Summer LAB overview

The whole lab has been collaborating at phenotyping populations of Gracilaria from different regions including the southeast (Beaufort, Savannah, and Fort Johnson), northeast, and Pacific northwest (Washington and Vancouver area), as well as California and Japan! 

The lab members are phenotyping Gracilaria's tolerance for salinity (Aaron’s work), thermal tolerance (Ben and Sarah), and herbivory (Paige). Dr. Stacy with help from Dr. Courtney Murren are looking at the architecture and breakage of Gracilaria. The architecture deals with the structure of plants (where the branches are etc.) They are looking at that to see if there is variation between populations. They are hypothesizing the architecture will change depending whether the populations are attached versus free floating. 

 Traveling is a major theme this summer! Eric and Stacy have returned from Japan and are already prepping for their next trip. Eric is heading to Puget Sound and Vancouver. Stacy is leaving for Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Travels for the rest of the summer include Virginia, the Delmarva Peninsula, and California.