Week 3:
A Full Week

June 27, 2020

This week was simultaneously full of work, relaxation, and exploration. We of course continued setting up and organizing the lab as materials kept coming in, but we also got to begin the exciting work of learning how to collect and analyze water samples.  We were able to go down to the local waterfront, collect data about the water quality, and bring samples back to the lab. We then went through the process of filtering the samples for various components of the water and learning how to prepare the samples for storage and different types of analysis in the future. My favorite part was finally being able to use microscopes to look at all the diverse communities of microscopic organisms that exist in the water. Lindsey and I spent quite a bit of time searching for new and interesting specimens, and then doing our best to identify them. Right now, it takes quite a bit of time and effort to identify different groups and species of phytoplankton, but Dr. Pettay assures us that by the end of the summer, we’ll be experts.

I’m excited to continue learning about the microscopic communities that, despite their size, play such a huge role in estuarine and other aquatic environments. I certainly tend to forget about how important phytoplankton are in sustaining a food chain and supporting an ecosystem. I’ve never had the opportunity to work with organisms on this level, but I think it is really crucial to understand their function in order to do more work with marine ecosystems as a whole. I feel grateful that my biology classes at Cornell have given me a great foundation to be able to understand the big picture surrounding these tiny creatures. While the research I am doing with Dr. Pettay in his lab is very focused, I have no issue appreciating how the knowledge I am gaining this summer relates to greater ideas in marine ecology and environmentalism.

Outside of the lab, we had a couple stormy evenings, so I took advantage of the opportunity to relax in my apartment and decompress. I made really great progress on my puzzle and enjoyed time spent reading just for fun, something I haven’t done in a long time. It has been challenging to find a balance between wanting to explore the area around me while still needing time to myself to rebuild my energy, and I think I found a better rhythm this week in that regard. Thankfully, that means that when Lindsey and I had some free time off of work, I was not too burnt out to go on a little adventure to Savannah, Georgia. The drive isn’t too long from Beaufort, and Lindsey’s family has been there several times, so she knew her way around. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront, window shopping, trying a new local coffee shop, and admiring the beautiful historic houses. 

It is unfortunate that COVID-19 limits our ability to simply go out and explore, but the great thing about South Carolina (and Georgia) is that so much of its beauty is outside. Next on our bucket list is finding a secluded, not-too-busy beach to enjoy the ocean and sunshine. That is definitely a plausible task in this area, and I’m really looking forward to it!