Initial Publication Date: April 9, 2021
Sea otter studies
Lead Researcher: Kimberly Kloecker, US Geological Survey
Internship Description
Interested in lab work? Interested in bones & skulls and 'gross' specimens? We are looking for a student(s) to assist in determining the caloric content of sea otter prey items and collect teeth from beach-cast carcasses to submit to the lab for age analysis. Learn to use lab equipment such as dessicators, balances, freeze dryers, and bomb calorimeters. Learn about how to determine the age of a sea otter and how their teeth play a role. Pull teeth and process sea otter skulls for submission to the UA Museum of the North.
Nature of the Research Project
Applied Research, Basic Research, Wet Lab/Bench ResearchStudent Learning Outcomes
Describe how biologists answer research questions using databases; large data sets; and data science tools.Describe the iterative nature of science and how new evidence can lead to the revision of scientific knowledge
Execute protocols and accurately record measurements and observations.
Record; organize; and annotate simple data sets.
Work effectively with teammates to complete projects.
Research Location
USGS Alaska Science Center
4210 University Drive
Anchorage AK 99508
Remote Option? no
Preferred Timing
Start Date: 2021-06-01
End Date: 2021-09-30
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Researcher holding up a sea otter skull found on an Alaska shoreline. Skulls are collected under a federal marine mammal permit.![[reuse info]](/images/information_16.png)
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A sea otter eating a clam
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Image of the calorimeter that will be used for this project.