Jessie M
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at University of Alabama
Expertise
Geology, paleontology, paleobiology, geochemistry, cephalopods, earth history, evolution, marine science, marine conservation, climate change
Bio
I am a PhD student in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Alabama, researching the paleobiology and paleoenvironment of extinct cephalopods. I use the geochemistry of the shells of these ancient squid to help reconstruct the environment they were living in, as well as what their lives were like, both ecologically and biologically, millions of years ago! I have multiple degrees in geosciences, where my specialites and emphases have been in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Paleobiology, and Earth Systems Sciences. I'm from California originally, but have lived all over the country now! I am really passionate about travelling and being outdoors; I can usually be found camping or hiking somewhere naturally beautiful, when I can find someone to watch my 2 kitties. I also really love good food: cooking it, searching it out in cities, and watching food documentaries. If I'm not outside enjoying the sun or watching TV, I'm usually snuggled up with an entrancing sci-fi, fantasy, or mystery book.Project ideas
Is your calamari worth it? Fish are friends, not food
Literature review on the prospects of modern cephalopods (octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish) in the face of climate change (ocean acidification, global warming, etc.) and direct human impacts (overfishing, pollution, etc.). Could be submitted to a high school journal or make a highly impressive presentation.
Coral bleaching in a warming world
A review of the recent research on mitigating coral reef extinction due to climate change. A number of researchers are experimenting with "planting" heat-resistant coral species to form new reefs, developing chemical "sunscreen" to help them survive bleaching events, and studying how to keep corals from going completely extinct in the next couple of decades. A review on this subject (focusing on the positive developments and hopeful message) would make a highly impactful and charismatic project.
Local Paleontology Excursions
Student could research the local geology and paleontology of their area. They would need to understand and write a history of the geological formation of the area and how those rocks refelct environments the fossil animals used to live in, and write a public-accessible, plain language history of the area. A secondary component of this project could then be to research public-access areas (BLM land, parks, etc.) where fossil collecting would be legal and possible, and write up a field trip guide for students and peers. This would make a valuable outreach or service project that would benefit and educate a wide variety of people.