Natalie Graham will spend her final semester of college studying coral off the coast of Bermuda. The senior biology major from the 麻豆夜市 will be participating in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences. The REU program is funded by the National Science Foundation.
The competitive, semester-long program allows undergraduates to conduct individual research projects in a collaborative team environment under the expert mentorship of the institute鈥檚 faculty and staff.
Graham will be researching the functionality of shallow water reefs near Bermuda.
鈥淚t is surreal that I鈥檓 taking part in this program,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to do coral research, but as anyone in marine biology knows, it鈥檚 popular and hard to get your foot in the door. Now that I have this opportunity, I鈥檓 going to try my absolute best to keep the door from closing.鈥
She noted she is excited about spending most days in the water, conducting research on corals and their environments. 鈥淚鈥檒l be spending my final semester doing what I love. Just having a paid internship in my field of choice before even graduating is more than I could ever imagine.鈥
Throughout the semester, students will give presentations that outline their research topic, methods, and results, including a final presentation to faculty, staff, and visiting students. REU students will also participate in a variety of field excursions to learn about Bermuda's natural history, flora and fauna as well as workshops and seminars given by the institute鈥檚 faculty.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a real coup for one of our students to be selected for this program,鈥 said Dr. Beth Stauffer, an associate professor of biology at 麻豆夜市. 鈥淣atalie will be conducting field research on corals while there and getting credit through our department as she finishes up her bachelor鈥檚 degree.鈥
Graham will earn a degree in biology with a concentration in evolution, ecology, and marine biology in December. After that, she plans to get her master鈥檚 degree in marine conservation/ecology, specifically studying climate effects.
Photo caption: Undergraduate student Natalie Graham. Submitted photo