Two people on a rocky shoreline framed by ice plant
Lily and Valeria in Horseshoe Cove on the BML reserve taking crab surveys

Rising Temperature and its Effect on Intertidal Invertebrates. AKA Hanging Out with a Bunch of Crabs

Valeria Silva was a general Biology major at SRJC. Who will now be transferring to CSU Monterey Bay and majoring in Marine Sciences this upcoming Fall 2022.


A person in a gray beanie and jacket leaning over to work on a research project on a sandy shore
Valeria setting out crab mimics out in Bodega Harbor Yacht Club

This summer, I spent my time with my mentor Lily Mcintire helping her out with her research. We would visit four different sites she had set up on the BML reserve and around Bodega Bay. She is studying the thermal ecology of intertidal organisms with the intent to understand how increasing temperatures from climate change are affecting or will affect how these organisms choose homes and learn to cope. It’s important to understand how ocean animals are handling climate change since they are on the front line. Especially to study intertidal species who are already living in such high variability and harsh environments. To do this analysis Lily and I would go out into the field and do crab and snail surveys. We would measure body, air, substrate temp, and other abiotic factors that all affect the invertebrates' temperatures.

The reason I chose to do the BML internship was that I had heard a lot of good things from both professors and peers alike. For three years, I studied at the SRJC to pursue a career as a Veterinarian, but at the last minute, I figured it wasn’t for me. It was disheartening, but I quickly found something new. The main reason I got into marine science is thanks to Professor Shawn Brumbaugh. While taking his class, I began to research different topics and I concluded that I was very interested in coral reefs and the adverse effects of climate change on the ocean. He noticed my interest and informed me about the BML internship. Since then, I have done a complete 180, and I am excited to dive into marine biology.

I had a lot of fun and got to experience the beauty of nature every day. My favorite parts were honestly the hardest ones. Although it was very difficult to drive a long distance so early in the morning, it was fun being the first to the lab. I also got great advice from Lily that has better informed some of my future career choices and decisions. Overall she was a great academic fountain of knowledge who was willing to honestly talk about her experiences. She also showed me how much work and dedication it takes to do worthwhile research. This has been an incredible experience, and I gained so many skills that I will continue to build on.


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