CMA Young Scientists Symposium 2020

YOUNG SCIENTISTS SYMPOSIUM 2020

The Young Scientists Program Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Young Scientists Program offers an opportunity for students to explore their passion for marine science under the guidance of professional marine researchers. CMA staff and interns mentor students though the scientific method and engage the Young Scientists in research investigating southern California marine life. The Young Scientists investigate current issues to understand the impacts of conservation, climate change, and aquarium sciences.

The Young Scientists Program was launched in 2004 by Dr. Kiersten Darrow, which has allowed CMA to educate students through hands-on research experiences. This year’s symposium marks the 13th annual event celebrating our Young Scientists with friends, family, and guests.

Check out the Young Scientists Symposium 2020 Agenda and CMA Map

REGISTRATION

SCIENCE LOUNGE

Our event opens to the public at 3:00 p.m. with a poster session and demonstrations of marine research.

Registration is open for guest at the entrance near the information booth. Registration is required for our after-hours speaker presentations in the auditorium.

You may rest and refresh in the Science Lounge as you enjoy the event. Find refreshments and information at the lounge, which is located in the Classroom near Registration.

3 – 5 p.m. ..............Science Lounge Food & Drinks

POSTERS & DEMONSTRATIONS

5 – 6 p.m. ...........................Speaker Presentations

From 3 - 5 p.m., the symposium fills the aquarium with posters and demonstrations of student research.

Project topics range from sea jelly behavior to ocean chemistry.

From 5 - 6 p.m., featured speakers will share their research in the auditorium for registered symposium guests..

AGENDA 3:00 p.m. ............................................. Registration 3 – 5 p.m. .....................Posters & Demonstrations

6:00 pm .............................................. Event Closes

SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS

SCIENCE LOUNGE

REGISTRATION

Demos Presentations

Aquarium Science

Climate Change

Behavior

Reproduction and Development

Chemistry

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Young Scientists Symposium Statistics................................................ 2 Welcome Messages.............................................................................. 3 YSS 2020 Phylogenetic Tree.................................................................. 5 Young Scientists Roster........................................................................ 6 Young Scientist Abstracts..................................................................... 7 Our Young Scientists Program Community........................................ 30 Ask the Aquatic Nursery Staff....................................................... 31 How to Get Involved....................................................................... 37 Research Program Icebreaker...................................................... 37 Become a Member.............................................................................. 38 Special Thanks...........................................................Inside Back Cover Sponsors.............................................................................. Back Cover Stay Connected!................................................................... Back Cover

YOUNG SCIENTISTS SYMPOSIUM 2020 Statistics

68 STUDENT SCIENTISTS

(From Middle School, High School and University)

65 TOTAL PROJECTS

13 YEARS OF THIS YSS EVENT

21 SCHOOLS FROM LA COUNTY REPRESENTED 2

150 STUDENT HONORS AND AWARDS SINCE BEGINNING OF PROGRAM

16 YEARS OF THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS PROGRAM

16 STAFF AND INTERNS MENTORING YSP

WELCOME

to the Young Scientists Symposium!

Welcome to the 13th Annual Young Scientist Symposium!

The Young Scientist program is an incredibly unique opportunity allowing students to learn leadership, help find solutions to environmental challenges, learn the scientific method, and work with mentors who can turn the student’s ideas into reality. The world that surrounds us illustrates a multitude of scientific concepts in our everyday lives.

Teaching the scientific method is an education on learning and problem solving that has broader implications to help us make decisions throughout our life.

Crislyn McKerron Aquarium Director

This is my first Symposium and I am so excited to see what the students have to offer. CMA is proud to play a role in the Young Scientist students’ lives. Already, I can tell that as much as the program benefits the students, this program benefits the staff and enriches the spirit of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium even more.

Thank you to the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the Port of Los Angeles, and the Friends of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for their ongoing support. Thank you to all the generous donors that help make the Young Scientist Program possible.

Caroline Brady Friends Executive Director

I love the Young Scientists Symposium! Each year, I am delighted to see the participants display their posters, proud parents standing by with smiles on their faces. I get choked up when Young Scientists stand up to make their presentations in the Auditorium. Some of them are too small to reach the microphone without standing on a box, but ALL of them have bigger vocabularies than most adults.

All of us at Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium are proud to raise money for this amazing program. And the sponsors are happy to give it, All we ask in return is that all of you intellectually curious, thoughtful, logical and amazing young scientists go forth and save the world. I KNOW you’re up for the challenge!

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WELCOME

from the Research Curator

Dr. Andres Carrillo Research Curator Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Explore the courtyard and exhibit hall to see the Young Scientists present their research projects to friends, family, and guests. The symposium is our annual celebration of the students’ dedication and hard work over the past year at CMA. Since, 2004, the Young Scientists Program had guided students through enrichments, workshops, mentorship and research training at the aquarium. Every spring, we accept about 30 high-school and 30 middle-school students to begin research training in the aquarium’s laboratory space, the Aquatic Nursery. Throughout the academic year, the Young Scientists devote 1-3 days per week over the span of 10 months, where we provide them access to the aquaculture laboratory and coastal park resources under the supervision of CMA staff. We offer this opportunity to middle-school and high-school students from the Los Angeles area, and we offer it at no cost to the students because we want to fill the program with students selected on merit and passion for the sciences.

As a facility of the Department of Recreation and Parks of the City of Los Angeles, CMA has celebrated 85 years at Cabrillo Beach, connecting local marine life to our communities. Generous donors have stepped up to support the Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which is a nonprofit organization that funds the CMA’s needs. This support has expanded our research and educational opportunities at CMA over the years. As you look around, you can witness how far our students have taken the lessons, resources, and experiences provided to them by the aquarium to advance their scientific journey. I would like to take a moment to thank our generous donors who have supported this program over the years. With support from our donors, this year marks our 13th year of a symposium in which our students share their work with the public. I hope you enjoy learning about the students’ research in marine conservation and aquarium sciences. I expect you will enjoy meeting our students and our event.

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YSS 2020 PHYLOGENETIC TREE

Figure 1. Phylogen representation of ta studied by students Young Scientists Pr

Figure 1. Phylogenetic representation of taxa studied by students in Young Scientists Program.

Explore the poster session and try to find the scientist that matches each organism!

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Abril Rivas Andrea Arce Cameron Ito Cole Burhnke Damien Corona Jaimee Jeon Jared Gonzalez Jonathan Sleeman Joseph Lee Julissa Vargas Karen Perez Katelyn Kayla Barrientos Luann Diaz Marissa Cerda Meleney Meraz Nalla Aleman Sally Hoang Tiffany Moon Victoria Marquez Adrian Rodriguez Anahi Lozano Andrue Montellano Ashely Vargas Carla Godoy Celeste Villalba Eduardo Godoy Fatima Mendez Ioannis Vera Isabella Ceja Jocelyn Perez Lyzet-Marie Leyva Nataly Canseco Valentina Jeanette Govea Antonio Torres Caroline Pack Crystal Yang Diana Michaelson Hannah Kline

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Helen (Yeonji) Choi Jacqueline Yang Nick Masi Serah Park Shua Cho Yeji Cho Asha Timm Cedar Rose Leach David Kwon George Hasnah Jordan Masterson Karol Perez Kavya Lalith Marygrace Gliane Maya Melina Durre Rudy Rios Alma Citlally Nanny Carolina Sinco Diana Aguilar Emily Darin Jonathan Gasser-Brennan Julia Marquez Junhee Lee Karina Brocco French Karling Jennings Marissa Wu Natalia Jones Samantha Becaria Sophia Huezo

AQUARIUM SCIENCE BEHAVIOR CHEMISTRY CLIMATE CHANGE REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

ABRIL RIVAS Middle School

Effects of Salinity on Isochrysis

Aquarium Science

The purpose of this project is to determine which salinity level is preferred by the microalgae, Isochrysis. This is important because microalgae is crucial to the food chain.

ANDREA ARCE Middle School

Coloring Algae

Aquarium Science

This project is going to experiment the effect of colored lights on brown algae. Learning the ideal growing conditions will help aquatic nursery’s find the ideal growing expectations to maintain algae cultures.

CAMERON ITO High School

Effect of Fish Waste on Algae Growth

Aquarium Science

This project was designed to analyze the effects of brine shrimp (Artemia) waste on the growth rate of algae (Chaetomorpha). By finding the most favorable concentration of fish waste for growing algae, aquaponic farmers can optimize their resources and yield more crop production in less time.

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COLE BRUHNKE High School

Effects of salinity on Isochysis growth

Aquarium Science

This project measured the growth of the algae Isochrysis galbana after manipulating the salinity of their environments. The outcome of this experiment would allow for more effective growth of an important food source in the aquatic ecosystem.

DAMIEN CORONA Middle School

Effects of Temperature on Brine Shrimp

Aquarium Science

The project was conducted to see how the movement speed of brine shrimp would be affected.

Which was tested in three different temperatures of water. Testing their speed would help tell if they were comfortable in this new temperature of water.

JAIMEE JEON High School

Effects of salinity on Isochysis growth

Aquarium Science

This project measured the growth of the algae Isochrysis galbana after manipulating the salinity of their environments. The outcome of this experiment would allow for more effective growth of an important food source in the aquatic ecosystem.

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JARED GONZALEZ Middle School

Moon Jelly Polyp Population Growth

Aquarium Science

This project was conducted to find the best amounts of brine to feed to moon jellyfish polyps in order to keep a steady and healthy population of moon jellyfish, which in turn helps out the jellyfish sector of the food chain.

JONATHAN SLEEMAN High School

Effects of salinity on Isochysis growth

Aquarium Science

This project measured the growth of the algae Isochrysis galbana after manipulating the salinity of their environments. The outcome of this experiment would allow for more effective growth of an important food source in the aquatic ecosystem.

JOSEPH LEE High School

Effect of Water Source on Isochrysis Growth

Aquarium Science

Isochrysis galbana is a microalgae favored by aquaculture farms because it has been found to be a suitable food for many highly desirable aquarium animal groups such as bivalve mollusks. Its use as a food for filter-feeding marine aquarium animals has become more commonplace and previous experiments have been conducted to measure the optimal growth rate for this purpose.

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JULISSA VARGAS Middle School

Moon Jelly Pulse Activity

Aquarium Science

The significance of this experiment is to determine whether moon jellies (Aurelia aurita) pulse rate is affected by the portion of food fed. This will allow researchers to understand the appropriate amount needed for energizing the jellies.

KAREN PEREZ Middle School

Moon Jellyfish Under Light and No Light

Aquarium Science

My project looks at moon jellyfish pulsing in the light and the dark. I think they pulse more in the dark because they are afraid of the dark.

KATELYN Middle School

Jelly Flow Rate Reaction

How will a moon jelly pulse in different types of flow rates?

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Aquarium Science

KAYLA BARRIENTOS Middle School

Effect of Salinity on the Eating Habits of Anemones

Aquarium Science

This project was designed to determine the effects of salinity on the eating habits of anemones.

Finding the results of this experiment would be important because by understanding the comfort zone of the anemone you can give it the best care.

LUANN DIAZ High School

Rotifers vs Salinity

Aquarium Science

Does the salinity of the water affect the movement of rotifers?

MARISSA CERDA Middle School

Warming Brine

Aquarium Science

This project was designed to determine the effect of warming water temperatures on the hatch rate of brine shrimp. This will help determine if brine shrimp can survive global warming.

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MELENEY MERAZ Middle School

Brine Shrimp Speed

Aquarium Science

This experiment will be used to show how the different water volumes affect the speed of brine shrimp.

NALLA ALEMAN Middle School

Effect of Temperature on Sea Anemones

Aquarium Science

This project was designed to determine how temperature change could affect the behavior and eating habits of sea anemones. The findings will help us understand which type of environment sea anemones are most comfortable in.

SALLY HOANG High School

Effects of salinity on Isochysis growth

Aquarium Science

This project measured the growth of the algae Isochrysis galbana after manipulating the salinity of their environments. The outcome of this experiment would allow for more effective growth of an important food source in the aquatic ecosystem.

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TIFFANY MOON High School

Tank Size Effects on Jelly Size

Aquarium Science

This project was designed to see whether tank size affected growth of moon jellies (Aurelia) or not. Finding the correct tank size for of the jellies would allow faster growth and increase survival rates.

VICTORIA MARQUEZ High School

Effect of pH on Rhodomonas Population

Aquarium Science

This project determines the effect of the different pH levels on the micro-algae Rhodomonas’ population.

ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ Middle School

Temperature and Sea Urchin Eating Habits

Behavior

This project was designed to determine if water temperature affected the eating habits of the sea urchins. This can help us gauge some of the future affects on the marine food web.

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ANAHI LOZANO Middle School

How fast can hermit crabs move?

Behavior

The project is about how fast a hermit crab can move . This is with food and without food.

ANDRUE MONTELLANO Middle School

Temperature of Water vs. Sea urchin Eating Speed

Behavior

This project was designed to determine if urchins prefer eating in warm water or cold water, because in warm waters the water could become acidic and sea urchins can become sick and stressed so it would be very interesting to see what sea urchins prefer.

ASHLEY VARGAS Middle School

Moon Jelly Temp

Behavior

The purpose of this project is to see if the temperature of the water can effect the moon jellies and their pulse rate.

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CARLA GODOY Middle School

A Moon Jellies (Aurelia aurita) Beat

Behavior

This project was made to determine how a moon jellies (Aurelia aurita) pulse rate is affected by the temperature of water. The warmer the water, the less the moon jelly pulses and the colder the water, the more a moon jelly pulses.

CELESTE VILLALBA Middle School

Moon Jellyfish Experiment

Behavior

This project was to see if we left one jelly by itself will it effect how many pulses the moon jellyfish does.

EDUARDO GODOY Middle School

Sea Urchins

Behavior

My project is about purple sea urchins and which will flip faster in different environments. So far high tide and medium tide conditions are best, and in low tide urchins are slowest.

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FATIMA MENDEZ Middle School

Moon Jellyfish vs. Temperature

Behavior

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the amount of pulses that moon jellyfish would give off in cold and warm temperature water.

IOANNIS VERA Middle School

Purple Sea Urchin

Behavior

This project was made to see the affects of speed for the sea urchins in different environments.

ISABELLA CEJA Middle School

Moon Jellyfish

Behavior

This project was designed to determine how much the moon jellyfish will pulse when fed.I hope to find out if the moon jellyfish will pulse more when I feed them or when I do not feed them.

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JOCELYN PEREZ High School

Wolf Eels (Anarrhichthys ocellatus) Food Preference

Behavior

I studied the wolf eel and its food preference by using a series of hard and soft foods. I measured how much food was eaten in a 20 minute period. It is important to know the types of food that is best for the growth and longevity of an animal to protect the population of sea animals and their habitats.

LYZET-MARIE LEYVA Middle School

Sea Urchin Movement

Behavior

This experiment was designed to understand sea urchins in different substrates. Depending on how far they travel in each substrate, it will determine which substrate is best for the sea urchins to travel. This will help sea urchins to reach their desired location without facing any challenges like in an aquarium.

NATALY CANSECO Middle School

Warm or Cold?

Behavior

This project was designed to observe animal behaviors when exposed to different environments, in this case temperatures. So if the jellyfish are placed in cold or warm water, they will know if they pulse more or less.

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VALENTINA JEANETTE GOVEA Middle School

Moon Jellies

Behavior

This project was designed to determine in which water temperature the jellyfish pulses more in.

ANTONIO TORRES High School

Deadzone Simulation in Algae Cultures

Chemistry

I gave varying dosages of aquarium approved nutrients to cultures in an attempt to observe the density of the culture over time.

CAROLINE PACK High School

How Nitrates Affect Growth of Ulva lactuca

Chemistry

The purpose of this project is to observe how low, moderate, and high levels of oceanic nitrates affect the growth of Ulva lactuca, a type of algae commonly found along the California coast. In addition, the levels of dissolved oxygen were measured in the three water samples in response to the increased nitrates. These results replicate the natural phenomena of eutrophication and hypoxia on a small scale.

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CRYSTAL YANG High School

The Mitigation Effect of Different Carbon Catchers

Chemistry

This project was designed to determine the most efficient carbon catcher out of limestone and 6 types of algae introduced to increased carbon concentration levels. Fossil fuels and deforestation produce excess amounts of CO2 that is dropping the normal pH, which threatens underwater ecosystems. Identifying the best carbon catcher may help alleviate the effects of CO2 on marine life.

DIANA MICHAELSON High School

Concrete Surface Structure Influence on Marine Settlement

Chemistry

10% of the population lives in coastal areas that is less than 30 feet above sea level. Coastlines are experiencing increases in development, in which concrete is the main infrastructural component. My project is to examine the surface texture of concrete to develop surface treatments that may promote biodiversity where concrete is used.

HANNAH KLINE High School

Polystyrene Microplastics on Algal Photosynthesis

Chemistry

This project was designed to determine the effects of polystyrene microspheres and glitter on the photosynthetic activity of Isochrysis galbana, a species of microalgae. Discovering the specific, adverse effects microplastics have on the foundational species of the ecosystem would serve as evidence for the impacts of plastic used on the environment.

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HELEN (YEONJI) CHOI High School

Concentration of Fucoxanthin of Isochrysis galbana

Chemistry

This project was designed to determine the effects of pH on the concentration of fucoxanthin of Isochrysis galbana. Finding the effect of pH on the concentration of fucoxanthin would allow for a greater fucoxanthin production, which has a potential medicinal or nutritional ingredient.

JACQUELINE YANG High School

Best Nitrate Detoxifier: Phytoremediation, Bioremediation, or Hybrid?

Chemistry

I investigated the effectiveness of phytoremediation (Ulva) and bioremediation (oyster mushrooms) filtration systems in removing nitrate from seawater. This research plays a vital role in assisting scientists, marine biologists, and government officials to identify the most effective natural filtration system to combat nitrate contamination.

NICK MASI High School

The Effects of Micro plastics on Moon Jellies

Chemistry

Microplastics have been discovered embedded in the tissues of many marine organisms including fish such as tuna. Moon Jellies serve as an important food source for marine organisms in the wild and in aquariums. The goal of this project was to determine whether or not microplastics would become incorporated in tissues of moon jellies.

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SERAH PARK High School

Microalgae Growth and Bacterial Bioremediation

Chemistry

This project was designed to observe whether microalgae growth could improve the bioremediation properties of oil-eating bacteria. Microalgae can improve bioremediation by providing oxygen for the bacteria and potentially degrading some of the hydrocarbons present in oil.

SHUA CHO High School

Effect of Bisphenol A on Isochrysis galbana

Chemistry

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the environmental risk of BPA on marine ecosystems by conducting a test for toxicity of BPA with the microalga, Isochrysis galbana. The toxicity test was accomplished by measuring the change in growth of the microalga at different concentrations of dissolved BPA. Increasing concentration of BPA resulted in slightly lower growth.

YEJI CHO High School

Riboflavin as an Electron Shuttle in Photosynthetic Microbial Fuel Cells

Chemistry

Photosynthetic Microbial Fuel Cells (PMFCs) are a significant source of renewable energy, which function through the transfer of electrons of algal/bacterial cells to external electrodes. Riboflavin was found to function as a novel supplemented mediator to increase energy production. This project evaluated its usage to help PMFCs treat wastewater by removing azo dyes.

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ASHA TIMM High School

Effects of Lower pH Environments on Nannochloropsis

Climate Change

This project was designed to test how living in a environment with lower pH levels would affect the characteristics and survival rates of Nannochloropsis. This experiment was based on the current occurrence of ocean acidification that is affecting marine life world wide, to see how this species of micro algae reacts to living in more acidic environments than what it is accustomed to.

CEDAR ROSE LEACH High School

Green algae and dissolved oxygen responses

Climate Change

The green algae, Nannochloropsis, was grown under warm and cold temperatures, simulating a global change in temperature that cause algal blooms. After algal blooms die off, bacteria that decompose the algae deplete oxygen in the water, creating a hypoxic zone. Dissolved oxygen was measured to observe how a change in algal populations can affect ambient oxygen.

DAVID KWON High School

Distribution of Macrocystis pyrifera and Sargassum horneri

Climate Change

This project utilizes statistical and machine-learning approaches to predict and quantify the invasive potential of the non-native Sargassum horneri and its threat to the local giant kelp forests of Macrocystis pyrifera off the coast of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Understanding the invasive patterns of S. horneri will develop strategies to effectively combat its invasion to the kelp forests.

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GEORGE HASNAH High School

Climate Change and Sponge Bacteria

Climate Change

Designed to determine the effects of climate change, specifically ocean acidification and global warming, on the symbiotic bacteria living within the marine sponge, Acarnus erithacus.

JORDAN MASTERSON High School

Abalones diet with altered pH levels

Climate Change

This project was to give me an insight into future years if carbon emissions aren’t reduced, comparing the ratio of how much a sea creature will eat when their daily diet is altered. I am hoping to find what kelp with altered pH levels abalone will not eat.

KAROL PEREZ Middle School

Jellyfish in Cold and Warm Water

Climate Change

This project is designed to determine how a moon jellyfish reacts to warm water in case that the temperature changes in where they live.

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KAVYA LALITH High School

Oxygen Production of Nannochloropsis

Climate Change

This project observed the effect of lowered pH levels on the oxygen production of Nannochloropsis, a microalgae. As carbon emissions around the world increases, the pH levels of seawater decreases. Understanding how microalgae, like Nannochloropsis, react to this change we can predict how much their oxygen production will be affected by changes in pH.

MARYGRACE GLIANE High School

Ocean Acidification and Micro-Algae Growth

Climate Change

This project was derived to observe the effects of ocean acidification on the growth patterns of microalgae (Nannochloropsis oculata). Discovering the sudden, rapid growth patterns of microalgae originating from the emissions of carbon dioxide would prove another result of ocean acidification; that being algal blooms.

MAYA High School

Shore Striped Crabs growth effects due to a change in diet

Climate Change

This project was designed to measure the effects climate change will have on tide pool animals, such as striped shore crabs. Climate change can limit food resources for many animals so this project was created to measure the changes crustaceans will go through if they lose certain food resources.

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MELINA DURRE High School

Temperature Effect on Copepod Population Density

Climate Change

This project was designed to determine the effects of temperature on copepods (Tigriopus californicus).

RUDY RIOS High School

Effect of Temperature on Sea Anemones

Climate Change

This project looked at the potential effects of warming ocean temperatures on the growth of sea anemones (Anthopleura sola).

ALMA CITLALLY NANNY Middle School

The reproduction count of sea urchins in different pH.

Reproduction and Development

This project was conducted to find out if the reproduction count of sea urchins are affected when placed in different pH levels. This experiment can show whether the spawning of sea urchins increases or decreases and how their reproduction can have an affect on other organisms population.

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CAROLINA SINCO High School

Effects of Temperature on Larval Purple Sea Urchins

Reproduction and Development

This experiment aims to determine how varying water temperatures affects the growth of larval purple sea urchins. As water temperatures rise due to global warming, it is important to understand the effects on marine life. Because purple sea urchins are broadcast spawners, water conditions can have a great impact on the success of their growth and fertilization.

DIANA AGUILAR Middle School

Sea Urchins Reproduction Rate in Different Temperatures

Reproduction and Development

The purpose of this project is to figure out how the reproduction rate of sea urchins are affected by the increase of temperature. This project is important because global warming is increasing and we need to find a way to help sea urchins survive or adapt to the drastic change in their environment.

EMILY DARIN Undergraduate

Effects of Bisphenol-A on Sand Dollar Development

Reproduction and Development

This project is designed to study the effects of microplastic pollutants on marine animals.

Bisphenol-A is one of the most common plastic chemicals leaking in our oceans due to incorrect plastic waste disposal. By raising sand dollar larvae in BPA, we can understand how the larvae’s development changes in the presence of this chemical at different concentrations.

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JONATHAN GASSER-BRENNAN High School

Ocean Acidification on Urchin Fertilization

Reproduction and Development

This project was formed to study the effects of ocean acidification on sea urchin fertilization success. Predicting what will happen as oceans acidify is important for keeping a healthy marine ecosystem.

JULIA MARQUEZ High School

Fertilizer Impact on Sea Urchin Development

Reproduction and Development

This project was made to determine how fertilizer runoffs impact the development of sea urchins. Sea urchins are often located in tide pools where most drainage of pipes can be found.

JUNHEE LEE High School

Diesel and Early Sand Dollar Development

Reproduction and Development

The project aimed to study the effect of water soluble fractions of diesel on fertilization success and embryonic development of Pacific sand dollars, Dendraster excentricus. With runoff of industrial waste and engine oils being the top contributor to oil pollution, studying their effects on the early life stages of sand dollars will help predict the survival and future development of these organisms and others alike in the oil polluted ocean.

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KARINA BROCCO FRENCH Graduate Student

Pollutants and ports, it’s a Pisaster!

Reproduction and Development

In the Port of L.A., pollutants left by boats damage the health of marine organisms. I study how toxins in our waterways affect the health of an important local sea star species (Pisaster ochraceus).

I hope this research will inform policies to maintain the health of California’s coastal ecosystems.

KARLING JENNINGS High School

The Effect of sunscreen on sea urchin spawning

Reproduction and Development

This project was designed to dig deeper into the affects of a common used product: sunscreen, which may have a greater affect on sea life than what we think. Some sunscreen companies claim to have chemicals that are harmless, but this experiment tests that claim.

MARISSA WU Graduate Student

A Study of Red Abalone Reproductive Behaviors

Reproduction and Development

This project is designed to determine the effects of red abalone muscular contractions on the gamete velocities during spawning. Understanding the dynamics of this contraction behavior and its effects on gametes during reproduction will help local abalone restoration projects.

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NATALIA JONES Middle School

Salinity Effect On Sea Urchins Reproduction

Reproduction and Development

The purpose of this project was to determine the effect of sea urchins’ reproduction rate when their salinity level changes. This could be useful because salinity levels are rising to this day and it’s important to understand how this is affecting them.

SAMANTHA BECARIA High School

Moon Jellies and Light

Reproduction and Development

My project is assessing whether or not different types of light (red, white and UV) affects the development of moon jellies (Aurelia aurita). I am examining if the damage done to the ozone layer, which increased the amount of UV entering the Earth, is producing ill side effects in the moon jellies.

SOPHIA HUEZO High School

Sea Urchin Gamete Development In Varying pH

Reproduction and Development

This project tests how varying pH levels impact the development of sea urchin gametes. As pollution levels rise in our oceans, especially in tide pools, concern grows for survival rates of animals located there.

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OUR YOUNG SCIENTISTS PROGRAM COMMUNITY Supporting the growth of our young scientists is a mission of a dynamic community that connects us to many individuals who are passionate about marine-science education.

The Aquatic Nursery staff provide guidance, teaching, and mentorship to our students.

Program Support is provided by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium administration and by the Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, our non-profit support group. Transportation to CMA is an effort for all and we are extremely grateful for the support through FCMA group which provided buses for students in our South Gate Research Program to easily get students to CMA on Sundays so they may conduct research.

VISITING PROFESSIONALS Outside the Aquatic Nursery, there are many folks that care and volunteer to help enrich our students’ research experiences. In 2020, we were fortunate to have CMA’s wonderful librarian, Cecily Thomas, provide the CMA’s Library’s facility and resources to allow students to look at previous research articles, a valuable skillset. These enrichments provided the students with insight to developing their independent research project design.

FAMILIES In 2020, our Young Scientists came from 21 schools in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Most Young Scientists needed to be driven by their adult guardians. At a minimum of one visit per week for over nine months, that is an incredible amount of mileage and effort from families who dedicated their resources to transport our Young Scientists to CMA. We are very grateful to the adults who share our belief that children have a great capability for growth in the scientific field and understand that through this program, their children develop skillsets that they will take into their career paths and beyond.

ALUMNI Over the past 16 years, Hundreds of students have participated in this program and have contributed ideas and scientific findings to our communities. Some of our alumni have then ventured on to do amazing scientific work at various research venues. Some have returned to mentor the next generation of Young Scientists as mentors this year. We are so very proud of our Young Scientists for all of their accomplishments.

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ASK THE AQUATIC NURSERY STAFF

CHRIS BAUTISTA, Research Mentor What was your favorite course in college? Photography was my favorite non-science course as it challenged my creative side What did you do for fun in college? For fun, I enjoyed exploring new activities that kept me healthy, both physically and mentally, like freediving and woodworking What is your favorite terrestrial organism? My favorite terrestrial organism is the Bee. Although they are tiny, and still disliked by some, they play an unparalleled role in this biosphere What is your favorite part about working at CMA? My favorite part of working at CMA is having the chance to work with the intelligent and passionate minds of both the students and the staff.

What fictional world/universe would you like to visit? I would love to explore the world of Wonderland to observe and photograph the array of wildlife What advice do you have for YSP students who are applying to college?

If a Tardigrade can handle the pressures of the deepest point on the planet, You can handle the pressures of life.

PETER CULPEPPER, Research Mentor Did you do research in college? While I myself did not lead a research project I did assist on several projects with the lab I was associated with, such as the White Abalone Restoration Project.

Tell us your favorite fact about any invertebrate. I find the fact that a lobster’s cells do not age as our cells age fascinating.

How did you start at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium? In 2014 I participated in the summer docents program and after completing my Bachelor’s Degree at UCSB I returned to Cabrillo to become staff in the Aquatic Nursery.

What is your favorite t.v. show? I am a big fan of the show Psych.

What advice do you have for YSP students who are finishing college?

Networking is extremely important so be sure to reach out and make connections as it will often lead to jobs and other fantastic opportunities.

ERIC DEAN, Research Mentor What was your favorite course in college? Marine Biology at CSU Long Beach Did you travel to any fieldtrip/stations while in college? Did all sorts of field work for my degree, including research cruises on the R/V Yellowfin, trips to the channel islands, and most notably stayed at the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Science on Catalina Island for 4 months, where I took classes and conducted a research project.

What is your favorite animal to work? Squid are always fun animals to work and interact with; I also have a soft spot for the Giant Sea Bass.

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What advice do you have for YSP students when they are finishing college? Make sure you have some hands-on experience as you’re leaving college. If you want to pursue advanced degrees, volunteer in a lab at your university; If you want to join the workforce, look for volunteer or internship positions in the field of your choice.

JANETT FRAGOSO, Research Mentor What area of biology did/do you study most in college? I received a B.S. in Marine Biology from CSULB, and focused a lot on invertebrate physiology and intertidal ecology.

What is your favorite marine animal? The sea pansy. They are a cute heart shaped, bioluminescent, colonial cnidarian and were introduced to me by one of my favorite professors.

Tell us your favorite fact about algae. You can literally watch Macrocystis pyrifera (Giant kelp) grow, because it grows at a rate of 2ft per day.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Probably Finn the Human from Adventure Time or Joseph Joestar from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure What advice do you have for YSP students while in college? Please, go talk to your professors during office hours. It will open so many doors and allow you to see all the opportunities that are available.

CRISTINA FUENTES, Research Mentor What was/is your major in college? I completed a bachelor’s in Biology with a minor in Criminal Justice at Cal State Fullerton.

What area of biology did you study most in college? I concentrated in marine biology and conducted research in a marine ecology lab.

What is your favorite marine animal? My favorite marine animal is a Lion’s Mane nudibranch because of its unique mouth that resembles a hood and they smell like watermelon. (: Where is your favorite place? My favorite place is the ocean. Either being on boat, under the water, or on the beach.

What advice do you have for YSP students who are entering college?

My advice to students entering college is that it is ok to not know what it is you want to study or what your career choice is right away & never be discouraged if it takes you longer than you expected.

SAMANTHA GARCIA, Research Mentor What was your favorite course in college? I needed an extra unit for the semester so I decided to take Aquarium Science. Best decision ever Tell me about your favorite professor. Robert Ellis is a fantastic professor! I took his Oceanography class and loved his lecture so much that I ended up taking all classes he offered, including Aquarium Science.

Tell us a fun fact about algae. Giant kelp can grow around a foot per day!

It is crazy to me how fast and how tall they grow.

What advise do you have for YSP students while in college? Try to get involved. Join clubs or volunteer; don’t wait until after college to get hands-on experience.

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Where would you like to travel to most? I want to travel everywhere really, but if I have to choose just one place I would say Nepal. I am planning to trek to Mt. Everest’s base camp in the near future!

KARLA GUTIERREZ, Research Mentor Did you travel to any fieldtrip/stations while in college? Yes, I got to travel to Zzyzx in the Mojave desert and various intertidal sites throughout Southern California.

Tell us your favorite fact about any invertebrate. Some oyster species are capable of “cleaning” or filtering seemingly dirty water in a matter of minutes.

What is your favorite part about working at CMA? The best part about working at CMA is, one, being able to see young scientist grow from one year to the next and, two, developing aquaculture techniques for endangered species.

Who is your favorite fictional character? There are too many to pick from but currently Wonder Woman, the latest movie was amazing and I am looking forward to the next one.

What advice do you have for YSP students who want to do research as a career? I recommend that you reach out to labs you find interesting and ask about shadowing researchers, this may open the door for internship opportunities and could one day lead to a job.

JOSEPH LEE, Research Intern What was your favorite course in high-school? My favorite course in high school was my marine biology class.

What will your major be in college? My major in college will be Aquatic Biology What is your favorite animal to work with in the aquatic nursery?

My favorite animal to work with in the Aquatic Nursery were the Giant Sea Bass; seeing them as fry and being fortunate enough to be a part of their journey to see them as big as they are now How did you start at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium? I started at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium as a Young Scientist What fictional world/universe would you like to visit? If I could choose to visit a fictional universe, I would like to visit Narnia What advice do you have for YSP students who are applying to college?

For all students applying to college, I would advise that they volunteer and intern at as many places as possible because not only will it look good on your application, it would also give you a sense (hopefully) of what you want to study in college.

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NAYT PERRIN, Research Mentor Did you do research in college? I spent 2 years working in the Diatom lab on campus with Dr. Underwood, participated in the Catalina research semester where I lived at the Wrigley Institute, and also traveled to Belize to study tropical marine ecosystems with Dr. Allen.

Tell us about your favorite professor. Dr. Bengt Allen. Hands down my favorite professor. He sparked my interest in marine ecology and is one of the main reasons I am pursuing Grad school.

Tell us your favorite fact about any fish. There are ratfishes that live at the bottom of the sea in the arctic whose metabolism are so slow they only eat about 3 times a year and live to be over 500 years old.

How did you start at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium? After being out of college for a year, I cold emailed Andres on a whim asking if there were any open volunteer or internship positions. I volunteered for a while, then interned during the summer, and am now finally staff.

DOMINIQUE RICHARDSON, Research Mentor Did you do research in college? I started doing research in High School, interning on a team lead by Dr. Kent Taylor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center trying to locate the genes that cause Keratoconus; as an undergraduate I tried out several different kinds of research volunteering in an anthropological lab looking for early signs of trading in the Pacific Northwest and a marine physiology lab mapping electro-sensory pores of may different kinds of rays.

I finally landed in Dr. Dan Blumstein’s animal behavior lab where I did my own independent research identifying new call types in juvenile yellow-bellied marmots and traveling to Kenya to study human impacts on local wildlife. The variety of research I tried in high school and college really helped me through my master’s research and in my research career after graduating.

What is your favorite exhibit at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium? I love climbing through the giant mudflat exhibit like a microorganism!

Where would you like to travel to most? So my last lifelong travel goal was Antarctica, but I got to go there on a research expedition a few years ago and haven’t come up with a new travel goal yet...maybe the Galapagos or Madagascar?

What advice do you have for YSP students who want to do research as a career? Get started early (you’ve already done that with YSP!), volunteer a lot, try lots of different research, make good connections with professors and researchers, and find a subject you’re interested in or passionate about.

MARYKATHRYN STAHNKE, Research Intern Did you travel to any fieldtrip/stations while in college? In college, my laboratory classes would take field trips to the local Scripps Coastal Reserve on the cliffs to collect soil samples to test for various microbial communities as well as soil quality.

What did you do for fun in college? For fun, I joined contemporary dancing groups throughout college, learning how to express myself

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physically through the art form, and how to interpret the in depth meaning and the technical aspects of other dance forms.

Tell us your favorite fact about any invertebrate. My favorite invertebrate are Caenorhabditis elegans, which are microscopic roundworms; these worms are interesting in that modification or mutation of the unc-22 RNAi gene will alter its muscle function and cause uncontrollable twitching in the worm.

How did you start at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium? I have practically grown up at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and have participated in activities and events for at least 10 years; I started as a Sea Ranger, Junior/Senior Docent, PADI Intern, and now Education Intern, participating in sand crab surveys, exhibit hall tours, research, and nursery animal husbandry.

What advice do you have for YSP students while in college? My best advice for YSP students while in college is to truly immerse yourself into the college experience, find your passion in both your major and extra curricular.

MILINDA THOMPSON, Research Mentor What was your favorite course in college? That is a tough question, there were several courses I enjoyed, such as veterbrate zoology, herpetology, marine bio, and reproductive endocrinology.

What was/is your favorite non-science course in college? My favorite non-science course was a computer course call Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

What is your favorite terrestrial organism? There are too many unique and obscure terrestrial organisms for this biologist to choose...puffball fungi, saguaro cacti, thorny devil lizard, axolotl, echidna...I could go on.

What is your favorite exhibit at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium? When I was a kid, I enjoyed walking through the exhibit hall tunnel and pretending I was scuba diving. I still enjoy the tunnel as an adult, but I also enjoy observing the fish diversity tank and the jellies.

What is your favorite dinosaur? My favorite dinosaur is an ankylosaur.

What is not to love about an armour-plated herbivore with horns?

What advice do you have for YSP students who want to do research as a career? Never give up, embrace failure as opportunity to learn, and keep moving forward. Continue to fuel your curiosity and passion for exploring the unknown!

JULIANN VANNORDSTRAND, Research Mentor What did you do for fun in college? I love music so I went to a lot of concerts. I also love the outdoors and spent a lot of time camping and hiking. I was lucky enough to take classes that had camping and hiking included in the class too!

What is your favorite marine animal? I love sea slugs! They are super beautiful and come in a variety of eye catching colors and some get super huge. Scientists are even using them to study their nervous system to understand our own and neurological disorders as well.

What is your favorite exhibit at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium? The camouflage tank! It’s gorgeous, lots of colors and interesting fish!

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Where is your favorite place? My favorite place is Cabrillo beach. So much beauty to see in such a small space. You can visit the native garden, salt marsh, sail the calm inner beach, or walk over to the tide pools to explore.

What advice do you have for YSP students who are finishing college?

Get a lot of experience in your field of study before you graduate. It’ll look good for prospective jobs and will hopefully confirm your interest in your discipline.

DAVID VELAZQUEZ, Research Intern Tell us about your favorite professor in college. My favorite professor was Mr. Ternansky who taught organic chemistry because he made it easier to understand the concepts of organic chemistry by doing fun exercises like having students act out how certain chemical reactions occur.

Tell us your favorite fact about algae. My favorite fact about algae is that it provides most of the oxygen on planet earth, even more than the amazon rainforest.

What is your favorite animal to work with in the aquatic nursery?

My favorite animal to work with in the aquatic nursery is the pacific seahorse because I think the way they eat is cool.

What is your favorite t.v. show? My favorite tv show is Monk.

What advice do you have for YSP students who are entering college?

My advice for YSP students entering college is to take several opportunities in college to try new things.

EMILY WILSON, Research Mentor Tell us about your favorite professor. My favorite professor is Dr. Jayson Smith, who taught our phycology course for the CSU Catalina Semester; he’s always gone the extra mile for us, and helped me realize how awesome algae is!

What is your favorite terrestrial organism? Tarantulas are some of my terrestrial favorites; they have a bad reputation, but their defenses are so unique and their coloration can be gorgeous.

How did you start at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium? I started at Cabrillo in 2018 as a volunteer with the aquarists after four years of volunteering at another aquarium, and in May 2019 I got the opportunity to join all of the amazing people here in the Aquatic Nursery.

What fictional world/universe would you like to visit? I’d love to visit the Magic School Bus or Magic Tree House universes because there are always new things to explore (without the challenges of research in real life)!

What advice do you have for YSP students who are finishing college?

Never believe that voice in your head that tells you that you aren’t smart or capable enough to succeed in any field you’re passionate about.

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HOW TO GET INVOLVED To apply for the Young Scientists Program,

1) Attend the next Research Program Icebreaker,

2) Complete the YSP application by the deadline of Friday April 19, 2020 and

3) Complete the teacher recommendation.

CMA’s Student research program is geared for high school students and registration as a City of Los Angeles volunteer is required. This process includes a background check by the City of Los Angeles.

Participation in the research program consists of at least one to two days a week of research throughout the year and mandatory attendance is required of workshops, training sessions, and presentations.

RESEARCH PROGRAM ICEBREAKER Sunday, April 19, 2020 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. *Attendance at the entire icebreaker is required for application to the YSP

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SPECIAL THANKS It may be hard to believe, but the Young Scientists Program is open to all for no cost— thanks to generous supporters. CMA believes in investing in the journey of the scientist.

Students commit to a rigorous schedule rivalling any sports team, but for a future scientist, this is a surefire way to jump into a research career. We give thanks to all of our supporters for helping to make this opportunity available to as many students as possible.

AQUATIC NURSERY STAFF & INTERNS Andres, Chris, Cristina, David, Dominique, Emily, Eric, Janett, Joseph, Julie, Karla, Marykathryn, Milinda, Nayt, Peter, Samantha

FRIENDS OF CABRILLO MARINE AQUARIUM Caroline Brady, Executive Director Kim Diamond and Monique Carbajal

MEDIA TEAM Gary Florin and Sharon Moore

FCMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ralph Appy, Ph.D., Chair Brissa Sotelo-Vargas, Vice Chair Charles Ferraro, Treasurer MEMBERS: Raminta Jautokas, Denis Kurt, David McKenna, Faviloa Ochoa, Brandon Hosang

YOUNG SCIENTISTS PROGRAM SUPPORTERS Marathon Petroleum Associated Foundations Jeffery Neu PADI Foundation Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery Jennifer Castle in Memory of Thomas Castle

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Marathon Petroleum Associated Foundations Jeffery P. Neu PADI Foundation Phillips 66 Los Angeles Refinery Jennifer Castle in Memory of Thomas Castle

STAY CONNECTED! We look forward to sharing memories from the symposium with all of you.

Stay tuned for media updates on Social Media and at www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/research/young-scientists-program.asp

Post your photos on social media to connect us all together today! #cabrillomarineaquarium

/CabrilloMarineAquarium

@CabrilloAqua

@cabrillomarineaquarium

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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks with support from Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

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