WATER QUALITY
Regional Science Consortium
Presque Isle State Park
Erie, PA
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Research Technician
2018
My position at the RSC involved lab and field work that required precision, teamwork, organization, and problem resolution. As a member of the RSC research team, I monitored bacteria and cyanobacteria in water and sand samples, and continuously communicated with partners of the Regional Science Consortium, such as PA DCNR and other stakeholders in water quality and conservation.
IN THE LAB
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Bacterial Plating: E. coli, Enterococcus
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Aseptic Technique
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ELISA: Cyanotoxins
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Water Nutrient Analysis (Nitrogen, Phosphorous)
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Flow Cytometry for Cyanobacteria (Microcystis)
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Water Quality Predictive Modeling: Virtual Beach (USGS)
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Tombolo Sample Sand Grain Sorting
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Sand Bacterial Plating
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GreenLight Rapid Bacterial Analysis
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IN THE FIELD
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Water Sampling for Bacterial Plating, ELISA, Nutrient Analysis, and Flow Cytometry
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Sand Sampling for Bacterial Plating
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Tombolo Sampling for Sand Grain Sorting
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Multiparameter Sonde Operation
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Data Collection on weather and beach environment for use in predictive modeling
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Communication with state park patrons; answering questions about research and public safety
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Fish Seining
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Frog Surveys (Transects)
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Additional activities included shadowing the Purple Martin Conservation Association. I learned what the PMCA does to track and conserve this species, and how to band nestlings.
Photos courtesy of the Regional Science Consortium.