Research Project

Galapagos Fish Ecology
"Investigating the Impact of El Niño-Related Stressors on Skin Disease in Galapagos Reef Fish"

To gain hands-on experience in fisheries, I reached out to Dr. Robert Lamb, a fish ecologist at the Nature Biological Coast Station and an assistant professor in UF's fisheries department. I began volunteering with Dr. Lamb in December 2023, and later received the University Scholar Program award, which provided a paid internship to conduct my own research project under the guidance of a UF faculty member. Dr. Lamb has conducted extensive marine research in the Galapagos, and I had the incredible opportunity to accompany him on a research trip in the summer of 2024. During the trip, we collected over 300 fish specimens, which will contribute to both his work and my own research project."

Research Focus

Under the guidance of Dr. Robert Lamb and Dr. Donald Behringer, I will conduct an independent research project using pathogen samples collected during a January 2024 field study in the Galapagos. My research will focus on laboratory experiments to investigate how microorganisms and environmental factors cause skin disease in fish. Specifically, I'll test whether higher temperatures (above 26 °C) and reduced food intake, conditions typical of El Niño events, lead to skin ulcers in the presence of a pathogen. Using the Aquatic Pathology Laboratory's specialized aquarium setup, I'll conduct trials with the fish species Azurina hirundo, applying different temperature (22 °C, 27 °C, 32 °C) and feeding treatments over three weeks. If ulcers develop, I’ll re-isolate the microorganism and repeat the trial to confirm the disease's cause.

Responsibilities

During my time in the Galapagos, I dedicated countless hours in the lab dissecting fish, where I gained in-depth knowledge of fish anatomy. I meticulously collected various tissues, including muscle, liver, gut, and gills. Beyond the lab, I spent a significant amount of time scientific diving, where we observed fish behavior at cleaning stations and measured urchins to investigate how environmental factors influence their growth and habitat preferences.

After returning from the Galapagos, I dehydrated and ground the liver and muscle tissues for stable isotope analysis. Additionally, I prepared and analyzed otoliths to gather data on fish aging. It was an incredible experience and learned many invaluable skills!