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Pamelia F

- Research Program Mentor

MS at University of Maine

Expertise

Marine biology, ecology, aquaculture, fisheries, field and laboratory studies

Bio

I started my career teaching environmental and marine science in the Florida Keys during and after my college years. In addition to conducting classes for students and summer campers from the shoreline and from flat top marine vessels, I also instructed campers in basic data collection using SCUBA as a research tool. My working experience in marine biology include field research conducting surveys of pigmentation changes in seagrass beds in the Keys, sea turtle nesting surveys on the Florida coastline, and aquaculture techniques for growing Atlantic salmon for the USDA. My master's research assistantship at the University of Maine was at a cold water aquaculture facility. There, I analyzed both land- and sea-based methods for culturing the green sea urchin, an important commercial and ecological species in Maine. I am now working at the University of North Carolina, where I'm conducting research concerning the connections between autoimmune disease and atherosclerosis, further adding to my understanding of laboratory research practices and data analysis. My personal interests include SCUBA, true crime podcasts, baking, and finding weird animal facts. Having grown up on the coast of Florida, I love anything pertaining to the beach, and I was a competitive swimmer for around 6 years. I'm excited to join the Polygence mentoring team because I love to share my knowledge with anyone who is interested in learning about marine and environmental science, and communicating with younger people to create and encourage interest in STEM careers is one of the most important parts of being in this field.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Assessing the effects of current aquaculture endeavors on the state of shellfish harvests in Southwestern Florida

There are currently several commercially important shellfish species being cultured and harvested on the Southwestern coast of Florida. Using resources from the Florida Division of Aquaculture, Food Safety Division, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and commercial websites, produce a review paper describing the scope and environmental and financial impacts of shellfish aquaculture in Florida. Possible topics can include commercially important species, culture and harvesting techniques, categorization and description of various commercial harvests, and possible ecological effects in this region of Florida.

Teaching experience

I have approximately 3 years of experience in environmental education. My time was spent in the Florida Keys, teaching both school groups (4th grade-university age students) and summer campers (ages 11-17). Class format was informal, in the field or a wet laboratory. I have also recently spent a semester teaching introductory marine biology as an Adjunct Professor at Bowling Green State University. Lectures consisted of a Powerpoint presentation, with time during and after the lecture for questions for students.

Credentials

Work experience

University of North Carolina (2017 - Current)
Research Technician
United States Department of Agriculture (2017 - 2017)
Research Assistant
The Jackson Laboratory (2012 - 2016)
Research Assistant
University of Maine (2009 - 2012)
Graduate Research Assistant

Education

University of Miami
BS Bachelor of Science (2006)
Marine Science / Biology
University of Maine
MS Master of Science (2016)
Marine Biology

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