A Seagrass Summer
An SRJC-BML Internship Story
I am a second-year Environmental Science major at Santa Rosa Junior College and will be transferring to UC Santa Cruz this fall to complete my undergraduate degree. I spent my summer at the Bodega Marine Laboratory, working under the supervision of Dr. Alyssa Griffin. After learning about the opportunity from my professors at Santa Rosa Junior College, I researched the program and realized it was my dream internship. In the CHANGE Lab, I shadowed graduate students Liyu Mekonnen, Ana Roden, and Lily Goerlitz as they conducted geochemistry research on ocean alkalinity and blue carbon systems. My main project examined how adding olivine, a silicate mineral that increases ocean alkalinity, to a blue carbon system could enhance its ability to absorb and store carbon, potentially boosting its overall storage capacity.
The experiment was in its early stages when I joined the lab. With that said, most of my contributions consisted of constructing the incubation pots and lids, planting/potting the seagrass, and tank maintenance. I found these tasks to be surprisingly enjoyable, especially when my backdrop is the Bodega coast! However, I also discovered that dealing with stubborn microalgae is a real challenge, which made cleaning the tanks far more difficult than I had anticipated.
I was privileged to have the opportunity to be surrounded by unique lab technology. I was taught how to use their open-cell potentiometric titrator as well as their coding system, R-Studio. I also learned how to comprehend and discuss complex scientific journals about ocean alkalinity and carbon storage. I found this aspect of my internship particularly engaging because it allowed me to expand my knowledge and understanding of new concepts directly related to our research focus.
This internship gave me a taste of what it is like to work in a professional lab and begin designing my own experiments. I learned a great deal about the aspects of lab work I enjoy, as well as the areas I may want to avoid in the future. I am incredibly grateful for this experience and look forward to pursuing more opportunities like it in the years ahead!
About the Program:
The SRJC-BML Internship Program provides summer research opportunities for Santa Rosa Junior College students at the Bodega Marine Laboratory.