<p>INTERESTS IN PHYCOLOGY
Living aboard a sailboat, nature is always quietly manipulating my home. The marine water and the rain squeak in all small crevasse, crustaceans attach to my engine prop, and algae use my hull as a substrate. Being curious I sampled the filamentous green algae to try and identify the species. I read keys, talked to biologist and found access to the right tools. Staring through a microscope at the individual cell of the Ulothorix sp., when I realized the focus of my research pursuit, algae.</p>
<p>Taking an analytical approach to life has taught me to keep an open mind, listen to other's ideas, discuss issues, evaluate arguments and discover my interests. My research interests lie in biochemical processes of marine microalgae and the environmental impacts. Other research topics that excite me are nutrient cycling and their limitations effecting microalgae population growth, harmful algal bloom's (HAB's) affecting ecosystem function (i.e. natural resources) and classification or systematics of algae.</p>
<p>In correspondence with Dr. Don Anderson, he has informed me of his research hypothesizing climactic disturbances and disruptions that lead to a HAB's resulting in higher incidences of ciguatera, which aligns with my research interests, educational focus and research goals. Determining classification and genetics of Gambierdiscus spp., assessing environmental parameters, monitoring Gambierdiscus populations spatially and temporally, investigate characteristics of this dinoflagellate are all components of this project that would be an rewarding opportunity. In addition, Sonya Dyhrman Ph.D. who looks at phytoplankton on a molecular level, Penny Chisholm Ph.D. who is focused on modeling the role phytoplankton play in the ocean, and Heidi M. Sosik Ph.D. who is researching phytoplankton ecology are all conducting exciting research that I would be thrilled to be apart of.</p>
<p>PATH TO PHYCOLOGY
Starting off going to a local college in Western New York, was admittingly an awkward step. I found myself heavily vested in Art History, English and Psychology classes. Although I was on the President's List, most of my time and energy was spent traveling throughout the United States. I even worked for Citizens Campaign for the Environment, in Buffalo New York, which is a not-for-profit, advocacy organization aiming to reduce omissions and prevent acid rain. After a year of muddled decisions and inspired by Darwinish thoughts I postponed my education and take up traveling the world. During this time I took residence in seven states; I visited forty-nine states and eight other countries. I was exposed to important life experiences and many amazing ecosystems. Exposure to a variety of ecosystems was eye opening and because of my curious nature, it taught me to take the initiative in my scientific education. </p>
<p>When I moved to Yellowstone National Park, I really discovered the power and beauty of nature, everything was beautifully and frantically organized. Living there while the introduction of wolves had recently occurred, the 1988 fires were still evident and bison roaming the geyser basins was truly life changing for me. Thus, encouraging me to explore other beautiful places. In time I moved to Hawaii where my obsession of snorkeling, turned into a passion for oceanography and environmental issues. It was hard not to notice the wealth of anthropomorphic environmental impacts occurring throughout Hawaii. As I became familiar with taxonomic identification of Hawaiian terrestrial plants, I realized it was time for me to continue my education in college.</p>
<p>I chose to attend Western Washington University (WWU) for their prestigious Environmental Science program, but for financial reasons building my educational career started with attending Whatcom Community College. In Washington I explored the snowcapped mountains to the ocean and graduated receiving an Associates of Science with Honors. I moved from an apartment onto a sailboat to get a more intimate look at the unique ecosystems of the San Juan Islands. Once at WWU, I tailored my classes to emphasize Aquatic Ecology. I volunteered for the Blue Water Task Force which is the Surfriders Foundation water quality monitoring, education and advocacy program. The Department Chair, Leo Bodenstiener, asked me to become a peer mentor which involved aiding other students in preparing their educational career path in the sciences. I also studied geographical information systems (GIS) using ArcGIS which is great tool for researching algae populations and natural resource management. </p>
<p>I moved back to Idaho for a summer to work as a Soil Technician with the USDA Forest Service, working under a soil microbiologist, Deborah Dumroese. In the field, I gained experience gathering GPS data and classification of soils. I worked close within a team and was promoted to Team Leader. In the laboratory I gained knowledge and skills in testing soil parameters and decomposition rates relating to productivity. In addition, I participated in*long-term research projects involving stream flow monitoring and forest growth, mortality and regeneration.</p>
<p>WWU prepared me to be an interdisciplinary thinker and apply science to our natural environment. In labs I was able to gain field experience including mapping study areas, collecting lake organic matter, sediment and soil, measuring physical and chemical parameters of aquatic systems and developing stratification profiles. There were two courses in which their content stood above the rest. The first being Algae with Dr. Gisele Muller-Parker now an NSF, Associate Program Director who introduced me to phycology. Important aspects of this class entailed measuring photosynthesis rates using carbon 14, studying the physiology and ecology of macroalgae and phytoplankton, taxonomic identification and cultured major algal groups. The other influential course was Biogeochemical Process of Marine Sediments taught by Dr. David Shull, Associate Professor, who enforced and expanded my knowledge and experiences to include a comprehensive view of oceanic processes. In this class I measured oxygen and nutrient fluxes of sediments, the rates of solute diffusion through sediment using a radon tracer and analyzed sediment profiles (iron, manganese, chlorophyll and thorium).</p>
<p>I also used a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and started taking photography of macroalgae and lichen (microalgae). I entered a SEM photo contest, won first place in the unaltered category and honorable mention in the altered category; they can be viewed at: 2007</a> Student SEM Competition Results. The SEM photos were a web of dried Fucas mucilage (slimy reproductive jelly) and was showcased at MINDPORT, a Science Museum in Bellingham, WA. A fulfilling day in December, I graduated with a BS in Environmental Sciences emphasizing Aquatic Ecology and a minor in Biology with a GPA of 3.46, bringing my overall GPA to a 3.68.</p>
<p>After graduation from WWU, I successfully applied for a position working for the Swinomish Tribal Community as a GIS/ Botanical Invasive Species Technician. I was hired on a project to identify, inventory and map the first surveys of noxious weeds and plant communities on the reservation. I used Trimble GPS to collect spatial and temporal data of noxious weed and created data sets (metadata, mapping, etc..) on ArcGIS software which aided in the analysis and development of an integrated noxious weed management. While working there I became a Licensed Pesticide Public Applicator for aquatic and terrestrial applications by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. I traveled to the Washington State Lake Protection Association conference which discussed aquatic invasive species, cyanobacteria and a regional evaluation of HAB's and also to GIS meetings discussing ArcGIS 9.3.1, new training and database development for the public.</p>
<p>MIT/WHOI AND BEYOND
I first heard of MIT/WHOI while searching journal databases for articles regarding algae's role in nutrient cycling because most of the papers I was looking through had ties to WHOI. Since, MIT/WHOI is a leader in ocean science and education it pushes me to prefer MIT/ WHOI Joint program, which will give me the skills and knowledge of phycology to compete and succeed in my research goals.</p>
<p>Now when I see the Ulothrix sp. growing on my boat, its just a reminder to me of what I want, how far I have come and where I am headed. My professional objective is to have an Aquatic Biochemistry Lab focused on phycology and nutrient cycling with an interdisciplinary approach to solving environmental issues. Aquatic Ecology is an expansive way of looking at biotic and abiotic factors in an environment, it is an attempt to include every possible relationship, spatially and temporally. Overall, it is a high and perhaps impossible reality but I enthusiastically take on the opportunity to be apart of this accomplishment. </p>
<p>Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.</p>