Graduate Research

MBI Fellows receive research conference presentation awards

Meet STEMstars fellow Alicia Reigel

Ms. Reigel using a quadrant to determine the number of barnacles in a defined area.

STEMstars Fellow Alicia Reigel is a molecular marine biologist conducting her masters research on an invasive species of marine barnacle, Megabalanus coccopoma, in the southeastern U.S.  Her project involves using molecular techniques to assess the population genetics of the barnacles.

Additionally, she is documenting shell size and density at nine different research sites, both onshore and offshore, to begin a baseline assessment of the population for future monitoring. Alicia is currently partnered with Southeast Bulloch High School and has introduced her research to her students through such activities as DNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, eco-columns, invasive species awareness and conservation management of endangered species.

Alicia’s research was recently highlighted in a television commercial for the Georgia Southern University College of Science and Math. Watch the commercial!

Meet STEMstars fellow Dean Moore

STEMstars fellow Dean Moore is a microbial ecologist conducting his masters research on how nutrient enrichment of rainfall impacts the ability of soil microbes to cycle nitrogen. Dean primarily conducts his research on St. Catherine’s Island, Brunswick, Georgia and Skidaway Island, Savannah, Georgia.

Dean Moore conducting research on St. Catherine’s Island, Brunswick, GA

Dean is currently partnered with Portal Middle/High School and has introduced his research to his students through activities often used in soil community assessment such as gel electrophoresis, quantification of microbial respiration and the measurement of abiotic factors.

Mr. Moore entering data.

Mr. Moore plans to pursue a STEM career in the areas of ecology and conservation.