By: Katelyn Doyle

I’m Katelyn – an undergraduate student from Indiana University. I’m currently in the last round of data collection for my Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) project titled “Microbial Response to Ocean Acidification.” Working under USC graduate student Joshua Kling, I have been constructing thermal response curves for two species of phytoplankton – a strain of Psuedo-nitzschia and an unknown picoeukaryote (nicknamed ‘K’) – based on several growth parameters. This has involved many weeks of daily monitoring, regular dilutions, and days full of filtering plankton samples for testing.

Holding one of many plankton cultures

I have learned a great deal this summer, but the largest lesson has been that, while Lady Science can be quite unforgiving at times, I’m still in love with her. Between the Pseudo-nitzschia dying out, the persistent threat of cross-contamination, and multiple broken water heaters, this project has been a challenge. However, these challenges have pushed me to gain independence and develop tactics for innovation. I have always wanted to be a scientist, and this REU program has allowed me to fulfill that goal.

On top of an amazing project, I am so incredibly fortunate to be able to carry out the science of my dreams in such a serene coastal setting. I could not even formulate an idea for a better environment to gain such valuable technical skills. Catalina Island is a tranquil desert surrounded by vibrant marine life and filled with incredibly dedicated researchers and staff. It would be difficult to waste a summer here.

The view from my lab

It has been quite a switch from my research at Indiana University with songbirds – my plankton are much more docile – and it has been very exciting. I will be returning to the Cox Research Scholars Program at IU with a new set of skills and a much deeper commitment to research science. However, I will definitely miss my mentors, peers, and plankton cultures here at USC.