Sara Matthews, MS student

Graduate Research: In my research at OIMB, I investigated maternal care and male-male
aggressive behaviors in the caprellid amphipod Caprella mutica. Not much is known of this group of organisms in general, and less is known of the species found in Coos Bay. Parental females showed more aggression than other females and fought males of two species most often. Males attacked each other most often in the presence of non-brooding females, which are potentially receptive to mating. Additionally, males have a specialized appendage on their second gnathopods that may contribute to fatalities during aggressive encounters.

Thesis: "Maternal care, male-male aggression, and the use of a specialized appendage in the caprellid amphipod, Caprella mutica."

Advisor: Dr. Richard Emlet

Current Occupation: Biological Field Station Assistant, Stone Lab, Ohio State University.

About GK-12:I taught 3rd and 4th grade in the Coos Bay schools. My favorite part of the program was seeing the students' faces light up when you walk in the room because they know they'll be doing a new hands-on activity and learning about their marine habitat.