2019-Beneficial Microbes of Corals and Sea Anemones (Biology)

About the Project:

Corals and other cnidarians face tremendous environmental stressors that threaten the success of the symbiosis between the animal hosts and their algal symbionts. Corals and sea anemones also possess a rich community of bacteria that may offer protection in the face of changing environmental conditions. We still have much to learn about the identify and the role of these microbes in cnidarian physiology. First-year research associates will help to isolate, identify, and characterize bacterial strains associated with corals and sea anemones. Most of the work will be in the laboratory but there is potential for field collections.

The First-Year Research Associate Program at Eckerd College honors academically outstanding students with awards of up to $1,000. The program also provides the opportunity, during the freshman year, for the award winners to work closely with a sponsor (faculty or administrative personnel) on a project of mutual interest. Associates might assist with research for faculty publication or new courses, conduct scientific experiments, work with creative artists, or develop projects related to any phase of the academic, cultural, and social life of the college. Scholars are selected on the basis of achievement in high school and on the creativity and depth of responses to items on this application.​

Online submission due no later than February 1, 2019.

Registration is no longer available because the registration deadline has passed.