Student Blogs & Vignettes
Meghan Purcell
Meghan Purcell, USF CMS master's student
About my research
My research interest lies primarily in phytoplankton physiology and community dynamics as these organisms form the foundation of marine food webs and ecosystems. As an undergraduate at Roger Williams University, I researched methods to optimize the nutritional longevity of microalgae cultures for use in the Aquaculture and Aquarium Science Lab. I also gained experience with culturing the harmful algal bloom (HAB) dinoflagellate Margalefidinium polykrikoides, which has sparked interest in connecting my future research to HABs in Tampa Bay. Moving forward, I am eager to connect my background in phytoplankton aquaculture to the field, using molecular biological tools that I will learn in Dreux Chappell鈥檚 lab.
Why USF CMS?
I chose to attend USF College of Marine Science because of the vast array of research opportunities available, the welcoming community of students and faculty, along with its prime location that allows direct access to marine environments. I am truly grateful to be given the opportunity to study here and am excited to see all that St. Pete and Tampa Bay have to offer in the realm of marine science!