In this research paper, I discuss my summer research experience on Cornell University's Ithaca campus as part of the Laidlaw Scholars Program. This summer, I spent six weeks working in the Cheong Lab alongside scholars Jennifer Owiyo and Paige Yun as part of the Commons Biodiversity Project. Under the guidance of our mentors Lee Yoke Lee and Soon Hon Cheong, we were able to train on environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques and investigate how these methods can be used to track the invasive rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) in Fall Creek and two ponds in the Cornell Arboretum.
Hello! My name is Marina Blackman (she/her) and I am from Columbia, Maryland. I am a sophomore at Cornell University majoring in Biological Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences and concentrating in Marine Biology. I have always loved the ocean and marine life, so getting hands-on Marine Biology opportunities is so exciting to me! As part of the Laidlaw 2024 Cohort, I am so excited to work with Dr. Soon Hon Cheong and Lee Yoke Lee on their Commons Biodiversity Project in Malaysia. In collaboration with a team of scientists at the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, the Commons Biodiversity Project aims to apply Environmental DNA techniques to help conserve the Crocus clams (Tridacna crocea) native to the area. With its mission of Crocus clam conservation, this project aims to foster and grow a passion for marine wildlife conservation in the local population of Terengganu.
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