Research Extravaganza!

Monday was a busy day for us as we began our research project proposals. The Marine Biology majors worked on their personal research projects stemming from Junior Seminar while the rest of us thought of new projects that related to themes and species we’ve been studying. Here are the current research project titles-

Ashley: The Effect of Sediment on Sea Sponge Size and Distribution in the Florida Keys

Trevor & Henry: Effect of adjacent seagrass on fish density in red mangroves

Maija & Julia: Sponge and Seagrass Interactions

Zoe: Diversity of Algae, Sponges, and Mussels in Rhizophora mangle prop roots

Destiny: Macroalgae & Seagrass Interactions in the Bight

Mia, Jonah & Brie: Ophiuroidea Abundance in Porifera and Halimeda opuntia in Florida Bay

The earlier part of the afternoon was spent presenting research proposals to the class. Once each group was done presenting they had to ask a question or share their doubt about their own project, and the class gave them feedback and asked their own questions. We all helped each other figure out the specifics of our methods and overall themes of our projects. 

Afterward, dinner was made by Jody and Natalie, a delicious macaroni and cheese followed by her world famous ice cream cake. We then all parted ways to enjoy the evening and complete our proposal papers.

Brie Agnew, ’25