STARS

Service Description

STaRS (Students Training as Research Scientists) is a year-long marine science field research program that culminates in an in-person presentation of the students' research projects. Throughout the year, students will participate in fieldwork with a small group and, if necessary, engage in virtual meetings with the project leader to prepare for their final project. Important: Students are required to attend the final poster presentation, which will be held in person in Anacortes on a weekend in January 2026. There are only three sessions listed below as the final 12 month schedule will be released in January to try to accommodate all student's schedules, however, refer to the draft schedule posted online. Why is this project important? The marbled murrelet (MAMU) is an endangered seabird that plays a vital role as a bioindicator of the health of inshore marine ecosystems. MAMUs are highly vulnerable, relying on marine habitats for foraging and old-growth forests for nesting. Yet, there is a critical gap in understanding their habitat use and how human disturbances, such as boat traffic, affect their populations. Our project aims to close this knowledge gap by conducting essential sister studies at two key MAMU hotspots: Browns Point Lighthouse (Pierce) and Washington Park (Skagit). These studies will provide invaluable data on MAMU population status, foraging behavior, and interactions with boat traffic, offering crucial insights for conservation strategies to preserve both the species and the marine ecosystems they reflect. What Will Students Do? Students will collaborate with Olivia Fross and Dr. Hodum from the University of Puget Sound and Oikonos to develop and implement shore- and boat-based surveys for the endangered marbled murrelet. Throughout the year, Olivia and Dr. Hodum will guide students through the scientific research process, including data collection, analysis, and presentation. Through a mix of in-person shore-based and boat-based surveys, along with virtual meetings, students will learn about the thought processes and considerations involved in taking a scientific project from the initial question to fieldwork, analysis, and final presentation. Note: The schedule will depend on weather and water conditions, and a minimum of four students must be enrolled for the program to proceed. Timeframe: January 2025-January 2026, see draft schedule. Schedule will be finalized after communicating with students enrolled. ​