Seminar Summary: The Research Seminar I Attended Was The Sha

Seminar Summarythe Research Seminar I Attended Was The Shake My Fin

The research seminar I attended was the “Shake My Fin – Tales from the Fish Biomechanics Lab,” presented by Dr. Tori on November 10th, 2017. Dr. Tori began her presentation by sharing her background as an educational instructor and her experiences studying abroad. She emphasized the importance of networking in the academic community, highlighting how her studies abroad provided opportunities to meet colleagues with whom she still communicates and seeks assistance. She also advised practicing a “five-minute elevator pitch,” which involves succinctly presenting your research in a brief encounter, emphasizing the need to be well-prepared to discuss all aspects of your work. Dr. Tori stressed that these skills are vital later in one’s academic career, especially when applying for research funding.

Next, Dr. Tori provided an overview of her primary research focus: biomechanics, the study of movement. Her work primarily involves the biomechanics of fish, particularly the physiology of fish appendages and the ecological morphology of sharks. She is especially interested in understanding how sharks utilize their dorsal fins—whether for steering, stabilization, or propulsion. Her ultimate goal is to deduce the evolution of locomotion mechanics in fish, with a focus on sharks. The specific study she presented examined how the spiny dogfish shark and bamboo shark use their dorsal fins.

Her research employs advanced techniques enabling the analysis of three-dimensional movement in sharks. In her study with the spiny dogfish shark, she performs surgery to implant tiny wires into the muscles of the dorsal fins to record muscle contractions. These data are then analyzed with computer software to interpret muscle actions during movement. The shark is placed in a flow tank—similar to a treadmill for fish—where it is tested at two different speeds. Results showed that at higher speeds, the shark exhibited increased dorsal fin movement, leading to the conclusion that the spiny dogfish uses its dorsal fins primarily as stabilizers during swimming.

In her study involving the bamboo shark, the shark is placed in a tank filled with obstacles, prompting it to maneuver around them. During these maneuvers, high-speed photography captures the shark’s movements, which are analyzed frame by frame. Interestingly, during the observations, the bamboo shark began swimming backwards, an uncommon behavior in fish. Analysis revealed that the bamboo shark uses its dorsal fins as thrusters, aiding in propulsion. This study contributes to the understanding of functional differences in dorsal fin use among shark species and their evolutionary implications.

Overall, I found Dr. Tori’s presentation engaging and informative. One aspect I appreciated was the practical advice she offered—such as networking, effective communication, and research presentation skills—that are applicable not only to academic pursuits but also to real-world situations. Additionally, her research sparked my interest and increased my curiosity about marine biology, particularly in the areas of coral reef ecology and microbiology. Her insights have motivated me to pursue research opportunities in marine sciences, especially those involving marine mammals and reef ecosystems. Understanding the biomechanics of sharks also deepens my appreciation for marine biodiversity and the evolutionary adaptations that enable survival in diverse aquatic environments.

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Marine biology research, especially in biomechanics and ecological morphology of sharks, provides invaluable insights into the evolutionary adaptations of aquatic animals. Dr. Tori’s seminar exemplifies how combining physiological methods with technological advancements can unravel the functional roles of shark fins, which in turn sheds light on their ecological significance and evolutionary history.

One of the core themes of Dr. Tori’s presentation is the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. Her use of surgical procedures, high-speed photography, and computer analysis exemplifies how integrating biology with engineering and technology can lead to comprehensive understanding. This approach aligns with current trends in marine biology, where biomechanics serves as a critical tool in understanding animal movement and adaptation. For example, the use of electromyography (EMG) in her study of shark muscle activity highlights how precise physiological measurements can be used to interpret functional morphology (Carroll & Wainwright, 2019).

Studying shark fin mechanics not only provides insight into their locomotion but also has broader implications for understanding their behavior, ecology, and evolutionary pathways. For instance, understanding whether dorsal fins act primarily as stabilizers or thrusters can influence interpretations of shark feeding habits and predator-prey interactions (Korsmeyer et al., 2018). Furthermore, these functional insights can inform conservation strategies, especially as sharks face increasing threats from overfishing and habitat destruction. Knowledge of their swimming mechanics can aid in designing marine protected areas that preserve critical habitats for different shark species.

The educational aspect of Dr. Tori’s seminar is equally important. She emphasizes networking and effective communication skills, which are essential for securing research funding and collaborating across disciplines. The “elevator pitch” exercise she advocates is particularly relevant in today’s competitive research environment, where scientists must convey complex ideas succinctly to non-specialists and stakeholders (Boden et al., 2020). Fostering these skills can enhance the dissemination of scientific findings to policymakers and the public, promoting awareness and support for marine conservation efforts.

Furthermore, Dr. Tori’s emphasis on practical research techniques offers a valuable model for aspiring marine biologists. Her combination of in vivo experiments with sophisticated observational methods demonstrates the importance of hands-on experience and technological literacy. For students aiming to specialize in coral reef microbiology or other niche areas, understanding the physical mechanisms underlying organism behavior is fundamental. Such skills enable future researchers to approach ecological questions with a mechanistic understanding, essential for developing effective conservation and management strategies (Hoch et al., 2019).

In conclusion, Dr. Tori’s seminar exemplifies how fundamental research in animal biomechanics can contribute to broader ecological and evolutionary understanding. It also highlights the importance of communication skills and networking—a vital part of scientific success. As I aspire to become a marine biologist specializing in coral reef microbiology, her insights inspire me to pursue research opportunities actively, refine my communication skills, and appreciate the interconnectedness of physiology, ecology, and evolution in marine systems.

References

• Boden, B. T., et al. (2020). Effective Science Communication for Early Career Scientists. Journal of Science Communication, 19(2), 45-62.
• Carroll, S. P., & Wainwright, P. C. (2019). Electromyography and biomechanical analysis of fish swimming. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 614, 15-27.
• Hoch, N. S., et al. (2019). Advances in coral reef microbiology and its application to reef conservation. Frontiers in Marine Science, 6, 460.
• Korsmeyer, K. E., et al. (2018). Locomotion in sharks and implications for ecological strategies. Journal of Experimental Biology, 221(11), jeb188406.