Samples of Opportunity
The Ocean Acidification Research Center (OARC) is accepting proposals from current UAF students to add ocean acidification (OA) measurements to their research projects. OA data can be applied to interdisciplinary research areas including aquaculture, environmental change, fisheries, marine biology, natural resource management, and oceanography.
Interested students should submit a one-page proposal outlining the project’s main goals and fieldwork schedule to collect up to 20 discrete samples to be run at the OARC free of charge. Those new to OA and seawater sampling should contact the OARC before the deadline.
Awarded students located in Fairbanks are expected to participate in some lab activities. All students will present their results to the OARC and may also present at a CFOS seminar or scientific meeting.
Proposals are due March 15, 2024.
Student projects will require seawater samples to be collected with auxiliiary information, including seawater depth, temperature, and salinity at the time of collection. Awarded students will be trained in sampling techniques prior to field work. After collection, students located in Fairbanks will be trained on the laboratory techniques to measure the Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) and Total Alkalinity (TA) on an Automated InfraRed Inorganic Carbon Analyzer (AIRICA) and Versatile Instrument for the Determination of Total Alkalinity (VINDTA).
Once the DIC and TA data are measured, the students will be able to calculate other marine carbonate parameters applicable to their research. This includes the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), pH, and saturation state (Ω).
Potential timeline:
Communication with the OARC lead, Natalie Monacci, is strongly suggested ahead of proposal deadline on March 15, 2024.
Notification of awarded proposals is expected around the beginning of April.
Training of sample collection will take place a few weeks prior to fieldwork/shipping.
Current UAF students located in Fairbanks are expected to participate in laboratory analysis of your seawater samples. This will require 4-8 hours of time, potentially spread across 1-2 days, depending on class and lab schedules. Current UAF students located at another campus and unable to travel to Fairbanks will virtually meet with OARC to discuss analysis.
Training on data processing, 1-2 hours, will take place after sample analysis.
Awarded students will meet with their advisors to discuss results.
Students will present their findings during the Fall 2024 semester. This will include a presention to the OARC and other awarded students and their respective advisors. Students may also be asked to present results to external groups including CFOS, the Alaska Ocean Acidificaiton Network, or other applicable stakeholders.
Proposal Guidline:
1 page total
Project Idea (1 paragraph): Briefly describe your research project and how marine carbonate parameters will add to your research objectives
Sample Collection (1 paragraph): Identify how you will transport sampling supplies (including hazardous materials; HgCl2) to field sites; collect the seawater with little to no atmospheric mixing (i.e. Niskin bottle or simliar if sampling below sea surface); and measure depth, temperature, and salinity
Schedule (1 paragraph): Outline schedule for shipping and travel to field site and return of samples to the OARC
Advisor Name
Proposal Review:
A minimum of 2 student projects are expected to be selected
The schedule of proposed fieldwork and sample submission will be a significant factor
When a high number of projects are proposed, preference will be given to those with existing funding for samples or where a student is using this award as a match for current or future funding.