McNair Scholars
Erim Gomez
Currently in Ph.D. program Natural Resource Sciences focus in Aquatic Ecology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
Master of Science, Natural Resource Sciences focus in Aquatic Ecology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA May 2010
Bachelor of Science, Environmental Studies Biology, Minors: Economics & Political Science, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR June 2007
While at Southern Oregon University, I worked with Dr. Michael Parker at the Biology Department on my McNair funded capstone. We studied distribution of native crayfish and introduced crayfish in a local drainage. I also gained experience working on other projects with lotic benthic communities as a laboratory assistant in Dr. Parker’s laboratory. As an undergraduate, I spent one summer working for BLM in South Eastern California, conducting a population study on the Flat tail horned lizard and the Colorado fringe toed lizard. Inspired by Dr. Parker’s research on Devils Hole pupfish, I conducted a literate review to determine the effect earthquakes have on aquifer water levels. I used this information to determine how earthquakes could possibly affect the endangered Devils Hole pupfish. I found that earthquakes could cause a drop in aquifer levels leading to the loss of the pupfish’s only breeding habitat; causing the extinction of the pupfish.
I have diverse environmental and conservation interests. Which lead me to spend two years at SOU as Co-Director of the Ecology Center of the Siskiyous. I worked with campus administrators and students to make a more environmentally friendly campus. I helped bring speakers to lecture on environmental issues and oversaw the management of the free bike clinic, the campus organic garden and the campus-recycling program. I was also one of many that helped pass a student referendum to offset carbon at SOU by purchasing green energy credits.
After graduating from SOU, I was hired as a research assistant in the Natural Resource Limnology Laboratory at Washington State University. I monitored the environmental quality of two lakes in Eastern Washington and the Skagit River in Western Washington. I also assisted in research to determine the environmental factors limiting red band rainbow trout population in Twin Lakes.
Current research: As a Masters student at Washington State University, I work in the Endangered Species Laboratory with Dr. Rod Sayler. I am starting my thesis research on the endangered Northern Leopard Frog, examining behavior, ecology and conservation. I further plan to conduct comparison behavioral studies on the Bull Frog, Columbian Spotted Frog, Pacific Tree Frog, and the Tiger Salamander in a laboratory setting. I have recently started work on Chytrid fungus heat treatment.
Future Research: I plan to continue my education and purse a PhD and conduct research that examines environmental factors that are limiting endemic species. I also hope to pursue research that restores aquatic ecosystems for organisms and the public. I plan to pursue a career in academia for two reasons: because I love the research and also because I enjoy teaching and how research can aide students in the learning process.
If you would like to know more about my research interests and experience please view my CV and other links listed below. You are also welcome and encouraged to email me.
SOU Mentor: Dr. Michael Parker, Biology
- Curriculum Vitae (Updated April 2012)
- 2006 McNair Scholar Symposium: Crayfish Distribution in Bear Creek : Displacement of Native by Introduced Species Slide Presentation Abstract
- SOU Siskiyou Article: SOU Approves Green Energy Fee
Crayfish Distribution Presentation (Requires Flash Player)