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The ecological role of benthic foraging stingrays on fine-scale seagrass structure and function
No full textCoastal marine ecosystems are highly dynamic environments that are formed and maintained not only by abiotic processes but are often strongly influenced by their biota as well. Abiotic processes have been a focal point in coastal ecological research and conservation for what drives the development and long-term dynamics of coastal ecosystems’ seascape and function. Yet, marine megafauna, due to their large body mass and mobility, can have powerful influences on ecosystem dynamics through myriad mechanisms including physically modifying their habitat. Without incorporating both environmental and fauna inputs there will remain a gap of knowledge in our understanding on the control and maintenance of coastal ecosystem function. Large-bodied stingrays are marine predators commonly found in tropical and sub- temperate seagrass meadows, yet their ecological role in seagrass ecosystems is currently understudied. We know that rays, as benthic foraging consumers, can modify habitat structure when searching for prey, which may drive seagrass heterogeneity. Here, we investigate the impacts of individual disturbance events by foraging stingrays on the structure and function of eelgrass (Zostera marina), a dominant seagrass species, in Virginia’s Coastal Bays. We conducted transect surveys to quantify whether seagrass heterogeneity i.e., patchiness and proximity to bed edge alter ray pit intensity both separately and interactively. In paired ray pits (i.e., canopy height and shoot density, as well as plant biomass to quantify the localized effects on the structure and function of ray foraging pit edges. While seagrass meadow heterogeneity and edge proximity did not alter where rays forage, there was some evidence pointing to foraging preference for bed edge. Prior to peak growing season, ray pit disturbances appear to reduce adjacent seagrass canopy by 10 cm and shoot density by 69% compared to undisturbed seagrass. However, after peak growing season, seagrass canopy at the edge of ray pits was marginally higher compared to undisturbed areas, suggesting seagrass edge recovery after the initial pit. From this recovery, we found no stingray effects on primary production, or the total biomass produced, minus the pit created by the end of the growing season. Our results suggest that stingray foraging creates within meadow microhabitats, and when disturbances are small-scale (i.e., 0.5 – 2.0 m2 ) these impacts are localized without cascading degradation beyond the pit edge. Our study provides evidence that marine megafauna can play a measurable role in structuring coastal ecosystems, while also not compromising the long-term productivity and diversity of the ecological community.BiologyBachelors of Science (BS
Pee(k)ing into Derrida’s Underpants: Circumcision, Textual Multiplexity, and the Cannibalistic Mother
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Measuring Uranium Levels in Fossils in the Yorktown Formation to Determine Radon Risk Potential
No full textExcerpt from thesis: "Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer globally, behind smoking (EPA, 2016). The gas percolates up the bedrock and seeps through the foundation of a home to accumulate in the basement, posing a massive health threat to humans. It is a part of the Uranium decay series which includes other naturally occurring isotopes such as: 226Ra, 218Po, and 214Pb which are all daughter isotopes to 238U. Research dating back to the 1980’s indicates that indoor radon levels are highly correlated with the geology of an area (Sachs et al., 1982). Five dominant rock types are generally associated with increased radon levels: metamorphosed sediments, volcanics, and granite intrusives, especially those that are highly deformed or sheared. Additionally, glacial deposits derived from uranium-bearing rocks and sediments, carboniferous, black shales, soils derived from carbonate rock, and uraniferous marine deposits are also associated with higher radon levels (Gunderson, 1996). Consequently, the surrounding geology of an area that can be used to predict one's immediate radon hazards..."Geolog
The linkages between climate change and foot & mouth disease: A One health perspective from nomadic herders in Mongolia
No full textOne Health is a multifaceted approach increasingly used to explore climate-driven public health challenges; however, it is often lacking the expertise of local people who are most connected to and affected by these challenges. Our goal was to explore how nomadic herders in a conservation area (Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in Mongolia) understand the issues of interconnectedness of environmental, animal, and human health through Foot-and-Mouth Disease of ungulates and climate change. Materials and Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study of 104 nomadic herders in Dornogobi, Mongolia, using a questionnaire with 11 open-ended questions which were translated into English for analyses and coding using NVivo. The questions explored herders’ perceptions and experiences on the linkages between human wellbeing, environmental factors, and outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease of ungulated animals, which is occurring more frequently in Mongolia. Results: Pasture degradation was the factor herders most linked to animal, human, and environmental health and climate change. The herders displayed adept understanding of One Health concepts. The herders’ responses throughout the survey revealed a cycle where climate change contributes to landscape degradation, declining animal health, and human socioeconomic consequences. Discussion: Mongolia’s rich tradition of herding and generational linkages to natural resources provide a unique, holistic approach to understanding the effects of climate change and landscape degradation on disease transmission and human well-being. Conclusion: Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities should be actively engaged through leadership and input in formulating transdisciplinary strategies to combat climate change and its effects on animal and human health
A Commentary Response to the Article Reconceptualizing the Achieving Success Everyday Group Counseling Model to Focus on the Strengths of Black Male Middle School Youth
No full textThe purpose of this commentary is to review the article Reconceptualizing the Achieving Success Everyday Group Counseling Model to Focus on the Strengths of Black Male Middle School Youth. In the commentary, the author complements the article authors on their strong foundation of critical race theory, their attention to the current status of scholarship surrounding Black middle school students, as well as their notes about the need for more rigorous methodology in the future. The commentary author offers the article authors suggestions surrounding how they may better situate the Achieving Success Everyday group model for readers less familiar with it so that they can better understand and apply towards their future practice
Stepping Across the Divide: Exploring How Culturally Based Fraternities and Sororities Influence African-Born Members’ Navigation of U.S. Higher Education, Race, and Racism
No full textIn this study, we explored African-born students’ lived experiences in culturally based fraternities and sororities in the United States (U.S.), particularly the reasons they joined their organizations and the ways their articulated involvement influenced their college experiences and awareness of race and racism. Using a descriptive phenomenological research design, ten participants reflected on their lived experiences. Four emergent themes—Why I Joined, Cultural Acceptance, My College Experience, and Learning Race and Racism— describe the essence of the participants’ experiences. We close with recommendations for practice and future research