Savannah Mapes, PhD Candidate
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
samapes@vims.edu
Ahoy! My name is Savannah Mapes and I am a (micro) phycologist by occupation, a naturalist by hobby, and maintain a lifestyle fueled by curiosity. Currently, I am a Ph.D. Candidate at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science studying the dynamics of harmful algal blooming species in the lower Chesapeake Bay under the advisory of Dr. Kim Reece.
Academic credentials and personal interests can be found on the "About" page. (COMING SOON)
The "Research Blog" features publications and news articles where my research is mentioned.
On the "Content" page you will find photos and videos relevant to my scientific research. (COMING SOON)
Research Interests
As an early career researcher, I have collected a vast and diverse list of scientific curiosities. These are just a few of my *notable* academic research interests.
Dynamics of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
I am interested in enhancing the monitoring of HABs species through incorporating new technologies and expanding education/outreach initiatives, and also interested in studying patterns of environmental parameters and how they relate to the presence of certain HABs species. Here I've included a short video introducing 2 dinoflagellate species that cause HABs in the lower Chesapeake Bay; Margalefidinium polykrikoides ("Marg" for short), and Alexandrium monilatum ("Alex").
Dinoflagellate Life Cycles
The life cycle of dinoflagellates is fascinating, with separate asexual, sexual, and dormant life stages. I am currently working on filling in the knowledge gaps about the life cycle of A. monilatum. In the video here I've provided an example of 2 different dinoflagellate life stages - the dormant resting cyst (non-motile globs with yellow in the middle to the left), and a congregation of gamete cells (motile yellow cells on the right).
Phytoplankton Physiology
The concepts I learned during my undergraduate studies, which focused on how the physiology of a diatom is affected by oil spill conditions, inspire me to consider the physiology of dinoflagellates in general, and when exposed to different conditions.
Anthropogenic Use of HABs
Having attended a Microalgae-Industry-Centered conference in 2018 (Algae Biomass Summit) and learning of the various uses of phytoplankton, I often wonder about ways that humans can benefit from inevitable HABs (i.e. harvesting the lipid-rich microalgae from blooms to make bioplastics as seen in the company, BLOOM).