2015 is going to be a year full of possibilities, new learning opportunities and wonderful experiences. So far, I've started the new year with a new job at the Seattle Aquarium. I've been hired as the new temporary lab technician in the water quality lab. I'll be supervising volunteers that conduct water quality testing for pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, as well as coliforms in the marine bird and mammal exhibits. I'll also have the opportunity to assist with ongoing research conducted by my supervisor, Shawn Larson, Curator of Conservation Research. I'm very excited to learn more about ongoing research at the aquarium, and hope that I will be able to propose a project of my own.
My octopus design was chosen by students and staff for the 2014-15 school of aquatic and fishery science sweater! I wanted to create something from the marine world that was eye catching and fun. I stumbled across a similar design online while searching for inspiration, and decided to add a few of my own touches. I initially drew the tentacles with pen and paper, then scanned it into my computer and edited the image using Photoshop. In my spare time I enjoy artistic projects from drawing, painting, crocheting, leather work, jewelry and candle making, and more. I'm glad that some of my work will be printed and appreciated! Thanks to all who voted!
For the first time, I have created a wikipedia article! My climate change class required a project on an organism, and of course I chose the giant Pacific octopus. I added a lot of information on the basic biology, reproduction and intelligence sections to the existing article. The entire climate change and conservation section is new! Wikipedia is a great media for quick searches and basic information. It was relatively easy to learn to write in the wiki "code" and it was actually a really fun project to work on. Please check it out and let me know of your feedback!
Giant Pacific octopus Wikipedia As an assignment for my biology of shellfish class, I had to create a species report video on an invertebrate of my choice. While diving in California, I was so mystified by the sea hare that I decided to learn more about the little mollusc. Enjoy!
This is a beautiful video documentary created by a friend and colleague. They capture the entire reproductive process of a female octopus and her eggs at Three Tree Point, Burien. The care she takes in aerating her eggs is admirable and the quality of video is stunning. Unfortunately, she does pass away after some time, as female octopus are semelparous (a single reproductive episode before death). Although it is sad to see her go, the eggs hatch and life continues. Please watch and share!
I have always loved octopus. I think it's because they're intelligent, ridiculously good at camouflage, playful and curious (all of which are characteristics that I share, minus the camouflage ability). I decided to study octopus for my senior capstone project because the Puget Sound is home to the Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO), Enteroctopus dofleini. I'm working in the Sebens Lab on the UW campus, with Dr. Kenneth Sebens and Eliza Heery, a PhD candidate studying urban marine ecology. We're looking at GPOs that utilize artificial habitat as den sites. We wondered, do octopus that live in artificial habitat eat different prey items than those that live in natural habitat? See my proposal below.
Welcome to my blog! This will be where I share thoughts, ideas and general tangents on school, science, research and life. Feel free to explore and please contact me with any thoughts, questions or inquiries. Thanks!
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