2023 Research Experience for Undergraduate Participants

Andrew Bumps, Louisville, Kentucky

University of Dayton, Junior Biology Major

Research Project: I am studying the ratio of differing reproductive strategies of male round gobies, and what impact this ratio of two different reproductive tactics has on aggressive and exploratory behavior in fish in four different locations around Beaver Island.

Career goals: I am interested in pursuing a career in aquatic ecology research and teaching.

Katarina Gonzalez, Gallatin, Tennessee

Trevecca Nazarene University, Senior Biology

Major Research Project: I am researching aerobic hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms in Lake Michigan around Beaver Island by studying the prevalence of existing microbial communities that would be the “first responders” to an oil spill. I included samples collected around the ferry route to increase the possibility of finding oil degrading microbes.

Career goals: I would like to work in a laboratory as a Microbiologist with an environmental focus.

Emily Tryc, Hamilton, Michigan

Central Michigan University, Senior Biology Major Research Project: I am researching goby alternative reproductive strategies and their connection to environmental factors.

Career goals: Continuing to research ecology and apply GIS technologies

Katie Guinn, Fort Wayne, Indiana Indiana University Bloomington, Senior Environmental Science Major

Research Project: I am investigating the effect of microplastics on phytoplankton communities. In particular, I am focusing on the effect lake trophic state has on the effects of microplastics on the community.

Career goals: I want to get my Ph.D. and become a limnologist. I enjoy studying plankton, macroinvertebrates, and community ecology!

Jack Gensler, Toledo, Ohio Ohio Wesleyan University, Sophomore Microbiology Major Research Project: Pitcher plants provide a great model to study nutrient cycling, as well as microbial communities and their symbiotic relationship with plants. I am investigating the enzymatic activity in pitcher plant fluid over time and identifying the presence of nitrifying microorganisms in the fluid.

Career goals: I want to study the interaction of environmental science and microbiology.

Lauren Western, Wheaton, Illinois University of Montana, Junior Wildlife Biology Major Research Project: I am investigating whether environmental factors correlate to shell shape in the freshwater gastropod Campeloma decisum in insular lakes on Beaver Island. I have collected snails from several sites from four inland lakes. At each site I measure environmental conditions like pH, conductivity, water temperature, phosphate concentration, and substrate type and composition.

Career goals: I would like to be a wildlife biologist working for a federal or state agency.