Lila G Smaglinski
Millersville University
1. Provide a summary of your current research project
My research project investigates on how a salt marsh’s condition influences decomposition, which is a key part of how these ecosystems cycle nutrients and store carbon. My sites are around Chincoteague on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Wallops National Wildlife Refuge, and CBFS research property in Greenbackville. The condition of my sites was determined using the Mid-Atlantic Tidal Wetland Rapid Assessment Method, this protocol determines a condition score which gives us an insight into the anthropogenic impacts that affect the function of these salt marshes. Litter bags were also deployed made from window screen, and fishing line then filled Spartina alterniflora material. Litter bags will be taken in over 18-months to measure decomposition by mass loss. Soil cores were also taken to determine multiple parameters to understand the soil properties of each site. This research helps us understand how human disturbances affect the function of salt marshes; ecosystems that provide many services such as carbon storage.
2. What made you interested in conducting this research?
I always knew I wanted to work in an environmental field but never knew what direction. I grew up in a creek and in the mud, and have always loved the underappreciated aspects of it, which is where decomposition falls, and how I became interested. It is an essential function of these ecosystems and understanding how humans are impacting these processes is important. I took an ecology course which made me realize this was something I wanted to explore and became interested in working in wetlands. I had the opportunity to take Dr. Weaver’s Wetland course at the field station, and it solidified my interests, gave me a taste of what my future could hold, and taught me a lot of skills. I originally was interested in working in freshwater, but after spending time down in Chincoteague, I switched my focus to saltwater and will never go back! Taking that course is what ignited my passion and opened the door to my future.
3. How has the field station supported you through this project?
The field station has made my research possible, by providing housing, a wonderful environment, good times and aid whenever needed. CBFS has always been a warm and welcoming environment, and everyone there is in their happy place, including me! CBFS has always supported my research, whether helping me sew litterbags, helping in the field, helping us get to our sites, or joining us in the field. CBFS has always been there to help make sure our research runs as smooth as possible.
4. What are the pros and cons of doing research at the field station?
There are many pros of doing research down at the field station; a welcoming and helpful team, access to a wide range of faculty with different specialties, available housing and located in a unique ecosystem to do research in. The only cons are the traveling costs associated with getting to the field station, however at least at Millersville there are student grants you can apply for to offset the travel costs, which make these trips possible. If that is an option, its worth, the drive and the costs to work with the field station.
5. Would you recommend other students to come to the field station for research purposes?
I would recommend if you are interested in working in marine ecosystems to take advantage of this unique opportunity that the field station offers. You won’t regret working in this awesome ecosystem with a team that will be there for you!
My research project investigates on how a salt marsh’s condition influences decomposition, which is a key part of how these ecosystems cycle nutrients and store carbon. My sites are around Chincoteague on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Wallops National Wildlife Refuge, and CBFS research property in Greenbackville. The condition of my sites was determined using the Mid-Atlantic Tidal Wetland Rapid Assessment Method, this protocol determines a condition score which gives us an insight into the anthropogenic impacts that affect the function of these salt marshes. Litter bags were also deployed made from window screen, and fishing line then filled Spartina alterniflora material. Litter bags will be taken in over 18-months to measure decomposition by mass loss. Soil cores were also taken to determine multiple parameters to understand the soil properties of each site. This research helps us understand how human disturbances affect the function of salt marshes; ecosystems that provide many services such as carbon storage.
2. What made you interested in conducting this research?
I always knew I wanted to work in an environmental field but never knew what direction. I grew up in a creek and in the mud, and have always loved the underappreciated aspects of it, which is where decomposition falls, and how I became interested. It is an essential function of these ecosystems and understanding how humans are impacting these processes is important. I took an ecology course which made me realize this was something I wanted to explore and became interested in working in wetlands. I had the opportunity to take Dr. Weaver’s Wetland course at the field station, and it solidified my interests, gave me a taste of what my future could hold, and taught me a lot of skills. I originally was interested in working in freshwater, but after spending time down in Chincoteague, I switched my focus to saltwater and will never go back! Taking that course is what ignited my passion and opened the door to my future.
3. How has the field station supported you through this project?
The field station has made my research possible, by providing housing, a wonderful environment, good times and aid whenever needed. CBFS has always been a warm and welcoming environment, and everyone there is in their happy place, including me! CBFS has always supported my research, whether helping me sew litterbags, helping in the field, helping us get to our sites, or joining us in the field. CBFS has always been there to help make sure our research runs as smooth as possible.
4. What are the pros and cons of doing research at the field station?
There are many pros of doing research down at the field station; a welcoming and helpful team, access to a wide range of faculty with different specialties, available housing and located in a unique ecosystem to do research in. The only cons are the traveling costs associated with getting to the field station, however at least at Millersville there are student grants you can apply for to offset the travel costs, which make these trips possible. If that is an option, its worth, the drive and the costs to work with the field station.
5. Would you recommend other students to come to the field station for research purposes?
I would recommend if you are interested in working in marine ecosystems to take advantage of this unique opportunity that the field station offers. You won’t regret working in this awesome ecosystem with a team that will be there for you!
