Reef-Scaping a Wet-lab for Marine Biological Science (2017-2023)

I began my work with corals at Lane Community College Wet Lab for Marine Biological Sciences. I advanced the state of 12 marine tanks through data analysis by tracking water chemistry and creating ecological solutions. At Lane I initiated a new professional position at LCC's marine biological wet lab which I filled for 2 years while attending school at Lane.

While employed at LCC, I maintained, logged and analyzed water chemistry of 8 large saltwater fish tanks for 2 years ranging from 50 to 250 gallon tanks. During this time I Identified and controlled invasive species in closed water systems. I recruited students for involvement with coral reef protection studies. One of my favorite accomplishments in this lab was that I established professional relationships with suppliers and received $5,000 in donations for school wet lab. I continue to volunteer my time to help in coral harvesting, donation, and trades to this day, 7 years later.

Another great accomplishment at Lane was, while working alongside Mellissa Kilgore, head of the Marine Biology department, we created five undergraduate research projects that involved careful observation of marine species paired with aquatic pH, kH, magnesium, calcium tests and computer temperature and salinity probe mechanisms as strategies for analyzing data. I also inspire other students through sharing my research posters and experience at OIMB which is a highly encouraged internship at Lane Community College.

See below for just a select amount of project I took during my 2+ years of work in this lab.

The first 3 pictures: This beautiful archway was my first tank scape build, it took around 24 hours to perfect.

2nd row: The mighty 250 gallon scape. This sat in the main window for student to observe passing by. You will also see the Moray Eel tank I constructed to give the eel some hiding room (I liked to call him Eelzo). All of the tanks needed complete remodels.

3rd row: More images up close from the 250 gallon scape.

4th row: Donated coral fragments reconstruction.

Final row: Anemone specs, double headed plate coral, and Duncan coral. All donations.