Student Blogs & Vignettes

Lisa Rose-Mann

About my research

As a Floridan and inhabitant of Gulf Coast communities my entire life, I can think of few other places I’d want to be. And because of that, I have a strong connection to the Gulf of Mexico, our warm waters and sandy beaches. I’m excited to start working towards a master’s degree in Biological Oceanography and the opportunity to work with Dr. Heather Judkins and Dr. Steve Muraswki. They each have extensive experience in the Gulf of Mexico and have been a part of many research initiatives funded by grants resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. While my research project is still in the developmental stage, I hope to be able to determine if mid-water cephalopods (squid in particular) have evidence of oil contamination and potentially micro-plastics as well. Since squid are a prey item for so many marine animals, I’m interested in the possible connection between these squid and their potential contribution to bioaccumulation in their predators. My hope is to use specimens retrieved during sampling as well as specimens obtained from the stomach contents of game fish such as Tuna. I’m looking forward to the possibility of a research cruise, incorporating organic chemistry in my research and processing samples with gas chromatography.

Why USF CMS?

Location, location, location! USF’s College of Marine Science is on the water (I do stand on the seawall and see what’s happening in there every time I come to campus) and is exactly where I want to be, near the Gulf of Mexico. It’s also home to a host of amazing and experienced research scientists of every discipline. They have research vessels! The day I got to go out on the R/V Weatherbird II and do some field work was The Best Day Ever…truly life changing and confirmed to myself I was following my hearts path.  Also, their labs are very well equipped to perform practically any experiment you’d want. I chose USF CMS because it’s all about the research and that is what I want to be doing. Their reputation is impeccable and their connections and proximity to FWC, NOAA and USGS provide more opportunities. Add to that everything cool and fun about St. Petersburg and you’ve got the perfect set up.