Gerace Research Center
In 2025, I took Studies in Tropical Environments (Biol 320), where I traveled to San Salvador Island, Bahamas for 8 days to learn about the ecology of coral reefs and tropical island terrestrial ecosystems, specifically emphasizing the taxonomy and natural history of marine fishes and vertebrates. I stayed at the Gerace Research Center and traveled around the island. I conducted an independent research project with three other students analyzing how soil salinity affected mangrove health at different zonations.
Mangrove Study
Goal: Analyze how soil salinity affects Mangrove community health.
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In our study, we analyzed two different mangrove communities: One with high soil salinity and one with low soil salinity. In order to measure the mangrove's health, we examined the canopy, DBH, chlorophyll content, stomata density, and SLA. During our trip, we measured and collected samples of the Mangrove community and in the Spring, we will review our data.​
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Research
Species within mangrove community
Identified species within mangrove community and collected leaf and soil samples
Analyzing tree health through leaves
Measure leaf SLA, chlorophyll content, and stomata denisity
Soil salinity of tree species
Collected soil samples and measured the electrical conductivity.
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Analyzing overall tree health
Measured trunk diameter, tree height, and canopy density
