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.

Michelle McComb

Mikki is studying the visual system of several elasmobranch species. Using electroretinogram techniques she will determine 3D visual fields, spectral sensitivity, and flicker fusion frequency of species that possess a unique head morphology, eye position, and behavioral ecology.

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.