By Katharine Sucher, Science Writing Intern
Over the next two years, Sarah Pease will be a graduate research fellow with Virginia Sea Grant. Sarah will investigate Alexandrium monilatum, a harmful algal bloom species in the Chesapeake Bay. A.monilatum releases a toxin that may be harmful to native and farm-raised aquatic life, and possibly to human health.
While little is known about this species, it is thought to have caused the death of several research animals from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). Since the first observation of an A. monilatum bloom in the Chesapeake Bay in 2007, blooms have increased in density and distribution.
Sarah will investigate the impact of A. monilatum toxin on adult oyster health. She will also conduct studies to determine if there is potential for oysters to harbor this toxin and pass it up the food web.
“The need to understand the potential adverse impacts of A. monilatum here in Virginia is critical, especially in the context of oyster aquaculture and seafood safety,” Sarah said.
Through her mentorship with staff from the Virginia Department of Health, Sarah hopes her research will facilitate relationships between scientists and government personnel. These relationships could mean a future of better marine resource management and seafood safety policy.
“One of my long-term career goals is to help bridge the gaps between scientists, resource managers, and community stakeholders,” Pease said. “I want to be an outstanding communicator in my field and across disciplines so that I can instill in others a passion for marine science and conservation.”
Sarah graduated from McGill University in Canada in 2011 with an undergraduate degree in biology and a minor in environment. She expects to graduate with a master’s in marine sciences: environmental and aquatic animal health from VIMS in 2016. In the future, she plans to pursue a PhD in marine resource management.
