Dr. Sally D. Hacker Lab
Hacker Laboratory
Department of Zoology
3021 Cordley Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
Telephone: 541–737–3727
Fax: 541–737–0501
Graduate Students
Paulina Guarderas
(BA Biology, Catholic University, Ecuador )
Thesis Research Interests:
I am interested in the interface between marine science and the application of ecological concepts into marine conservation. My work experience in the Galapagos Islands and in the mainland coasts in Ecuador made me aware of the problems, threats and challenges of conserving marine ecosystems and the need for gaining support from local stakeholders to make conservation efforts more successful.
My research involves analyzing the current situation of marine protection in Latin American countries and documenting the ecological effects of marine reserves. I use meta-analysis of published data to address the differential species and community responses to protection. This study will guide scientists, policy makers and stakeholders in the future creation, implementation and monitoring of marine reserves in Latin American countries by providing information about the role of marine reserves in ocean management, with examples from the region.
Margot Hessing–Lewis
(BS Biology, McGill University; MS Geography and Biology, Queen's University, Ontario)
Thesis Research Interests:
After completing Master's research on community-based eelgrass restoration in British
Columbia in 2005, I am continuing my doctoral research on estuarine and other coastal ecosystem dynamics. Interests include eelgrass/faunal interations, comparative ecology of nearshore rocky intertidal and soft bottomed habitats and techniques for the integration of spatial scale into ecological analysis.
Lorena Wisehart
(BS Botany, Humboldt State University, California)
Thesis Research Interests:
I am investigating the effects of oyster aquaculture on eelgrass habitat in
Willapa Bay, Washington. I have been conducting both observational and
experimental studies to understand whether oysters and/or harvest activities
influence eelgrass recruitment. Early life history stages can have an important
role in maintaining eelgrass populations following disturbance (e.g. aquaculture
activities) and my thesis will begin to illustrate the role of these stages in
recolonizing disturbed areas (especially following dredging). The response of
eelgrass to aquaculture remains largely unstudied and these results
will thus be useful to both shellfish farmers and managers as they strive to
develop ecologically sound farming and management practices.
My website: www.oregonstate.edu/~wiseharl