The effect of environmental stress on Hydra reproduction and regeneration
Mentors and lab: Kelso Cochran & Aide Macias-Muñoz
Dates: June 23-August 29, 2025
Location: Lab on Coastal Campus
Project Background: Hydra vulgaris are polyps that belong to the phylum Cnidaria which encompasses jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals. Hydra are sometimes refered to as “immortal” because a polyp can reproduce asexually and when injured can regenerate any part of it’s body. Our lab is working to establish Hydra transgenics (CRISPR gene editing). To do this, we are learning more about their life history traits including: 1) What factors influence sexual reproduction (diet, temperature, water quality)? 2) What is the fertilization window for proper egg development? 3) What factors contribute to egg hatching and what is the timing?
Intern Duties: Students will learn how to feed and clean Hydra. Students may also learn and conduct experiments to dissect Hydra. Data collection will require meticulous documentation of protocol and observations. Students will work with mentors to design a research question within the scope of the project. Depending on the particular experiment, time course data may need to be collected. Students will also learn how to analyze and interpret their data.
Intern Qualifications: Some experience using dissection scopes, comfortable handling/dissecting small marine invertebrates, experience with R is a plus.
Do you recommend the intern(s) volunteer in your lab during Spring quarter?
Yes to familiarize themselves with animal care, the lab, and develop their project questions.
