REPT BENEFITS TO ORCA

The COSEE Florida REPT (Research Experience for Pre-Service Teachers) interns that worked at ORCA during the summer of 2011 conducted a study that was helpful in validating the methods ORCA uses for our Fast Assessment of Sediment Toxicity (FAST) program.  ORCA uses the Microtox® solid-phase bioassay to conduct broad-spectrum toxicity analyses of sediment samples.  The Microtox® method was selected because it is fast, inexpensive and sensitive to a wide range of potential toxins.  While this method has been thoroughly standardized and validated by ORCA, we had never completed a direct comparison of the Microtox® method with a more commonly used toxicity bioassay.  The REPT interns compared the Microtox® method  with the EPA approved 10-day Amphipod Survival Bioassay.  Although the REPT intern project was too small and preliminary to draw specific conclusions about the overall comparison of the Microtox® and Amphipod bioassays, the project did validate the superiority of the Microtox® methods in terms of ease of use, reliability and financial and time costs to implement. View Presentation Poster

In addition, ORCA REPT interns, Jennifer Abbott and Jackie Zakarian, have established a relationship with ORCA through the REPT program which has evolved into a mutually beneficial alliance.  A vast amount of scientific knowledge is neither received nor understood by those outside the science community, including today’s youth.  Science educators are a critical conduit to inform, enlighten, and inspire not only the next generation of scientists but also ecologically responsible citizens.  If students are cognizant of the extraordinary marine environment; an innate sense of protection should ensue. 

View Jennifer Abott's Presentation

View Jackie Zakarian's Presentation