Research Projects

Research Experience as Primary Investigator

1. “Ecological and Environmental Drivers of Lionfish Movement on Invaded Coral Reefs in the USVI.” (2018-19) Castillo, B., Smith, D., Pollock, C., Green, S., Akins, L. and Nemeth, R. Supplemental funds awarded by Scientific Research Disaster Recovery Grant from the Gulf Research Program ($38,053).

2. “Antioxidants in Algae found in the US Virgin Islands.” (2016-17) Castillo, B. and Taylor, M. Grant funded by VI-EPSCoR ($25,543).

3. “Integrating Research into the General Chemistry Curriculum: How Safe is your Drinking Water.” (2015-19) Castillo, B. and Reale-Munroe, K. Grant funded by VI-EPSCoR. This grant is part of the $20 million award to the university.

4. “Influences of Watershed inputs on Water Quality and Bioluminescent Dinoflagellates in Mangrove Lagoon, St. Croix, USVI.” (2015-2016) Castillo, B. , Reale-Munroe, K. and Pinckney, J. Funded by United States Geological Survey (USGS)-Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) ($29,477).

5. “Determine Ciguatera Toxicity and Habitat Impact Thresholds on Pterois volitans at Buck Island Reef Monument.” (2012-2013) Castillo, B., Green, S., Akins, L., Lundgren, I. and Reale-Munroe, K. Funded by Department of Interior (DOI)-National Park Service (NPS) ($23,500).

6. “Screening of Ciguatera Toxins Found in Indo-Pacific Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles complex) in the US Virgin Islands.” (2012-2013) Castillo, B. Funded by VI-EPSCoR ($25,000).

7. “Measurement of Particulate Organic Material and Erosion Rates in Small Subtropical Watersheds on the East End of St. Croix, USVI.” (2010-2011) Castillo, B., Reale-Munroe, K. and Ramos-Scharron, C. Funded by United States Geological Survey (USGS)-Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) ($20,294).

Research Experience as Co-Primary Investigator

1. “Using Eye Tracking Systems and Retrospective Think Alouds (RTA) to Assess the Impact of a Hybrid Problem-based Distance Learning Environment on Students Chemistry Laboratory and Problem Solving Skills.” (2015-19) Blackmon, A. (PI), Castillo, B. and Romano, S. Funded by VI-EPSCoR. This grant is part of the $20 million award to the university.

2. “Ecological and Environmental Drivers of Lionfish Movement on Invaded Coral Reefs in the USVI.” (2015-19) Castillo, B., Green, S., Akins, L. and Nemeth, R. (PI). Grant funded by VI-EPSCoR. This grant is part of the $20 million award to the university.

3. “Water Chemistry, Phytoplankton and Sediment Dynamics of Nearshore Habitats in Salt River Bay, St. Croix.” (2015-2016) Lane, C. (PI), Castillo, B., Reale-Munroe, K., Pinckney, J., Hillis-Starr, Z.. Goldstein, D., Torres, J. and Wagner, A. Funded by Department of Interior through the University of South Carolina Wilmington ($16,941).

4. “Ecological Characterization of Bioluminescence in Mangrove Lagoon Salt River Bay, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.” (2012-2013) Pinckney, J. (PI), Greenfield, D., Long, R., Tomas, C., Castillo, B., Benitez-Nelson, C., Lane, C., Reale-Munroe. K., Taylor. M., Hillis-Starr, Z. and Goldstein, D. Funded by DOI-NPS ($45,999).

5. “Terrestrial Sediment Delivery and Nearshore Water Turbidity – A Case Study From the East End of St. Croix, USVI.” (2012-2014) Reale-Munroe, K. (PI), Castillo, B. and Ramos-Scharron, C. Funded by United States Geological Survey (USGS)-Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) ($21,007).

6. “Quantifying Sediment and Organic Material Production Rates from Surface Erosion Processes and the Effect on Marine Water Quality in Small Subtropical Watersheds on the East End of St. Croix, USVI.” (2011-2012) Reale-Munroe, K. (PI), Castillo, B. and Ramos-Scharron, C. Funded by United States Geological Survey (USGS)-Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) ($18,981).