PROGRAMME INFORMATION: Since 1976, more than 100 internships have been awarded to young Bermudians. These interns have worked side-by-side with BBSR scientists on questions relating to Bermuda's environment. Many have applied their summer's experience and knowledge to their university studies and occupational training; some have
subsequently found employment at BBSR and in other related areas in Bermuda. The internship will provide a stipend and cover laboratory expenses for eight weeks of research with BBSR staff scientists during the summer. Some possible areas for application are: • Analysis of Bermuda's inshore sediments QUALIFICATIONS: Students must be at least 16 years old and Bermudian. APPLICATION: Students may obtain application forms from their head teachers, from the Bermuda Department of Education, or from BBSR (weekdays 9 am to 5 pm). A Applicants must be Bermudian, and over 16 years of age. Preference is given to students already at University. Send applications to: Informal interviews with applicants may be required.
BBSR is involved in a wide variety of biological and chemical research studies covering the oceans and atmosphere. The Bermuda Programme is designed to broaden Bermudian students' knowledge of marine and
atmospheric sciences and to acquaint successful applicants to the programme with the daily operations of a research station.
• A survey of air or groundwater quality in Bermuda
• Studies of possible biological effects of incinerator ash
•
The ecology of reef areas
• Open ocean studies
• Educational outreach with BBSR summer programs.
Academic credit for Bermuda Programme participation
Education Officer
Bermuda Biological Station for Research
17 Biological Lane
St. George's GE 01
Bermuda
Fax: 441-297-8143
Recent Bermuda Programme Research Projects:
Nicola Francis worked with Dr. Hank Trapido-Rosenthal investigating telomere biology in marine invertebrates to discern the role telomeres play in the growth, longevity and evolution of these
organisms. Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes, and their loss can lead to aging and cell death. Nicola studied telomerase expression in the sea urchin Lytechinus variegates, using the TRAPeze telomerase detection kit. Various tissues were tested and the results amplified by PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This study with sea urchins may be developed as a model system for understanding the process of aging in other species, including
humans. Nicola plans to continue with her studies at BBSR.
Matthew Hammond worked with one of BBSR's graduate students, Lisa Rodrigues. Lisa is studying the behavior and shell preferences of Bermuda's endemic hermit crab, Calcinus verrilli
. Matt's involvement in the research was as field assistant, conducting surveys to determine presence/absence data of the population and collecting of the hermit crab. In the laboratory, Matt was involved in the removal of the specimens from their housing, and measuring and sexing them. Matt was also involved in the experimentation portion of the research. Vanese Flood worked on determination of the areas of coastal mangroves,
nearshore seagrass beds and coral reef habitats of Castle Harbour that were destroyed or degraded by the construction of the Kindley Field airbase in 1941-43. Vanese's supervisor was Dr. Robbie Smith. Quincy Burgess and Kevin Alban worked on the status of Thalassia testudinum seagrass beds around Bermuda. They evaluated the scale of recent declines in health and productivity in offshore beds since 1996. Quincy and Kevin's project was supervised by Dr. Robbie Smith.
Char-Lee Simons (far left, with Waterstart students) worked with Education Officer JP Skinner and contributed to outreach programs for local
and international students. Char-Lee was a counselor for the Waterstart program, assisting with group management, water safety and environmental research activities. She led groups of teenage students on a variety of field trips and taught the occasional biology lesson. In addition to her
counseling responsibilities, Char-Lee created a staff manual for future counselors, with information about group management tactics and lesson ideas. During the program, Char-Lee received her certifications for First Aid, CPR, Oxygen Provider and PADI Scuba Diver.
