Hometown: Vancouver, BC; Seward, Alaska, resident since 1997

Degree seeking: Ph.D., Marine Biology, Seward

Year of expected graduation: 2007

Major professor: Dr. Michael Castellini

Previous university: University of British Columbia

Previous major: M.S., Zoology
 

Briefly describe your graduate project: I am investigating how pinniped species meet their nutritional demands while foraging on a prey base that changes both spatially and temporally (R/101-03). Pinnipeds consume a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate prey. The rate of energy and nutrient intake depends on the quality, size, and species of available prey. A flexible digestive and metabolic response to dietary substrate would provide pinnipeds with a method to accommodate the unpredictability of prey type and abundance.

My research focuses on determining the degree of nutritional variability in prey, and the metabolic flexibility three pinniped species, Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), Alaskan harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), and Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii), exhibit in response to diet. In particular, I am studying the effect of diet on protein metabolism in these species using stable isotope tracer techniques.

Why did you choose UAF? Alaska provides the unique opportunity to work with pinnipeds in both a field and controlled environment at the Alaska SeaLife Center. UAF offers me access to these resources, as well as the opportunity to work with Dr. Castellini.

Favorite pastimes and hobbies: I enjoy traveling, cooking, playing the piano, windsurfing, and swimming.

Most interesting educational experience so far: The most interesting research experience I have had so far has been working in Antarctica on Weddell seals. Our lab is conducting a study on the foraging biochemistry in naturally diving Weddell seals. Using an "isolated dive hole" technique, we can collect blood samples from a freely diving and foraging seal.

Future plans: A postdoctoral position to continue my studies on wildlife nutrition, then hopefully a job with a government agency.

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