Jake Dytnerski
Ph.D. candidate
Research
Hong Kong has a seasonally dynamic marine environment. Summer sea surface temperatures can exceed 30°C whereas winter temperatures can drop below 15°C. This range in temperature allows for year-round coral communities, and abundant growth of macroalgae in the winter. For my PhD, I am researching the role of the long-spined sea urchin, Diadema setosum, in the ecosystem, here in Hong Kong. Much work has been done on Diadema antillarum in the Caribbean, and some work has been done on the D. setosum as a bioeroder of coral reefs in the tropics. However, little is known about which marcoalgae these urchins feed on; how they affect the seasonal patterns of macroalgae growth and distribution; if the urchins target living corals here in Hong Kong or just the turf algae that grows on the dead skeletons of the corals. Answering these questions will help understand the food sources of the urchins and how their energy stores vary with the seasonal change in food abundance. I am also interested in the connectivity of the populations of D. setosum across its range, as they can be found from the East coast of Africa to French Polynesia, from Honshu, Japan to NSW, Australia. I want to compare the physiological performance of the urchins from stable tropical environments and highly variable environments to determine if they show extensive physiological plasticity, or if populations have adapted to variable environments. This will allow me to predict how these important grazers will cope with future conditions across their range.
Education
2016: Bachelor of Science, Honours Marine Biology, University of British Columbia, Canada
2013: Arts and Science Diploma: Biology, Langara College, Canada
Awards
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2015: Dean of Science Scholarship – Biology research grant
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2013: Betty and Tony Pletcher Memorial Scholarship – For Achievement in Biology
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2012: Real Estate Foundation Biology Student Bursary – Bursary for Biology students
Kevin Geoghegan
Ph.D. candidate
Research
Predator-Prey Interactions in a Warming and Acidifying Ocean
I am interested in how ocean warming and acidification will influence animal physiology, behaviour and their interactions, and ultimately ecosystem function. I am using the predatory rocky shore crab Eriphia ferox and the mussel Septifer virgatus as a model system. I will test their physiological responses, (metabolic rate and performance) under a variety of thermal and pH scenarios. Modification of behaviour is often an animals first response to environmental stress, resulting in altered species interactions and ecosystem processes so I am will also test in how the foraging strategies and energy budget of E. ferox will change as pH decreases and temperatures rise. Placing this knowledge in the context of other local stressors and processes at regional and global scales will enhance understanding of predator-prey interactions and may help inform adaptive management strategies to improve ecosystem resilience in a rapidly changing climate.
Qualifications
2014: Bachelor of Science (Hons.) - from National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
Awards
2013: College of Science Internship - from National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
2012: Scholars Award - from National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
