Heather Austin, MS student

Research Interests: I am a first year Masters student, and am currently interested in the development and physiology of the sea anemone Metridium senile. This species of sea anemone is found on the estuarine mudflats in Charleston, Oregon.  My focus is magnesium ion regulation within Metridium senile and how regulation of these ions may change under the hypo-osmotic stress induced by the estuarine mudflats.

Advisor: Dr. Craig Young

About GK-12: The GK-12 program is not only a wonderful way for me as a graduate student to spread my child-like enthusiasm about marine biology to a younger audience, but to have children gain an appreciation for marine biology and science as a whole. I see this happen each day as I walk into the classroom and watch my students’ eyes light up. They know they will soon be involved in a fun hands-on activity. Each time they learn something new is also a reward for me as I know I have fed their curious minds with knowledge best gained by doing.