Masters Students 2022-25

Samuel Nunn

Hey everyone! My name is Sam and I finished my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Acadia in May, 2021. My focus in biology the last four years has been in genetics. My master’s research under the supervision of Dr. Easy is going to involve analyzing the effects of environmental contaminants on genes involved in maintaining the health of striped bass. We are going to look at both organic (some herbicides, pesticides, etc.) and inorganic (toxic metals) contaminants. We will also be looking at the effects of climate change, and how this plays a role in exacerbating the role of the contaminants on the striped bass. We want to determine if there are changes in the target genes of striped bass in different locations due to various contaminants present as well as climate change. I am very excited to be working on this project as we look to quantify the effects of contaminants and climate change on the health of striped bass, and help bring to light the importance of protecting striped bass. Success of this project will result in biomarkers for future studies as well as some answers as to what is causing the declining health of striped bass.