Introducing one of our grad students- Daniella!

Post by Daniella Milanese

Hello, everyone!

My name is Daniella Milanese and I am a graduate student in Dr. Tamara Frank’s deep-sea biology lab at Nova Southeastern University. I am currently working on my master’s thesis on “Plastic Ingestion of Deep-sea Pelagic and Benthic Decapods of the Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge”. For my thesis, I’ve extracted plastic particles out of pelagic and benthic crustaceans before I find out if ingestion differs by region of the fracture zone.

Photo:  Daniella and Tammy Frank (Photo:  H. Judkins)

Besides my research, this is my first DEEPEND cruise and I am beyond excited to be part of such a wonderful team that works together to survey the Gulf’s deep-water ecosystem. Being in Dr. Frank’s lab, I have worked with majority of the decapod species captured in the Gulf, but to work with fresh specimens is a brand new experience! Being able to see true coloration and pristine photophores is truly a treat and a wonder to see. On this DEEPEND expedition, it’s my job to help identify and process all decapods captured.

Photo:  Deep Sea Shrimp (Photo: DM)                                       Photo:  Deep Sea Shrimp (Photo: DM)

    Photo:  Fangtooth  (Anoplogaster cornuta) (Photo: DM)