Summer Intern Blog

2009 REUs describe their research

Join our summer interns as they blog about their research experiences at VIMS. The interns are part of the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, which places 12 to 15 undergraduates with faculty mentors for 10 weeks of research marine science.

The program is funded by the National Science Foundation, VIMS, The College of William and Mary (W&M), private donors, and grants to individual faculty.

Algae in our gas tanks?

I am studying the biochemical composition of algae to determine if it is a good source for biofuel.

A Very Good Sampling Day

We sample the Mattaponi River, sink in the mud, and suffer a flat tire on our way back to VIMS.

By Catch By Golly

I'm looking at how by-catch reduction devices in crab pots affect crab catch, fish by-catch, and terrapin catch.

Flounder Everywhere!

I went to the Eastern Shore Lab in Wachapreague to try our luck with hook-and-line fishing for flounder. The amount of fish was incredible; in one short day of fishing we caught more than 50 flounder with the help of a local charter boat.

Pizza!

Today was an important day as we gave our first presentations about our research projects. Then we ate 18 pizzas.

Welcome

We are all having a blast here in Virginia!