Lizmar Luna Pirela
Marine biology
As an aspiring Coastal Marine Biology student enrolled at UPR Humacao, my academic pursuits are anchored in a profound curiosity for fisheries science, wetlands, sea urchins, and corals. A strong and enduring passion for the ocean has been nurtured within me, stemming from the invaluable guidance and inspiration provided by my parents. Their influence has steered me toward the captivating realm of marine science, where I find myself continuously enthralled by the wonders and complexities of this fascinating field. It is my ardent desire to leverage my education and passion to contribute meaningfully to the preservation and understanding of marine ecosystems, thus fostering a sustainable and harmonious coexistence with our marine environment.
Research Interests
My scholarly pursuits center around exploring diverse oceanic processes, particularly the intricacies of the natural carbon pump and factors that may disrupt its balance. Biogeochemical oceanography, coral reefs, sea urchins, and mangroves are also focal points of my research. Additionally, I take keen interest in discerning patterns in organism behavior and the manifold factors that exert direct and indirect influences upon them.
Research
Honors thesis project: Antibiotic properties of Sargassum spp.
Advisor: Patrick Reyes Pesaresi, Ph.D.
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Project: Effect of seasonal pelagic Sargassum accumulation in areas of upside-down jellyfish (Genus Cassiopea) blooms across Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR)
Advisor: Natalia López Figueroa, Ph.D. Candidate
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Project: Effects of Biofouling on sinking microplastics
Advisor: Kai Ziervogel, Ph.D
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Project: Exploring the ideal substrate and watering conditions for black mangroves in a controlled setting
Advisor: Anna Armitage, Ph.D.
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Project: Effect of antibiotics on corals affected with SCTLD (Stony coral tissue loss diseases)
Advisor: Joel Melendez, M.Sc.