Ryann Williams

Degree Sought: M.Sc. in Biological Oceanography

Thesis Topic:

Research Interests:

Helping to establish foraminifera as a bioindicator for coral reef health, by looking at the sediment constituents and the types of foraminifera present in the sediment samples off the coast of Palm Harbor, Florida.

Educational Background:

• University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) 2003-2007,
  Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Biodiversity, Habitats, and Ecosystems

Research Experience

• University of California, San Diego, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, San Diego, CA
  Intern Under Dr. Nancy Knowlton and Dr. Enric Sala 6/24/06-8/19/06
• Conducted a meta-analysis on previous coral reef research
• Project titled: Finding an Index for Coral Reef Health: A Review of Global Coral Reef Databases
• Presented at campus symposium at the end of the summer program.
  
• University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 5/31/05-8/05/05.
  Intern Under Dr.Tim Seastedt
  • Conducted an independent research project: Direct and Indirect Effects of Invasive Plants on Food Webs in Grasslands.
  • Presented work at final program symposium and at the National Leadership Alliance Symposium
  • Conducted a field study, as well as, helped out in chemical processes in the lab
    
• University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 1/2005 to 5/25/07.
  Volunteer Research Assistant
  • Collect samples from Fishing Creek in Frederick, Maryland and Patapsco State Park
  • Independent Research Project: Does predator presence affect insect consumption of food?
    

Honors and Awards:

• MSPHD’S (Minorities Striving and Pursuing Higher Degrees in Science) Recipient (November 2008)
• FGLSAMP Bridge to the Doctorate Project at USF (February 2007)
• MARC U* STAR Scholarship Recipient (Summer 2005)
• UMBC Meyerhoff Scholarship Recipient (Spring 2003)

Outreach Activities:

• Ocean Camp for Girls Counselor 2009

Affiliations and Certifications:

• USF American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Scientific Diver
• DAN Oxygen Provider
• CPR-First Aid Certified
• International Association of Nitrox & Technical Divers (IANTD), EANx Certified