Phytoplankton Diversity at Hobcaw Barony

Veronica Obregon ’11
Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Neval Erturk
Summer 2011

Veronica Obregon and Biology Professor Neval Erturk spent time at Hobcaw Barony to conduct their research project, An Investigation of Phytoplankton Diversity in Water Bodies Surrounding Hobcaw Barony by Using Environmental PCR.

Phytoplankton biodiversity can help with early detection of toxic algal blooms and can be used as bioindicators to detect environmental changes. Sampling high salinity tidal creeks of the North Inlet, Obregon used Environmental PCR, a method to survey microscopic biodiversity, to detect phytoplankton communities.

“Ecology and Molecular Biology are both fields of biology that spark my interest,” said Obregon. “I have come to enjoy learning and practicing molecular techniques. Since I want to make a future in research, I value any opportunity I can get to develop the skills necessary to work in a laboratory setting.” Obregon is pursuing a Master of Science degree and a career in research in the field of Immunology, Molecular Biology, or Biotechnology.