The Professional Science Master’s program requires all graduates to complete an internship and prepare a descriptive report in lieu of a master’s thesis. In 2009 I concluded a three-month full-time internship with the Institute for Natural Resources (INR). Oregon Explorer (OE) is a collaborative effort between INR and Oregon State...
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Invasive species are one of the most significant threats to native ecosystems in the nation (Mooney, 2001). As defined by Federal Executive Order 13112, a species is considered invasive if it is not native to the ecosystem under consideration, and its establishment causes or is likely to cause...
Oregon implemented a series of marine reserves from 2012 through the beginning of 2016 that will be evaluated in 2023. As part of that evaluation, several studies are focusing on the impact of the reserves on coastal communities. This project focused on tribal members with ancestral territory on the Oregon...
Water quality impacts both human and ecosystem health. Many pharmaceuticals and personal care products are considered contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) due to their bioactive properties. Among these, metformin—the most commonly prescribed drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes—has been reported at high concentrations (μg L⁻¹) in stream, lake, and...
This research focused on population dynamics of two gelatinous zooplankters (Aequorea & Pyrosoma atlanticum) in the northern California Current to assess their relationship to environmental conditions and role in the pelagic ecosystem. Data collected since 1999 showed seasonal and interannual fluctuations in the abundance and distribution of Aequorea in the...
The Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery harvests a diverse and large grouping of fishes, but it did not become heavily fished until around WWII. This makes the groundfish fishery a comparatively young fishery. Despite its youth, it is one of the largest and most lucrative fisheries in Oregon—with a current harvest...
Wave energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources. Thus, research in this field has increased substantially over the last decade. However, significant costs associated with development and maintenance have so far impeded the implementation of commercially viable projects. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic interactions between water and prototypes meant...