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| Department and/or Lab |
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Biological Sciences/Fish Biology
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| Thesis Title: |
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The life history and ecological role of the exotic Mayan Cichlid, Cichlasoma urophthalmus, in central Florida |
| Degree Sought: |
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M.S., Marine Biology
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| Research
Advisor: |
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Dr. Jonathan Shenker |
Research Focus
My research will focus on the life history and ecological role of the exotic Mayan Cichlid, Cichlasoma urophthalmus, in central Florida. I will be working with researchers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute for my research.
Description of
Research
Exotic (non-native) species are animals or plants that have been introduced by humans to a new location (deliberately or unintentionally). Frequently, exotic species negatively impact native species and the surrounding environment. Some examples are: increased competition, increased predation, habitat degradation, and sometimes extinctions. Understanding the life history and ecology of exotic species may help managers control populations or reduce negative impacts on native species and habitat.
I am in the process of formulating questions for my anticipated research. My species of interest is an exotic fish species, the Mayan cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus). The Mayan cichlid originated in Mexico, but appeared in south Florida’s fresh, brackish, and salt waterways in the early 1980s. These fish are expanding their range northward, and were recently discovered as far north as Merritt Island, Florida, in the Indian River Lagoon. Most life history studies on the Mayan cichlid in Florida are from south Florida populations. To further understand this non-native species, it is important to understand the life history patterns through its expanding range, which now includes central Florida. Additionally, their ecological role in central Florida remains unknown. I aim to fill in these gaps with my research.
Example of How My
Research is Integrated into My GK-12 Experience
Bringing a researcher into the classroom puts a face on science. Science becomes real and intriguing, which facilitates questions and critical thinking. I want to make it fun and interesting for these students, and influence them to think outside the box. InSTEP is a great program to enable this interaction.
Although my research will focus on exotic fish species, it will encompass aspects of wildlife ecology, marine biology, and several other scientific disciplines. Students will learn how their actions affect the environment and how everything is related. To accomplish this, I plan on incorporating my research and local fish, wildlife, and habitats into lesson plans related to current topics they are studying.
Presenting my research and related topics in the classroom will improve my ability to communicate scientific material in front of a broad spectrum of audiences. I am eager to professionally develop myself and to put a face on science for students.
Profile date:
February 16, 2009
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