Summer 2012 Interns: Post #3

As the days march on, the 2012 summer interns are becoming more actively engaged in their research projects here at BIOS, having spent the early weeks of their internships "learning the ropes" of their respective labs and sorting out the details of their research plans.  In this post we'd like to introduce you to:

Amanda Chen, 20, is a rising senior at Princeton University in the ecology and evolutionary biology program. Originally from China, she was raised in Georgia (US).  During her time at BIOS she is working with Tim Noyes and Dr. Eric Hochberg in the Coral Reef Ecology and Optics Lab studying damselfish sociality and predator avoidance behavior.   Amanda is excited to be a part of the Princeton-BIOS partnership in order to take advantage of the facilities and expertise at BIOS.  In addition to her love of nudibranchs, she also enjoys reading and ballroom dancing.

Amanda Correia, 18, is a rising sophomore studying biology at the University of Tampa.  As a Bermuda native, she is part of the Bermuda Program at BIOS and is working with Dr. Eric Hochberg in the Coral Reef Ecology and Optics Lab to investigate algal growth patterns within and outside of damselfish territories.  After a few years working in retail, Amanda realized that her true passion is marine science and eagerly applied for acceptance into the Bermuda Program.  When not exploring tide pools, she likes to swim, play field hockey, and watch movies.

Laura Reid, 21, is a rising senior at Furman College in Greenville, South Carolina where she is studying biology.  She visited BIOS last year for the Coral Reef Ecology course and fell in love with Bermuda, the course instructors, and corals, prompting her to apply for a summer internship working with Dr. Samantha de Putron and BEACON.  Laura enjoys SCUBA diving and a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, and camping.

Angela Tomassini, 21, is a rising senior at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL where she is studying marine science with a concentration in biology and minors in environmental studies and Spanish.  Originally from Michigan, she received the 2012 Eckerd College Galbraith Fellowship, which awards one student each year with the opportunity to conduct a 10-week research internship at BIOS.  Angela is working with Dr. Kristen Buck in the Trace Metal Biogeochemistry Lab researching iron as a limiting nutrient for phytoplankton growth in the Sargasso Sea.  When not studying, she likes to read, watch tv, and go to the movies.

Kila Pickering, 21, is a rising senior at Princeton University where he is studying ecology and evolutionary biology.  For his senior thesis he was interested in doing research related to water pollution, so he took advantage of the Princeton-BIOS partnership and contacted BIOS scientists Dr. Andrew Peters (Environmental Quality Program) and Dr. Kristen Buck (Trace Metal Biogeochemistry Lab).  This summer he will be working with both researchers investigating the impacts of copper toxicity in marine sediments on phytoplankton growth.  Originally from Honolulu, HI, Kila enjoys anything beach-related: swimming, surfing, volleyball, etc.

More interns are still to come!  Stay tuned for another update about the exciting research being conducted by students from universities throughout the US and Bermuda!