Dr. Joe Warren, Fardina Miah, Celeste Stout, Dr. Bradley Peterson

Dr. Joe Warren, Fardina Miah, Celeste Stout,
Dr. Bradley Peterson

The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences had 5 undergraduate posters presented at Stony Brook University’s Celebration of Undergraduate Research & Creativity Activities annual event. The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URECA) program was established in 1987 to promote undergraduate participation in research and creative activities with the aim of helping place students into different research or creative programs. In 1999, URECA launched their first Celebration of Undergraduate Achievements. The annual event displays the accomplishments of undergraduates working with faculty mentors in almost all disciplines across Stony Brook. Any student participating in a research or creative activity can display their work through research posters, art exhibits, talks or performances.

At the 2012 Celebration, 6 SoMAS undergraduates presented work in 5 posters spanning the many disciplines in the marine and atmospheric sciences offered by SoMAS faculty – from storm surge modeling to molecular tools, from cloud formation to predator-prey interactions. Sean Fitzgerald, working with Drs. Jackie Collier and Anne McElroy, used molecular genetic tools to investigate blue crab predation on winter flounder. After identifying genetic markers, Sean looked at blue crab gut contents collected from the field and determined that, at some sites in Shinnecock Bay, blue crabs are eating winter flounder.

Dr. Daniel Knopf, Frederic Jones

Dr. Daniel Knopf, Frederic Jones

Sean Fitzgerald's poster (camera shy)

Sean Fitzgerald’s poster (camera shy)

Frederic Jones worked with Dr. Daniel Knopf investigating ice cloud formation from aerosols. Aerosol particles can have important impacts on cloud formation and climate change, but they are poorly understood. The work by Jones and Knopf suggests that the point at which ice formation occurred varied based on the size of the aerosol particles. “The URECA event was a highly rewarding experience that allowed me to enhance my presentation skills. It also gave me a valuable opportunity to learn about many interesting research projects that is being conducted at SBU,” said Frederic.

Fardina Miah and Celeste Stout were co-presenters on a poster based on the upside down jellyfish, Cassiopea sp., and its algal symbionts, zooxanthellae. During the Tropical Marine Ecology course, co-taught by Drs. Brad Peterson and Joe Warren on the island of Jamaica during winter break, Fardina and Celeste investigated the environmental conditions that might cause upside-down jellies to expel their zooxanthellae, which the jellies used to obtain nutrition.

Keith Roberts

Keith Roberts

John Carroll, Jennifer Voci, Dr. Bradley Peterson

John Carroll, Jennifer Voci, Dr. Bradley Peterson

Working with Dr. Brian Colle, Keith Roberts built a statistical model for predicting storm surges in New York City. Keith used historical data to determine the wind speed and direction of major storm events that might lead to potentially devastating storm surges at the Battery, Manhattan Island’s southernmost tip. The model he employed could be used to provide real-time forecasted surge height guidance during wind events. Keith will be staying with SoMAS in pursuit of a graduate degree this fall.

Jennifer Voci worked with Dr. Brad Peterson on a mesocosm study investigating the effect of changing seagrass shoot density on the survival of bay scallops in the presence of multiple crab predators. Jen found that scallop survival increased with more vegetation, and that scallop survival was higher than predicted when both crabs were present, suggesting an interaction between predators.

Finally, the Stony Brook University chapter of the Global Water Brigades, advised by Dr. Malcolm Bowman, presented a group poster on their trip to Honduras where they traveled to establish clean, potable water for a village in need.

Being involved in research is an important component of undergraduate education. While SoMAS offers a variety of experiential courses where students gain tools and hand on experiences, marine and atmospheric science undergraduates are also strongly encouraged to participate in research activities under the supervision and guidance of faculty from SoMAS and/or other University departments. “Undergraduates at SoMAS benefit immensely from opportunities to participate in research with faculty or graduate students. The URECA program offers some competitive grants to facilitate participate of undergraduates in research. These are terrific programs and are incredibly valuable, particularly for students interested in research careers,” said Dr. Mary Scranton, Director of Undergraduate Programs at SoMAS.