Marine Disease Ecology Researcher
By Annika Bell ’25This summer, I worked in a quantitative marine disease ecology lab with Senior Research Scientist Maya Groner at Bigelow Laboratories, in East Boothbay, Maine.
In Groner’s lab, I studied epizootic shell disease in American Lobsters and worked with lobsters and Jonah crabs. Groner’s lab was collaborative, fun and taught me a lot of new science skills. I loved getting to work alongside extremely talented scientists and investigate the physiological affects of epizootic shell disease to help inform future lobster population management and conservation.
At Bigelow Laboratories for Ocean Sciences, I had the opportunity to join their REU programming strengthening my presentation, communication and research skills with a cohort of college students from around the country.
Working at Bigelow allowed me to learn about different labs and research techniques and solidified my interest in continuing to do marine research after graduation.
Internship funded by the Coffin, Dr. Cheryl M. '75 Internship Fund.