Funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), undergraduate students Kaili Martin and Kailyn Singh will do fieldwork over the spring and summer to compare diver observations with GoPro video. The pair will look for epifauna on docks to determine the feasibility of identifying invasive species (primarily tunicates) by citizenship monitoring. The project includes Eloise Brown’s co-PI Erika Ammann, NOAA Fisheries Anchorage, and supports existing work by Catherine Bursch at the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve (KBRR).
Kaili Martin tells us, “My professor Eloise Brown brought this project to my attention after my freshman year here at APU. I am so honored that I get to work with NOAA and KBRR for my junior practicum. I have been scuba diving for a while, so putting my skills towards something so important and relevant to Alaska is a dream come true. Working with NOAA and KBRR is amazing! I am learning more about federal grant programs and helping citizens get involved with scientific research projects. APU faculty work hard to get students hands on experience and I know that if you are a passionate, hard worker, a lot of doors will open for you and you will be able to make a difference.”
Click here for more information about APU’s Scientific Dive Program.
