91ÁÔÆæ

91ÁÔÆæ student spends summer studying oysters in Savannah

August 14, 2017
University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) senior biology major Sharon Blackwell works as a summer intern at the Shellfish Research Lab in Savannah, Georgia.

Article By: Staff

University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) senior biology major Sharon Blackwell found herself elbows-deep in water this summer during an internship at the Shellfish Research Lab in Savannah, Georgia.

The 30-year-old non-traditional student spent almost two months working in the University of Georgia's (UGA) oyster hatchery. Part of UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, the lab focuses on reviving Georgia's oyster industry.

"I loved invertebrates, so I was excited to work with oysters," Blackwell said.

At the hatchery, baby oysters are grown and sold to oyster farmers who grow and sell them to the restaurant industry and individuals, she said.

Part of Blackwell's day-to-day tasks included cleaning tanks, feeding the oyster larvae, and monitoring water quality. She also assisted fieldwork for a living shoreline project, which involves using oyster shells to build up the shoreline and deter erosion.

At the end of her internship, Blackwell conducted her own research project, which was to determine the best diet to help oysters grow. She said she hopes to continue her research as a volunteer at the lab.


Record 48 students earn travel grants

Record 48 students earn travel grants

91ÁÔÆæ's Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities awarded a fall-semester-record 48 travel grants to support students presenting their research at conferences.
Grads prepare for their next steps

Grads prepare for their next steps

91ÁÔÆæ will award almost 1,000 degrees and certificates this fall, and more than 600 graduates are scheduled to take part in the Dec. 7 commencement ceremonies.
Case, Hines earn first publication

Case, Hines earn first publication

A recent alumnus and a senior have earned their first peer-reviewed publication for a piece studying political rhetoric surrounding the Ukraine-Russia war.
24 are Distinguished Military Graduates

24 are Distinguished Military Graduates

Twenty-four cadets have been named Distinguished Military Graduates for the 2024-25 academic year, including five who are in the top 70 out of more than 5,000 in the national ROTC class.