Brugia Malayi - Clark Science Center - Smith College

The Smith undergraduates also conducted research of local ecosystems in collaboration with Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Led by their professors, students engaged in four different projects. First, they helped monitor turtle nests and created beach
profiles of nesting sites. Second, Smith students analyzed seagrass data collected by the advanced campers to gain an awareness
of seagrass health. Third, in an effort to assess and monitor coral reef health, students photographed transects of key coral reef
areas, comparing algal cover on live and dead coral and estimating sea urchin density. Finally, they mapped mangrove and lagoon
sites using GPS/GIS technology and aerial photographs taken from kites. This new line of research was supported by Jon Caris,
Coordinator of Smith’s Spatial Analysis Laboratory.
Coral Ed’s emphasis on place-based learning and inquiry brought an increased level of community involvement. The multiple
research endeavors were very beneficial to our relationship with the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and contributed to our understanding
of conservation and sustainability on Ambergris Caye. We look forward to maintaining these partnerships and seeking new
collaborations in the future. (Supported by B. Elizabeth Horner Fund, Agnes Shedd Andreae Fund, and the Center for Community
Collaboration)
Advisors: H. Allen Curran, L. David Smith, Denise Lello, and Miguel Alamilla, Jr., Manager of
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Kirah Forman, a biologist from Hol Chan Marine Reserve,
visits advanced camp to speak about seagrass.
2012
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