Christine Bedore

Chris is studying the lateral line and electroreceptive systems of cownose rays that prey upon commercially important bivalves. She will integrate comparative morphology with behavioral assays to determine the distribution of receptors and their sensitivity to biologically relevant stimuli.

Laura Macesic

Laura is studying the electrogenic capabilities and locomotory pattern of the lesser electric ray. She will describe the anatomy of the electric organ, characterize its discharge properties and test hypotheses regarding how the electric organ is employed as an anti-predator defensive mechanism.

Sara McCutcheon

Sara is testing the efficacy of lanthanide elements to deter sharks from biting at baited hooks. She will measure the electric field generated by various elements and employ behavioral assays to quantify their effectivenes with different shark species.

Tricia Meredith

Tricia is studying the comparative morphology and physiology of the elasmobranch olfactory system. She employs electro-olfactogram recording techniques to determine the sensitivity of sharks and rays to a variety of pure amino acids and biologically relevant odorants.