The Role of the Rumen Microbiome in Diet Selection and Foraging Behavior of Moose

Lead Researcher: Katie Anderson, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Internship Description

This summer will be a pilot study for a large collaborative research project that hopes to uncover how the microbiome communicates and influences the host and vice versa. This summer we will be analyzing plant tissue samples for nutritional quality using chemical assays and running metabolism trials with captive raised moose to determine diet quality and intake rate. Simultaneously, we will be collecting rumen, fecal, and urine samples to quantify the microbial community and conjugates of the diet.

Nature of the Research Project

Applied Research, Field Research, Wet Lab/Bench Research

Student Learning Outcomes

Analyze data; summarize resulting patterns; draw appropriate conclusions
Describe the iterative nature of science and how new evidence can lead to the revision of scientific knowledge
Given a biological problem identify relevant concepts from other STEM disciplines or fields of biology
Recognize gaps in our current understanding of a biological system or process and identify what specific information is missing.
Use appropriate language and style to communicate science effectively to targeted audiences (e.g. general public; biology experts; collaborators in other disciplines)

Research Location

Matanuska Experimental Farm 1509 S. Georgeson Drive, Palmer AK 99645.

Remote Option? no

Preferred Timing

Start Date: 2021-05-10
End Date: 2021-08-31

Summer Application»

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