Mentor & Lab: Andrea Paz-Lacavex, Raimondi-Carr Lab
Number of Interns: 1-2
Tentative project dates (8-10 weeks): 6/22/26 – 8/28/26 (flexible)
Project Location: Prep, lab work and data capturing in Long Marine Lab, Coastal Science Campus in Santa Cruz.
Deployment and maintenance of field experiment via SCUBA at Hopkins Marine Station in Monterey.
Project background: Giant kelp forests (Macrocystis pyrifera) along the coasts of Baja California and California have faced significant declines in recent years, with many regions transforming into persistent urchin barrens. In Baja California, our field experiments have identified a recruitment limitation in benthic assemblages attributed to herbivory from the well-studied purple sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), as well as from the lesser-known giant turban snails (Pomalaux gibberossus). This summer, we will conduct two complementary experiments to examine whether grazing by another common turban snail, Tegula spp., significantly contributes to the maintenance and creation of barrens on the Central California coast in comparison to purple sea urchins. One experiment will involve a SCUBA-based caging study at Hopkins Marine Station in Monterey Bay, aiming to assess the impact of Tegula spp. on kelp recruitment. Furthermore, in the Long Marine wet lab, we will evaluate the grazing rates of Tegula spp. on various algal species and compare them to those of S. purpuratus. This research will offer novel insights into the ecological processes shaping the resilience of kelp forests and influencing the broader benthic community structure.
Intern duties: Intern(s) will play an integral role in this research by assisting with both field and laboratory experiments. SCUBA experience preferred but not necessary. Specific responsibilities include:
Wet lab component
Setting up and maintaining grazer-exclusion experiments in the wet lab
SCUBA component
Conducting surveys to document benthic species, including kelp, various algae, and invertebrates.
Identifying and quantifying benthic organisms to assess community structure and richness.
Both components
Capturing and processing monitoring and grazing data.
Maintaining equipment and tanks, as well as organizing experimental logistics.
Intern qualifications:
Be comfortable working in wet lab and coastal field conditions, including carrying moderate loads (~25 lbs) and long hours outdoors and sometimes in the wet lab during the weekend (occasionally).
Have strong attention to detail for data collection and data QA&QC.
Be willing to handle biological specimens, including live grazers and algae.
Be an active AAUS scientific diver
Optional experience but not required: data analysis (e.g., R or Excel), work with marine organisms or in a wet lab, and microscopy.is a must!
Do you recommend the intern(s) volunteer in your lab during Spring quarter? The field season will begin in February-March, 2026 and it will include both lab and field work. Students are welcome to volunteer in a regular schedule if their availability allows. Coordinate with Mentor about Spring schedule.
