Reconstructing past oceans in 3D: Foraminiferal morphology via microCT
Mentor:
Gabriella Lirio
Gabriella Lirio is a Research Associate at CIMAS/AOML with the Molecular and Computational Biology group. In this role, her research involves using microCT technology to assess changes in morphology of marine calcifiers due to ocean changes, like ocean acidification, and what role these marine calcifiers play in the biological carbon pump. Gabriella has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Secondary STEM Education from Florida State University. She was supported by the NOAA EPP/MSI CCME-II program for her master’s degree in Environmental Science at Florida A&M University.
Format:
Hybrid (primarily in-person)
Brief description:
During this internship, the student will gain hands-on experience in marine micropaleontology and 3D imaging techniques. They will learn to pick foraminifera—microscopic, calcifying organisms—from raw sediment core samples and prepare them for scanning with a microCT scanner. Through this process, the student will observe how microCT imaging reveals the intricate internal structures of foram shells. They will also learn to use specialized analysis software to measure morphological features such as shell thickness, density, and volume. By combining these technical skills with an understanding of ocean history, the student will investigate how changes in past ocean conditions have influenced foraminiferal shell morphology.
The student should have an interest in marine science, environmental change, and/or geology; ability to work independently, while also working alongside your mentor; strong organizational and record-keeping skills; willingness to learn new, specialized skills; experience analyzing data preferred, but not needed; microscopy experience preferred, but not needed.
