Student Blogs & Vignettes

Lilly Verrill

ABOUT MY RESEARCH

As an aspiring biological oceanographer, I am interested in how the ocean affects its inhabitants and vice versa. I have recently begun imaging preserved zooplankton samples using a PlanktoScope, a high-throughput digital microscope, and hope to use this work for my thesis. Understanding the role of microorganisms like zooplankton and their interactions within the ocean is crucial for advancing our knowledge of marine ecosystems. I am eager to use new technologies to explore these topics and plan to continue my research in this field.

Why USF CMS?

I decided to attend the USF College of Marine Science while completing my bachelor’s degree at USF St. Petersburg. During my undergraduate studies, I interned in Dr. Frank Muller-Karger’s lab, where I worked on the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) project, collecting and analyzing samples. This experience provided me with extensive lab and fieldwork exposure and sparked my passion for oceanography. The more time I spent at USF, the more I appreciated the lab community, the college's vision, and the other campus labs. As I neared the end of my bachelor’s degree, I chose to apply to the College of Marine Science to continue my education in a place I have come to deeply value.