New Faces at the Sea Lab
“Nothing endures but change,” commented Greek philosopher Heraclitus, and here at the Sea Lab we know that change will bring fresh energy and perspective to our research and educational programs.

Jennifer Randolph is the newest member of our Estuarium staff, serving as an aquarist. Having graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with a degree in environmental biology, Jennifer worked at Epcot’s The Living Seas aquarium in Disneyworld. “I love working in an aquarium, and living on Dauphin Island,” Jennifer remarks. “I’m excited about working in an environment where I can be involved in research, too.”

  


New aquarist Jennifer Randolph checks on a diamonback terrapin in the Husbandry Building.
 
 
Dr. Minako Vickery received her college and master’s degrees from Toyama University in Japan, and earned her Ph.D. at the University of Alabama atBirmingham. As a Sea Lab-sponsored postdoctoral fellow, Minako is looking forward to the research opportunities the facility offers her. Her work involves groundbreaking discoveries in larval cloning and regeneration in echinoderms (seastars, brittlestars, sea urchins, etc.) That is, the larvae of these animals can both regenerate broken pieces of themselves AND sometimes clone whole, separate copies of themselves. The cloning phenomenon has broad implications for evolutionary theory and medical research.



“I want to pursue funds to expand Discovery Hall Programs, develop new courses for students, teachers, and outreach, increase the number of groups we are able to educate, and introduce the latest results of scientific research into our curricula,” Dave states. With his extensive knowledge of both marine education and the Sea Lab, it looks like his ambitious agenda already has sure footing.



 

David Nadeau is an old hand at the Sea Lab, having attended as a high school summer student, as a master’s student under Dr. Ken Heck, then as a research associate working on the growth of juvenile fishes in seagrass versus unvegetated habitats. He has come full circle, and now Dave is working as a marine educator and grants writer for Discovery Hall Programs, the K-12 sector of the Sea Lab.

 


Finally, although not a “new” face, Sea Lab staffer Pamela Pierce, who has been a familiar friendly presence in the cafeteria, is now meeting and dealing with student groups in a much more extensive manner as the Scheduling Coordinator for the Sea Lab. Juggling housing, student field trips, vessels and different personalities is a challenge for any individual, but Pamela is “having a ball, meeting all the variety of people who visit the Sea Lab. It’s really a privilege to work with the public and let them know we’re doing our best to provide them with the finest educational experience possible.”

 		  





Pamela Pierce is ready to greet overnight groups at the Sea Lab.
 
We’d also like to welcome aboard two “behind-the-scenes” staffers who keep the Sea Lab running so smoothly. Tommy McNeal joins the Computer Center staff as PC/Network Support Specialist, and Dennis Patrick is now a member of our resourceful Plant Operations team.