Using years of data from an ocean time series supported by Southern California Coastal Observing System (SCCOOS) and the Central & Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS), our Bailey College undergraduate students Jaden Hansen and Eva Kokkino helped explore the dynamics of Akashiwo sanguinea in SLO Bay along the California Central Coast. Akashiwo sanguinea is a marine dinoflagellate that can form harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal waters. Read the peer-reviewed article here.
Master's student Nicholas Soares has been awarded a California Sea Grant Graduate Research Fellowship! Nick's project will improve the detection and tracking of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Morro Bay through a partnernship with Grassy Bar Oyster Company to develop practical monitoring tools for shellfish growers. In collaboration with Lucendi, the project will use an imaging flow cytometer to provide near-real-time information on HABs, allowing oyster growers to monitor conditions and respond more effectively. Congratulations, Nick! We're excited to see this project get underway.
Our lab was excited to participate in the annual Bailey College of Science and Mathematics Undergraduate Student Research Conference. This conference continues to grow each year and provides an amazing opportunity for our students to share their research with the Cal Poly community. So proud of their hard work and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate undergraduate research.
Our lab spent a day aboard the R/V Fulmar off the coast of San Luis Obispo as part of a research cruise supported by the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Alongside several other Cal Poly research groups, we collected data in local coastal waters. Using our Aqusens imaging flow cytometer, we characterized phytoplankton communities and gained valuable hands-on experience conducting research at sea. Despite some rough seas, it was a fun day of science and learning on California's central coast as well as great way to end Cal Poly's Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.
Students from our lab had a great time sharing their research at the 2025 Bailey College of Science and Mathematics Undergraduate Student Research Conference. The conference was a valuable opportunity to learn about the wide range of projects happening across the college and to connect with the broader community.
