DISL REU
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) intern under Dr. Jeffrey Krause at Dauphin Island Sea Lab. My project was investigating the chemical composition of silica produced by the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus (CCMP 1334). My work days consisted of maintaining 12 cultures of Synechococcus, sampling for biogenic silica and cell counts, completing a series of different chemical digestions (HF, HCl, and NaOH), and quantifying silica content from these digestions.
I was originally going to try to explain my project in this post, but I am afraid of oversimplifying these concepts. Instead, here is my poster! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out (scroll to the bottom of this site for my email).
This experience was very beneficial for me professionally, academically, and personally. I now feel more comfortable and confident in a research setting, and I am excited to continue building on the skills I learned as I continue my journey in marine science. I highly recommend participating in an REU if you are an undergraduate student!
Thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Krause and everyone in the Krause Lab, Dr. Ruth Carmichael, Sophia Corde, and my fellow REU interns for making this summer such a supportive, collaborative, and inspiring experience. I am beyond grateful.
Links:
www.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/reu
www.reddit.com/r/REU/