Project Mentor
Dr. Sandro Steinbach
Department: Agricultural & Resource Economics
Research Project Overview:
Project Title: Seaweed bloom in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea and sea turtle nesting probability and hatchling survivability
Project Description: Large quantities of Sargassum seaweed have been recently reported in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. This regime shift in the blooming patterns of Sargassum seaweed is due to warming temperatures, climate change, and nutrient enrichment in the central Atlantic Ocean. Strong ocean currents transport the seaweed into the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Concerns have been growing regarding the environmental, ecological, and economic problems caused by frequent beaching events in the area. A particular concern relates to sea turtle populations that only recently started to recover from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Observational studies have shown that female sea turtles face difficulties digging nests due to large quantities of seaweed on nesting beaches. Moreover, hatchlings also face difficulties reaching the seawater and are more likely to fade away on the beaches. So far, most of the evidence regarding the impact of beaching seaweed on sea turtles remain anecdotally. This project will fill this gap by using causal inference methods to investigate the relationship between retrospective data on seaweed beaching events and detailed information on sea turtle nests and hatchlings along the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. By measuring the causal relationship between this environmental factor and sea turtle population changes, the study will contribute to a better understanding of a significant human-made environmental disaster. This understanding will help conservationists and policymakers to develop strategies that ensure the long-run survival of sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
The research apprentice will become familiar with applied economics research methods. The apprentice will learn how to address a research question in environmental sciences systematically. The student will learn how to collect and structure data from different sources and prepare them in way that they are useful for academic research. The apprentice will learn how effective research management techniques and expand its data tabulation skills.
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
The apprentice will be embedded in the PI’s research groups, which involves bi-weekly research and mentoring meetings.
The time commitment is flexible and can be discussed with the PI.
Preferred Qualifications:
Basic knowledge of Excel and interest in environmental economics and sciences.
To Apply:
CLOSED – Click here to submit an online application for this research apprenticeship through the Quest Portal. The application deadline is Friday, March 26, 2021 at 11:59pm.
Click here to view an outline of the application questions. There are no additional questions specific to this apprenticeship application.