Laboratory of April Blakeslee, Ph.D.

Biogeographical Diversity of Invertebrates in Non-Native Seaweed

While many non-native seaweeds have negative ecological impacts, some like the red seaweed can host large diversity of coastal macroinvertebrates. Understanding macroinvertebrate diversity is essential because they are staple diet to various fish species, many of which are commercially and ecologically important in coastal ecosystems. We are looking for students who will assist with field and lab work components of the research starting in the beginning of summer 2019.

From late April or early May 2019 through August 2019, we will travel to various field sites along the U.S. east coast (ranging from Georgia to New York) to collect seaweed samples and invertebrates (including shrimp, snails, crabs). Each field site will be visited once for this summer season. Students should be comfortable working in outdoors under variety of weather conditions (heat, humidity, mud, rain, bugs, etc.).

Through this research, students will have opportunities to gain valuable experiences and skills, including but not limited to sampling methodology, specimen preservation, invertebrate care and husbandry, note-taking, species identification, using various field equipment, and common genetic tools such as PCR and barcoding. Students are also encouraged to develop their own research projects related to this research or other related research in Blakeslee Lab if applicable (e.g. honors thesis). Students will also have possible co-authorship on publications if peer-reviewed papers are generated from the research.

Interested students should contact Tim Lee (leeti17@students.ecu.edu) and attach a short CV and a brief paragraph stating research interests, career, and education goals. Students who are enthusiastic and interested in 1) both field AND lab components of research and 2) are available during the majority of summer 2019 are highly preferred. Previous experience in outdoor activities are preferred but definitely not required.”

Parasites as Novel Indicators of Biodiversity

Parasites are a diverse and fascinating group of organisms that can actually tell us a lot about overall biodiversity and ecosystem health. We are looking for student help with multiple projects sampling for parasites in easily collected host organisms like small fish, crabs, and snails. Students will have the opportunity to do field-based sampling at a variety of locations along the Pamlico and Neuse Rivers, as well as at the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve – located about 90 minutes from ECU in Beaufort, NC. Beginning in March, 2018, we will travel to the Reserve and collect data from sample sites (both on and off the island) approximately every 6-8 weeks. The Rachel Carson Reserve is accessible only by boat, and students should be comfortable working outdoors under a variety of conditions (rain, heat/humidity, cold, bugs, etc.).

As part of this work, students will have the opportunity to learn a wide variety of field and laboratory-based skills including: identification and classification of marine organisms, instruction in the use of field-related sampling equipment, experimental design, data collection and curation, fish and invertebrate animal care, dissection techniques, and training in the use of common genetic tools like PCR. Applicants will be encouraged to develop their own projects related to this research, or other topics of interest to the Blakeslee Lab. Interested students should contact Chris Moore at moorech16@students.ecu.edu and attach a CV and a brief statement outlining their research interests and career goals. Proficiency in natural history, or mad skills in boating, trapping/collecting, or fishing preferred, but certainly not required.