I have been at UWF for several years and have been involved with many different types of projects. My Master’s thesis research is on fish physiology. More specifically I’ve been investigating osmoregulation in fishes exposed to increases in salinity (salt content). Most of my thesis work has involved lots of time out collecting fish from the beaches, bays and other areas around Pensacola.
Besides my own project, I’ve assisted in many undergraduate research projects on mysis shrimp, pipefish and freshwater trout. All projects involved getting wet, collecting animals and successfully keeping them in captivity. Several of the classes I teach involve fieldtrips around the county and I get to instruct students while standing in water, sand or mud. Where else can you teach class in a swimsuit and dive booties without feeling unprofessional!
In addition, I’ve been lucky enough to do summer research in the Dry Tortugas National Park for the last five summers under the direction of Dr. Wayne Bennett. All research projects involved living aboard a research vessel, lots of snorkeling, looking at coral reefs and assessing reef fish assemblages. UWF Department of Biology has been wonderful at allowing me to pursue different types of research while expanding my knowledge beyond what is required for my Masters.
