news Archives - Page 3 of 11 - Marine Institute

Odum PhD Cohort visits UGAMI

on October 26, 2022

The new cohort of PhD students from the Odum School of Ecology visited this month for a whirlwind tour of everything UGAMI and Sapelo Island has to offer young ecologists!

This post comes to us from the trip’s organizer and faculty member at Odum, Dr. Ford Ballentyne:

ECOL8000 Field trip

The field trip is an integral component of ECOL8000, the only required class for PhD students in
Ecology. It is an intense, but fun, long weekend during which students conceive and conduct
research projects, and present their results. All attendees (students, faculty, and teaching
assistants) travel together, stay in the same accommodations, and cook and clean up together.
One of the goals is for the students to bond and develop a sense of a cohort early on in their
graduate careers. In prior years, the class went to Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, but we
decided to try Sapelo/UGAMI this year.

The primary focus of the field trip is the research project. In groups, students must make some
initial natural history observations in an unfamiliar setting, and then translate their observations
into research questions and data collection schemes in a matter of hours. They present their
proposed projects to the rest of the class and receive feedback shortly thereafter. Incorporating
this feedback, the groups refine their questions and plans for data collection, and begin
collecting data the morning after formulating their plans, having a single day to collect data, with
minimal technology. The aim of the research project is for students to design projects that
address an interesting ecological question or observation, collect data that will address the
question with rudimentary techniques (simple measurements and counting) and significant time
limitation, and then synthesize, analyze (with minimal computation and statistical analysis), and
present their data and conclusions. They have to balance the quality of their questions with the
constraints on data collection and analysis to arrive at some clear and, hopefully, compelling
patterns and conclusions.

During the 2022 field trip to UGAMI on Sapelo Island, two groups focused on snails and one
group focused on birds. One snail group was interested in characterizing the relationship
between snail density, radulation scarring, and plant performance. The other snail group was
interested in characterizing how the height at which snails were found on spartina stalks was
impacted by snail density, distance from tidal creek, and snail body size. The bird group was
interested in characterizing how patterns of relative abundance of birds differed between
maritime forest, marsh, and beach habitats. The snail groups tromped around the high marsh
with measuring tapes, meter sticks, and calipers to collect their data, and the bird group used
both visual and audio surveys in the three habitats of interest. The radulation snail group found
an interesting pattern of increased total radulation scarring at an intermediate distance from the
tidal creek, the snail height group found that snail body size was significantly higher with
distance from the tidal creek, and the bird group found very different patterns of relative
abundance and species richness across the three habitats sampled.

Because of the history of human interactions on Sapelo Island, and especially those between
scientists, primarily associated with UGA, and long-term residents, we had Nik Heynen,
Professor of Geography at UGA, speak to the class prior to the field trip about his work with Hog
Hammock residents, which resulted from involvement with the Georgia Coastal LTER site at
UGAMI. While on Sapelo, we were fortunate to have Josiah ‘Jazz’ Watts talk to the class about
race, power, discrimination, and science on Sapelo and the GA coast more generally.

Boosting broadband speeds on Sapelo

bethrichardson on August 18, 2022

The sole broadband connection to Sapelo Island consists of a microwave link that exchanges data with the mainland, approximately 9 miles away. The microwave radios that had been on the tower since 2012 were installed as part of a partnership between UGAMI and Darientel, which is the network provider for the Island. The system was showing its age and was frequently at capacity, as the bandwidth shared by the entire Island was only 300 Mbps (150 Mbps in each direction). This resulted in bottlenecks and disruptions in internet service. However, that has now changed!

This past month we again partnered with Darientel and replaced the old system with modern radios that use new technology. The upgrade increased the bandwidth by 8-fold, to 2,400 Mbps. This makes a huge difference for us: for example, instead of taking ~2 hours to upload drone imagery it now takes more like 12 minutes. It also means we can support internet use and video conferences without interruptions. The increased capacity benefits not only UGAMI but also broadband users throughout the Island. We are very grateful to the UGA Office of Research, which provided the UGA portion of the funds for this improvement.

The microwave tower is located on South End Creek on the UGAMI campus.

The new radio being mounted on the tower.

The Sun Sets on another Summer Semester ☀️

on July 13, 2022

After four weeks of buzzing activity in the field and lab, UGA’s Coastal Summer Semester just wrapped up! The students left this past weekend having completed their independent projects under the supervision of Drs. Chuck Hopkinson and Emlyn Resetarits.

This summer’s projects took students to diverse habitats all across the island, from tagging along with the GADNR to track turtle nests to getting chest-deep in marsh mud to collect mud snails! The range of topics covered by this year’s cohort spanned microplastics to thermal tolerance, fish diversity to parasite prevalence.

The students ended the semester with a showcase of their work at the Coastal Summer Symposium held in UGAMI’s auditorium. Working with undergraduates is an important part of the UGAMI mission, and the energy and insight they bring is inspiring. It always makes it difficult to say goodbye.

If you would like to get involved with undergraduate research or know of any students who are interested in our experiential learning opportunities, we are currently accepting applications for our Marine Biology Spring Semester. Apply here! For more information or questions contact us.

It’s Field Sea-Sun!

on June 10, 2022

It’s going to be a busy summer at UGAMI! Last week, we hosted our annual barbecue to welcome our summer visitors.

Drs. John Schalles (Creighton) and Steve Pennings (UH) are back for another summer, as are graduate students Matt Pierce (UGA), Harrison Currin (GSU), and Tommy Pudil (GSU) .

We also have a group of interns joining us to work with GCE investigators. They hail from institutions across the US including Creighton University, University of Houston, University of South Carolina, Eckerd College, and University of North Florida.

We are also looking forward to the arrival of a new cohort of students for UGA’s Coastal Summer Semester, who will be here this weekend along with Drs. Emlyn Resetarits and Charles Hopkinson. We’re looking forward to a productive summer, and it feels great to see so many new (and returning!) visitors.

Graduate Student Matt Pierce (UGA) and Summer Intern Addie Band (Eckerd College) measuring water quality parameters.

Summer Intern Gabby Gagnon (U of South Carolina) learning how to use the RTK.

Job Announcement: Research Professional

on May 13, 2022

The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Research program (GCE LTER) seeks a Research Professional to assist with coastal ecology research on the Georgia coast. This person will serve as lead technician and manager of a field crew in performing research in a wide range of disciplines including water quality, remote sensing, soils, climate, and wetland plants and animals. The Research Professional will serve as the primary contact for visiting researchers, oversee maintenance and operations of equipment, manage data submissions, and perform other research administration tasks. The position requires at least a baccalaureate in a related field but those with a master’s degree and relevant experience will be the most competitive. Ideally, the candidate will have prior experience with small boat operations, field research, scientific instrumentation, drone piloting, and personnel management. Physical Demands: The position will occasionally require strenuous physical activity and irregular hours. Much of the work is done outdoors in hot, muddy, and buggy conditions. The position is based at the University of Georgia Marine Institute on Sapelo Island. Work Hours: Generally, 8:30 – 5:00 M – F; although field work may require early or late hours and occasional weekends. Apply by May 31 for full consideration.

Salary: $38-43k commensurate with experience

Posting number: S08442P

Apply: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/256285

For questions concerning this position, contact Jacob Shalack – shalack@uga.edu

UGAMI Hosts SAML Conference: Third Time’s the Charm

on May 4, 2022

UGAMI hosted the annual meeting of the Southern Association of Marine Laboratories (SAML). SAML is a regional chapter of the National Association of Marine Laboratories (NAML). SAML’s Member institutions range geographically from Maryland through Texas, including Bermuda.

The mission of SAML is to promote collaboration among member institutions; encourage the wise use and conservation of marine and coastal resources; demonstrate the importance of marine research and education to the economy and to society; facilitate marine and estuarine research on a regional scale; and provide a forum for developing solutions to common challenges facing marine laboratories in the region.

SAML meetings are held annually each spring. UGAMI was supposed to host the meeting in 2020, but that meeting was postponed twice due to COVID 19. The meeting used a hybrid format with approximately half of the participants attending in-person and the remainder logging-in remotely.

The meeting agenda included updates on new infrastructure and programmatic developments at each member laboratory; an update on the outlook for scientific funding and federal public policy; and a round-table discussion on ways to improve safety in the field and ensure that our laboratories are welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

It is great to spend time with fellow administrators and faculty from marine labs across the region, talking about the work for which we all feel such passion.

More Facilities Improvements at UGAMI

on April 14, 2022

We have recently completed renovations of the library wing of the main lab. This building was originally constructed in the 1930s as a dairy barn. When UGAMI was founded in 1953, the dairy barn was converted into a laboratory. The goals of this renovation project were to bring it up to modern building codes, improve aesthetics, and to optimize spaces to serve our strategic needs. These new renovations complete the third phase of the first major renovation of the building since it was converted from a barn in 1953. Improvements include removing hazardous materials, improving life safety, and updating mechanical and electrical systems. The library is now a very inviting, open space with couches, tables, and general-use computers. The books have been moved into a well-organized stack room adjacent to the library. The other spaces in that wing now include modern offices for visiting researchers, study spaces for students, and a conference room.

This renovation project, the latest in a long list of recent improvements, will help UGAMI continue to be a world-class facility for research and teaching.

Job Announcement – Field Research Technician

on March 28, 2022

The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems – Long Term Ecological Research Program (GCE LTER program) seeks a research technician to assist with studies of coastal ecology. Work will involve studies of water quality, soils, and wetland plants and animals. This Research Technician II position is based at the University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI) on Sapelo Island, GA. The selected individual will work with other technicians, faculty and students at the field site. Housing is available at UGAMI.

The minimum qualification for the position is an Associate’s degree and some relevant experience; however, candidates with 4-year degrees in an environmental field (Biology, Chemistry, Geology) and significant experience will be the most competitive. Candidates must be able to operate pickup trucks, and have basic computer skills, including experience with email, word-processing, and spreadsheet programs. Let us know if you have any of the following useful skills or training: US Coast Guard Captain’s license, small boat piloting experience, drone pilot license, drone piloting experience, GIS.

Physical Demands: The position will occasionally require strenuous physical activity and irregular hours. Much of the work is done outdoors in hot, muddy, and buggy conditions. Work Hours: Generally, 8:30 – 5:00 M – F; although field work may require early or late hours and occasional weekends.

Deadline for full consideration: April 4, 2022. Target start date: May 2, 2022. Apply at: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/248542

Job Announcement – Scientist in Residence

on February 18, 2022

The University of Georgia Marine Institute (UGAMI) is seeking to hire an Assistant Research Scientist who conducts research in Georgia’s coastal ecosystems. This is a “Scientist-in-Residence” position for a scientist who will live at the Institute (housing is provided). This is a limited-term position for two years, with the potential to add an additional year with approval. The position is targeted towards an early career scientist who has at least 1 year of post-doctoral experience and is within 8 years of having received their terminal degree. Possible research areas include (but are not limited to) habitat conservation, coastal restoration, ecosystems-based fisheries management, benthic ecology, and coastal water quality. In addition to research (70% time), the successful candidate will also be expected to help teach residential courses in their area of specialization and serve as an in-house resource for student research projects (20% time), and to deliver programming to schools and the local community (10% time).

Applicants must identify a faculty member to serve as a mentor for this position. Mentors do not have to be currently affiliated with UGAMI as long as their expertise is appropriate for the research being conducted, but they must be at UGA. A letter of invitation is required from the mentor that describes how the applicant’s proposed research fits into the sponsor’s area of expertise, the mentoring plan, and how they will support the proposed research (if funds or specialized equipment is needed beyond what is available to the applicant).

The annual salary for this position is $65,000, and the candidate will also receive up to $10,000 per year for professional travel (including to the main campus in Athens) and research supplies. The successful applicant is expected to be a full-time resident at the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island for at least 75% of the year.

A complete description and application materials can be found at https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/244882. Applications received by March 18, 2022 are assured full consideration. The position has a target start date of August 2022. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Merryl Alber, Chair of the Search Committee (ugamidir@uga.edu), with the subject line: “Scientist in Residence”.

Internship Opportunities

on February 8, 2022

The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long-Term Ecological Research program is recruiting for five paid summer internships in coastal ecology. Some positions are limited to students who have not graduated yet, but others are open. The deadline for applying is March 7. Follow the link for more information and to apply.

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