2016 - 2018
While at Bucknell University, tracked the spread of several amphibian diseases throughout vernal ponds across Pennsylvania as species ranges expanded due to climate change shifting their northern boundaries. During my first year, with a team of undergraduate and graduate student researchers, I was tasked with tracking the spread of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a deadly salamander fungus, through Pennsylvania vernal ponds. I conducted field research to swap and collect toe clippings for DNA analysis. During my second year, I was granted the privilege of conducting an independent study on a frog mass mortality event in these same vernal ponds to determine if the event was due to the northern spread of Ranavirus.
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Ranavirus Disease Tracking
2020
Conducted a desktop literature review on international, national, and California state laws during an internship at Coastal Quest for the Ocean Protection Council. Documented existing blue carbon policy and suggested amendments that would make them more inclusive of wetland ecosystems. Researched ways individuals and countries could mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions via carbon crediting programs. Developed a white paper summarizing all results.
Overview of Policy Affecting Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Internationally, Nationally, and in California
2021 - 2022
Studied the effects of oxylipin presence on oyster development under Dr. Bethanie Edwards at the University of California Berkeley. As part of a NOAA funded grant, we tested and observed how oxylipin toxin levels affected the different larval stages. Prior to this research, oxylipins were found to negatively influence copepods and sea urchin development, however, their effects on shellfish were previously unknown.
Together, we tested multiple methods of water sampling and storage to reduce the likelihood of new oxylipins forming when samples were in transit from a partner farm in Maine. These findings were used to create a standardized procedure for the Edwards lab.
Oxylipin and Oyster Larval Development
Reserach Work
May 2022, Earth and Planetary Science Department at the University of California Berkeley
Presentation – “Oxylipins and Oyster Larval Deformities” – First ever research to identify and conclude biotoxins as the leading cause for larval deformities in oyster and overall shellfish genus
April 2017, National Science and Humanities Symposium, San Diego CA
Poster – “Biomechanical Prediction for Velocity” – Pendulum Formula as it elates to prosthetic leg construction
April 2017, The Kalman Research Symposium, Bucknell University, Lewisburg PA
Presentation – Presented with Lab Group - Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) Salamander Research
March 2017, Pennsylvania Science and Humanities Symposium, Juniata College, Huntington PA
Presentation – “Biomechanical Prediction for Velocity” – Pendulum Formula as it relates to prosthetic leg construction
Academic Reserach Presentations
Schroeder, Scarlett M., (2018). Biomechanics of Velocity, SCIENCE BUZZ, 2018 Stem Symposium – Engineering, Physics.
Academic Publication
Schroeder, Scarlett. M., (2022). Oxylipin and Oyster Larval Development. University of California Berkeley, Senior Honors Thesis in the Earth and Planetary Science Department.
Schroeder, Scarlett. M., (2020). An Overview of Policy Affecting Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Internationally, Nationally, and in California, Coastal Quest.