I am at the beginning stages of research for my Masters Degree (M.S.), working with Dr. Wayne Bennett. My research interests are in the area of ecological physiology, how organisms are able to adapt and exploit their environment My research will revolve around 2 local species of pipefish, Syngnathus scovelli(Gulf pipefish) and Syngnathus louisianae(Chain pipefish). I am aiming to determine the thermal ecology of these pipefish, specifically the extreme temperatures that these fish are able to tolerate. Pipefish inhabit shallow seagrass beds that frequently experience wide temperature fluctuations. Knowing the temperatures these fish can endure can give biologists a better idea of how pipefish survive in their environment.
email: lao5@students.uwf.edu
