"Using FlowCam to Advance Biomonitoring, Education, and Community Science in Penobscot Bay "
Researchers and professors at Maine Maritime Academy have focused on advancing community science and environmental science education using the FlowCam, a next-generation tool for particle imaging of fluids, awarded in 2022 through MEIF-SCI funding. This talk will highlight their work in building partnerships in environmental science in Penobscot Bay and the Bagaduce River estuary. FlowCam is a powerful tool for imaging and categorizing marine plankton (10-1000um). Characterizing plankton dynamics are critical for conservation and restoration efforts in Penobscot Bay and its watershed. The research of the MMA team has thus far focused on understanding zooplankton populations in freshwater ecosystems important for migrating sea-run fish. Their work has also advanced environmental education training for students at MMA and in collaboration with Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership. Next steps involve developing a plankton monitoring program that leverages Penobscot Bay oceanographic buoys to be deployed (Spring 2025). Key to this work has been developing community partnerships and involving ocean science students in the classroom and through summer research experiences.
Dr. Kerry Whittaker, Associate Professor of Coastal and Marine Environmental Science; her research on marine molecular ecology focuses on phytoplankton population genetics and understanding drivers of biodiversity across marine taxa. Whittaker embraces experiential research-based practices in her teaching and has years of experience teaching undergraduates in sea-going field environments. She holds a B.A. in English and Environmental Science from Colby College and a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. Prior to joining MMA, Kerry was an Assistant Professor of Oceanography at Sea Education Association (SEA). Kerry is also an alumna of the Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship program.
Dr. LeAnn Whitney, Associate Professor of Oceanography in the Corning School of Ocean Studies at Maine Maritime Academy, received her Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Rhode Island. She is a phytoplankton ecologist with expertise in phytoplankton culturing, sampling, and identification. Dr. Whitney also has extensive experience in mentoring undergraduate researchers and developing and incorporating course-based undergraduate research projects into her classes. Before coming to MMA, LeAnn was a Research Scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, ME.
Dr. Steven Baer, Associate Professor of Marine Science, Corning School of Ocean Studies at Maine Maritime Academy; received a Ph.D. in Chemical Oceanography from the College of William & Mary, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. His research focuses on the interplay between nutrients and microbiology in the ocean, especially in high latitude systems. He has decades of experience teaching and mentoring undergraduates, along with research expertise in flow cytometry, stable isotope geochemistry, and extensive at-sea experience.