Caitlyn Collins conducts research in Honduras and aids in coral reef restoration

Caitlyn Collins
 Caitlyn Collins, a master's student mentored by Dr. Thomas Klinger, conducted research this summer on sea urchins at the Roatan Marine Park in Honduras. Caitlyn's thesis work investigates the thermal tolerance of sea urchins in order to understand the potential impacts of climate change. She examined sea urchin abundance using the roving diver method, which is swimming at specific depths , typically 10, 15, and 20 meters for a specific time.   Caitlyn determined the depth, temperature,and  abundance of sea urchins, along with the coexisting species.  Her preliminary data showed that the most abundant sea urchin was Echinometra viridis (Reef Urchin), typically found living in the crevices of Agaricia tenuifolian (Thin Leaf Lettuce Coral). 

In addition to her own research, Cailtyn assisted with a coral restoration project that is underway at  the Roatan Marine Institute. The project involves connecting fragments of Acropora cervicornis (Staghorn Coral) and Acropora palmata (Elkhorn Coral) to a tree. This allows the coral to grow without the threat of predation and disturbance. Once the coral fragments reach a certain size, they are replanted onto the reef. This conservation effort is aimed at restoring coral reefs. Both of these coral species are very important to the foundation of coral reefs and are  critically endangered species.







Popular posts from this blog

Internship Experience for Medical Imaging Majors

Image
BAHS medical imaging majors gained valuable experience with various imaging technologies  during internships at Geisinger Health System.   Intern Ashley Wilkins  reports: "I  have been able to see so much in the Radiology field. I have observed general diagnostic radiology, MRI, CAT scan, and ultrasound. I have seen x-rays of different body parts, especially of the chest. I have also seen numerous MRIs of the brain and spine and CAT scans of the chest and abdomen. Lastly, I have seen many pregnancy ultrasounds. My favorite part of the internship is being able to start learning early. I definitely recommend this internship to other students. It is a great way to become more familiar with the type of environment you will work in during your career. It is also  a jump start to your learning, because you get to see so much and you have the opportunity to ask questions. " Intern Xiang Liao states .  "I learned how to position patients, collimate light fields, locate cen
Read more

Penn State Primary Care Scholars Program

Image
The Penn State College of Medicine Primary Care Scholars’ Program is an exceptional opportunity for those who are interested in attending medical school and specializing in primary care. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s program will be held virtually and will kick off the week of  May 17, 2021  followed by a series of evening sessions over the weeks that follow.  The Primary Care Scholars’ Program will include discussions on topics such as medical care, primary care, medical school admissions, and the medical school’s curriculum.  Participants will have opportunities to interact with medical students and faculty, and to learn about the philosophy and practice of primary care within the disciplines of family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. The format will include large group presentations, small discussion groups, panel discussions with medical students, individual application consults, and a sample problem based learning session.  In previous years, the pr
Read more

Heather Detwiler studies abroad in Australia

Image
Heather Detwiler , a B.S. Health Sciences major in the pre-accelerated nursing major, received a BU Professional Experience Grant to study abroad in Australia during the summer through at program at the University of Canberra.  She conducted research on the prevalence of concussions in youth populations in conjunction with the Australia Institute of Sport. Her work focused on the treatment and prevention of concussions in youth soccer players, a field that has not received much attention. Concussions are associated with long-term neurocognitive impairment. Australia has a higher prevalence rate for concussions among youth soccer players, perhaps since heading the ball during games and practices is allowed.  Heather's study compared the differences between youth soccer concussion treatment and prevention methods between Australia and the United States. During her stay in Australia, Heather had the opportunity to travel, visiting Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road, Canberra, Sydney, Cai
Read more