Carolyn Pope
Alumni: Texas A&M University at Galveston, B.S. Marine Biology, Minor Oceanography and Coastal Environmental Science and Society
Email: cxp2842@miami.edu
Focus: Environmental stressors effects on mollusc shell development
As an undergraduate I worked in a comparative physiology lab studying the morphology of loggerhead, green, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtle muscles. I also worked in sea turtle conservation in rescue, rehabilitation, and nesting programs.
My current research at Rosenstiel focuses on the physiological effects of environmental stressors, suh as reduced calcium, on the freshwater snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) and how this impacts their development and shell formation.
Kristina Babler
Alumni: Middle Tennessee State University (B.S. Animal Science, Minor Biology)
Email: kmb112196@miami.edu
Focus: Physiological and osmoregulatory effects of increased magnesium in the Gulf toadfish
As an undergraduate student, I primarily worked with large livestock species (specifically horses, cows - dairy and beef, and swine), during which I learned proper farm management of each species, animal care, and welfare, necessary medical practices, as well as gained a plethora of hands-on knowledge. I have well-rounded laboratory experience mainly including biotechnology and genetic work, microbiological analysis, vertebrate zoology, and an understanding of the overall anatomy and physiology of livestock animals, marine mammals, sharks, and rays, teleost fish, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
My current research at RSMAS, in the Master of Professional Science (MPS) program, is looking into the physiological and osmoregulatory effects, such as fluid build-up within the intestinal lumen and urinary bladder and impacted drinking rates and ion absorption, of increased magnesium loads within the Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) and how this relates to their hardy nature and survival in a changing marine environment.
