taxa. Based on preliminary observations benthic populations differ in the two types of samples. Organisms are currently being taxonomically identified to look for differences in patterns of biodiversity and abundance.
Artificial Reef Sediment Experiment-Sediment Analysis
Jessica J. Small, Charles T. Lutz, Grant C. Trier, Sarah M. Shedler
Dr. Monica R. Lara, Dr. Heyward H. Mathews -Advisors
St. Petersburg College
Sediment samples were collected from local artificial reefs and natural ledges. Artificial reefs are believed to enhance an area by increasing abundance and diversity of organisms. Samples were collected from immediately adjacent to the reef and from a distance away from the reef and were sifted to obtain size fractions. The results showed that a higher percentage of coarse sediment is present in the reef-adjacent samples. Components of the coarse sediment of biological orgin are being sorted and identified. Major components include gastropod and bivalve shells, echinoderm spines, calcareous polychaete tubes and hard coral fragments.
Under the direction of Dr. Monica Lara and Dr. Heyward Mathews, the SPC students have been collecting sample data around the local reefs.
Take advantage of this opportunity to attend a scientific research conference meeting, attend lectures, and make contacts with other scientists. Letters will be sent to instructors informing them about your absence to attend a Scientific Conference. Signup today before it is to late: Benthologist 26th Annual Meeting
Student Abstracts:
Artificial Reef Sediment Experiment-Biological Analysis
Jessica J. Small, Charles T. Lutz, Grant C. Trier, Sarah M. Shedler
Dr. Monica Lara, Dr. Heyward H. Mathews -Advisors
St. Petersburg College
Sediment samples were collected from local artificial reefs and natural ledges. Artificial reefs are believed to enhance an area by increasing abundance and diversity of organisms. Samples were collected from immediately adjacent to the reef and from a distance away from the reef. The sediment samples were preserved in formalin and ethanol and stained with Rose Bengal to reveal the organic material. Benthic infauna was sorted into various taxa. Based on preliminary observations benthic populations differ in the two types of samples. Organisms are currently being taxonomically identified to look for differences in patterns of biodiversity and abundance.
Artificial Reef Sediment Experiment-Sediment Analysis
Jessica J. Small, Charles T. Lutz, Grant C. Trier, Sarah M. Shedler
Dr. Monica R. Lara, Dr. Heyward H. Mathews -Advisors
St. Petersburg College
Sediment samples were collected from local artificial reefs and natural ledges. Artificial reefs are believed to enhance an area by increasing abundance and diversity of organisms. Samples were collected from immediately adjacent to the reef and from a distance away from the reef and were sifted to obtain size fractions. The results showed that a higher percentage of coarse sediment is present in the reef-adjacent samples. Components of the coarse sediment of biological orgin are being sorted and identified. Major components include gastropod and bivalve shells, echinoderm spines, calcareous polychaete tubes and hard coral fragments.