I have finally completed my videography and light exposure experiments with the H. typus. The data processing and graph making in excel took an excruciating amount of time, but results are coming together nicely. Because my project focuses on the differences in light response between P. penicillatus and H. typus, I have also begun videography on P. penicillatus to compare the two. I hope to pair the data I gather with another piece of information, so Professor Sutherland and I have probed other ideas to explore. We have considered monitoring their behavior in a larger tank over an extended period to make qualitative observations. Another idea was to examine the vertical distribution of P. penicillatus and H. typus at different times of the day. In my first attempt, I tried to rig a stereo system with multiple cameras and lights to observe the water column. The main issue is that the visibility is so poor you can hardly spot jellies that are already difficult to see. Another option is utilizing a plankton net at different depths when the tide is ebbing or flowing. This method would help me calculate species abundance by counting the number of jellyfish captured. Overall, I've had so much fun trying things through trial and error. This program has done a great job of helping me explore the methodology of research. My fellow interns and other colleagues on campus have also provided helpful advice and criticism. It's helped me realize how much of a collaborative effort science is and how it's challenging to do everything yourself. In other news, I was finally able to catch a good sunset at OIMB beach! The past few weeks have been overcast, so the sun coming out has been a pleasant surprise. Fourth of July weekend was also a nice break from research. There were plenty of fireworks and great food all weekend. Other interns and I were able to explore the local area a bit more as well. We were lucky enough to observe a fleet of pelicans diving for fish, some very gracefully while others not so much. If you happen to be a birder, this is a lovely place to be.
1 Comment
Trevyn S
7/19/2021 11:21:16 am
Great work! Beautiful Jellies
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AuthorHello everyone! My name is Dominic Eastburn. I grew up in Fortuna, California. For the past two years, I have attended Green River Community College in Auburn, Washington. This fall, I am transferring to the University of Washington to pursue a BS in Oceanography. I am excited and grateful to be participating in Professor Kelly R. Sutherland's lab that focuses on the form, function, and flow of gelatinous zooplankton. Over the next nine weeks, I hope to develop valuable skills to prepare me for university and graduate school. Archives
August 2021
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