For PLNU marine biology students, summer research can mean trading the traditional classroom for the waters just off the San Diego coast. This summer, four undergraduate students joined biology professor Dr. Andrew Nosal on the water to study the seasonal aggregation of leopard sharks at La Jolla Shores.
Working alongside Dr. Nosal, students helped safely catch leopard sharks and examine their skin for parasites, collecting and removing samples before releasing the sharks back into the ocean. The experience gives undergraduate researchers an opportunity to participate directly in fieldwork while learning alongside a faculty mentor.
For Dr. Nosal, conducting summer research with undergraduate students is one of the highlights of being part of the PLNU community. And for students, experiences like this offer a chance to put what they're learning into practice while exploring the remarkable marine environment located just beyond campus.
To see more on Dr. Nosal's summer research with his undergraduate students, check out our new Instagram post!
Turn Curiosity Into Discovery
At PLNU, studying biology can take you far beyond the classroom! Through hands-on research, close faculty mentorship, and opportunities to explore the natural environments surrounding San Diego, students can put their curiosity into practice while developing the skills of a scientist.
Discover how PLNU's Department of Biology can help you explore the living world and prepare for where your passion for science might lead next.