University of Oregon
B.S. Marine Biology
2024
It is not fully understood how cultivated Pacific oysters (Crassostrea [Magallana] gigas) respond to environmental conditions in Alaska, and how environmental changes relate to variation in oyster growth and survival, a concern that has been raised by farmers. Through monitoring populations on oyster farms and conducting experimental trials with a focus on temperature and Alexandrium, a harmful paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP)-causing dinoflagellate, Sof's project aims to better understand the impacts of these environmental stressors on oysters. Gene expression will be measured using RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) devices will be deployed at farms to monitor environmental toxin levels. Results from this study will increase our understanding of the drivers of the variability in growth and survival of Pacific oysters in Alaska.
Originally from Seattle, Sof earned their B.S. in Marine Biology at the University
of Oregon with minors in dance, environmental studies, and science communication.
During their undergrad, Sof completed an honors thesis in the Emlet Lab using genetic
barcoding to investigate the Rostanga pulchra cryptic species complex. Sof also worked as an Oregon Sea Grant Summer Scholar doing
marine reserve interpretation and science communication for the Redfish Rocks Marine
Reserve.
They are enthusiastic about human connections to the environment, and hope to work
with coastal communities on solutions to increase resiliency against the climate crisis.
Outside of school, Sof enjoys cooking, dancing, and scuba diving.
- North Pacific Research Board Graduate Student Research Award (2025)
- Northern Gulf of Alaska Applied Research Award (2025)