Connectivity of Shark Populations
ApplyProject Description
Ongoing research conducted by the Reef Ecology Lab and its collaborators have generated a diverse collection of shark and ray genetic samples. Analysis of these samples could provide insight into both elasmobranch biogeography and population ecology. Specific projects include investigating broad population genetics of hammerhead sharks in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf or looking at fine-scale differences between reef shark sub-populations within the Red Sea. Undergraduate research will mostly focus on lab work, performing DNA extractions, running PCRs, and analyzing our existing collection of genetic samples. There may also be opportunities for fieldwork, including fish market surveys and catch-and-release sampling trips.




About the
Researcher
Michael L. Berumen
Professor, Marine Science<br/>Director, Red Sea Research Center

- Larval connectivity and dispersal of reef fishes
- Movement ecology of reef organisms
- Biodiversity and evolutionary biology of Red Sea fauna
Desired Project Deliverables
Depending on the results, the student researcher may also contribute to a scientific publication detailing the work and findings.