AFSC Internships: 2008
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Project Title: |
Behavior of larval cod in experimental gradients of light, flow, temperature and prey availability
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Program: |
Fisheries Behavioral Ecology (FBEP) - RACE
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Specific Time Frame: |
While there is no specific time frame requirement, it would benefit the student to be in residency from June 16 to August 22, 2008 to coordinate with the Hatfield Marine Science Center’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates internship program. Scheduling is flexible for students wishing to do internships at other times of the year.
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Location: |
Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) in Newport, OR, with possible offshore field work along the Oregon coast.
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Project Description: |
The delivery of larval fish to nursery grounds suitable for growth and survival is dependent upon the interaction between the oceanographic flow field and the larvae’s behavioral response to gradients in the environment. In this project, a student intern will conduct laboratory studies of the behavior of larval Pacific cod in vertical water columns. Factors that will be examined include the responses to light conditions, prey availability, water turbulence and water temperature.
The selected intern will take primary responsibility for examining one or two of these factors while collaborating on examination of other factors. Ultimately this data will be used in conjunction with oceanographic models of the Bering Sea to determine patterns of larval transport and delivery to preferred nursery grounds.
Consistent with the Research Experience for Undergraduates program offered at HMSC, the student will prepare both written and PowerPoint presentations of their research project. The PowerPoint presentation will be presented at the Hatfield Marine Science Center’s Summer Symposia. The written report could be used as the basis for independent study or senior thesis at the student’s home university.
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Field Work Description: |
Although not necessarily central to the student’s project, the selected intern will have the opportunity to participate in periodic field work on juvenile fish in Yaquina Bay, OR, or offshore along the Oregon coast. These opportunities could be tailored to the student’s interest and experience.
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Qualifications Required: |
Students having completed some upper level undergraduate coursework in ecology, behavior and/or marine science and having an interest in experimental research will be considered. I especially encourage students wishing to pursue a career in fisheries or marine ecology.
Students should have good observation skills and must be willing to work on a flexible schedule, as may be required by experimental design. Experience with live animal care is helpful but not a necessary pre-requisite.
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Benefits to Student: |
The selected intern will be part of an active research team working with a variety of benthic and pelagic fishery species. He or she will work closely with a senior-level researcher and be involved in all aspects of the research. While having primary responsibility for their research, the student will receive guidance and assistance from Dr. Hurst and the FBEP technical staff. Advanced undergraduates may use their research for a capstone project at their home institution. Previous interns have produced significant contributions, earning authorship on research publications related to their project.
In addition, a series of activities (excursions, weekly seminars, career guidance, and interdisciplinary exchanges) are tailored to interns on the HMSC campus.
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For more information about this position, contact:
Thomas P. Hurst
NOAA/NMFS/Alaska Fisheries Science Center
Resource Assessment & Conservation
Engineering (RACE) Division
2030 S Marine Science Dr.
Newport, OR 97365
(541) 867-0222
Thomas.Hurst@noaa.gov |
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To apply for this internship, send complete application to:
Rebecca Reuter, Outreach Coordinator
7600 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115-6349
(206) 526-4249
rebecca.reuter@noaa,gov |
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