Department of Applied Environmental Science
AES/BIO Student Wins First Place at Freshwater Science Chapter Meeting
Ashley Rawlins, an Environmental Science minor and Biology major, attended the California Chapter of the Freshwater Science meeting in November, along with Dr. John Olson, Lexi Yokomizo (a current ESTP major), and Connor Quiroz (a current ESTP major). Ashley won first place in the lightning talks competition, where students had the opportunity to highlight their research projects.
We recently checked in with Ashley to learn more about her research and her overall CSUMB experience. Check out her interview below!
In 3-4 sentences, please summarize your research.
Together with Sarah Moloney, Jeanette Favaloro, and Dr. Gerick Bergsma, I study the physiological effects that Cecaria battilariae (a host-specific, non-native trematode parasite) has on its host, the Japanese mud snail! The Japanese mud snail (or Battilaria attramentaria) is an invasive species introduced to North America’s west coast approximately a century ago, and the southernmost extent of its invasive range is currently the Elkhorn Slough Estuary. As the invasive population of B. attramentaria has been separated from the native population since this invasion event, any differences in the physiological effects of trematode parasite infection could imply the localized adaptation to combat these effects by our invasive snails. No difference between the populations could potentially prove the Red Queen Hypothesis of parasitism- a model that illustrates antagonistic coevolution between host and host-specific parasite in which neither party will ever accumulate enough beneficial adaptations to outcompete the other; a winnerless cycle.
What did you gain from this experience, and does this experience contribute to your career goals?
This research experience, which I am so grateful for, has provided me with the knowledge on how to build a project from the ground up with a team, as well as providing me with the confidence to continue pursuing my academic and research goals moving forwards
What was your favorite part of your research?
My favorite part of this research has honestly been all of it- the entire process is incredibly fun and so rewarding! Being able to review the relevant literature, identify research gaps, bring a project to fruition, and then see actual results makes all the hard work so worth it.
What are your future plans (career, academic, etc.)?
After graduating next semester, I want to pursue graduate school- I love learning and also having opportunities to do research. I hope to start with a Masters degree and then see where things go from there, whether that’s to a PhD or straight into a job. Maybe even both!
Any advice for fellow students interested in participating in this kind of research?
For fellow students interested in this kind of research, my advice would be to go out and do it! As a first-generation student who also transferred in from a community college last year, I knew that I wanted to get research experience but didn’t quite know how to go about doing so. Apply to UROC and say yes to every opportunity that comes your way!
What is your favorite part of being an undergraduate student here at CSUMB?
My favorite part of being an undergraduate student at CSUMB is how much support there is here. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed!
How has your work related to the courses you're taking at CSUMB?
My work has related most closely to the ecology courses I’ve taken at CSUMB. I love how so many of the classes in both the biology and AES programs are incredibly hands-on and focus mainly on applied research. I feel that this has given me the skills and the toolkit I need to be successful!
Congratulations, Ashley! We look forward to seeing where your professional and academic endeavors take you!