Use of bioreactors for culture of microalgal foods for rearing oysters

Short Project Description:

The successful BES student will develop and evaluate methods for the culture of microalgal food using computer-controlled bioreactors. Five bioreactors, made by Industrial Plankton, Canada, have been purchased and two are fully operational. Their performance will be compared with the traditional method of culturing microalgae in static tanks, both in terms of daily cell production and the food quality of the algae for oyster larvae. The student will work as a member of a team of technicians and students working on the culture and breeding of Pacific oysters.

Student Responsibilities:

The student will work with Faculty Research Assistant Antonia Barela in the day-to-day culture of microalgae for feeding oyster larvae. The student will monitor microalgal production from bioreactors and tanks and compare overall cell production rates, operational labor needs, and costs, The student will also compare the nutritional value of the bioreactor and tank-cultured algae for rearing oyster larvae. A short report or presentation will be required at the end of the summer internship.

Project Objectives:

The student will compare the use of bioreactors versus traditional tanks for the culture of microalgal foods for rearing oyster larvae.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Taken upper-division courses in biology, preferably marine biology or a related marine subject.
• Experience in growing animals or plants in a farm or experimental setting
• Enjoys "hands-on" learning experiences - not afraid to get hands wet!
• Careful and conscientious
• Highly motivated to learn and hardworking
• Good team player

Student Learning Outcomes:

The student will learn: 1) how to grow microalgae as well as rear oyster larvae 2) to write a report or prepare a presentation on the summer project 3) to become an effective team member

Specific Duration Details:

Summer term

Expected Hours/Week:

30-40 hours per week

Hourly Working Parameters:

The student may be asked to work two or three weekends during the summer, especially during periods when oyster larvae are being reared on the different microalgal diets.

Housing Benefit:

Housing in the apartments at the Hatfield Marine Science Center will be paid for