Amber Stokes ’22 recently participated in the very selective 32nd Annual Keller BLOOM Program at Bigelow Laboratory in East Boothbay, Maine.
As written on the laboratory’s website, “Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is an independent, nonprofit research institute located in East Boothbay, Maine. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, Bigelow Laboratory scientists use innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future for all life on our planet.”
The program ran from May 16-21 with 16 high school students from across Maine along with students from abroad. Research was conducted at Bigelow Laboratory and in the field, including a research cruise with stops at four locations along the Sheepscot river, starting at Wiscasset and ending at the open ocean.
From the website, “The Keller BLOOM (Bigelow Laboratory Orders Of Magnitude) Program was founded by Bigelow scientist Maureen Keller and Trustee Emeritus James McLoughlin to provide students a hands-on ocean science research experience. BLOOM offers Maine students interested in science the opportunity to work alongside professional researchers, exploring the biological, chemical and geological characteristics of the local marine environment through field and laboratory work. Program participants are immersed in a research environment and, through engagement in field sampling and laboratory activities, including data collection, synthesis and analysis, learn what a career as a scientist involves.”
The final zoom presentation included topics studied over the week : zooplankton diversity (Amber’s groupo), phytoplankton diversity, bacteria and viruses, and physical and chemical data of the water (temp, chlorophyll, turbidity, salinity, etc.).
For additional information, visit bigelow.org.