Wenlong "River" Zhang
Alumni: Franklin & Marshall College (B.A. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
Email: wzhang1@rsmas.miami.edu
Focus: Ocean acidification and metal toxicity effects on freshwater snails
I had been working as a research assistant in the marine biology lab during my undergraduate period exploring the temperature sensitivity of different Symbiodinium clades, as well as the adaptations of several essential metabolic enzymes (such as isocitrate dehydrogenase) under gradually elevated seawater temperature.
My current research project at RSMAS is focusing on the exploration of the adaptation of freshwater snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) towards ocean acidification and metal toxicity (such as copper) in the molecular biological level, with focus on the function of an essential calcification enzyme Carbonic Anhydrase II.
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.
