Snyder awarded National Science Foundation REU Research Grant

Saipan International School alumna Anika Snyder is a junior at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland where she studies Ecology and Conservation. (Contributed Photo)

The Saipan International School’s Class of 2020 valedictorian, Anika Snyder, has been awarded a Research Experience for Undergraduates grant to work in the University of Alabama’s Re-IMAGINE Life REU program. REUs are competitive summer research programs for undergraduates studying science, engineering, or mathematics and are sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Snyder was selected out of 99 applications for the Re-IMAGINE REU to work with Dr. Mathew Jenny at the University of Alabama from May through July. Jenny’s specific project focuses on molecular mechanisms of tolerance and adaptation to environmental pollutants. As a result of climate change, aquatic organisms are routinely being exposed to warmer temperatures that results in significant cellular stress. Freshwater unionid mussels are one of the most imperiled groups of aquatic organisms and a better understanding of how mussel species respond and adapt to environmental changes will greatly improve conservation and restoration efforts.

To compare the different responses to thermal stress among unionid species with different life-history strategies, Snyder will participate in mesocosm studies this summer in which up to four different unionid species will be exposed to a gradient of thermal challenges over the course of six weeks. During this time, metabolic and physiological measurements will be performed on the mussels. At the end of the six-week thermal challenge, she will have the opportunity to participate in the collection and analysis of several cellular and molecular biomarkers, including those for energy storage, changes in aerobic versus anaerobic respiration, cellular antioxidant assessment and changes in gene expression.

Snyder is a rising junior at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland where she studies Ecology and Conservation. At SIS she was an AP Capstone Diploma recipient. Her AP Research topic, The Thermotolerant Advantage of Heat Acclimation in Nerita plicata, looked at the impact of rising sea temperatures on intertidal snails in the CNMI. Her report was awarded the highest mark by the College Board that year.  

“Anika asked big questions from the start of the class and pursued answering them with vigor,” said Whit Altizer, SIS’ AP Research teacher. “I am so proud to see her building on the work she did in AP Research while at SIS. We ask students to pursue a topic they are genuinely curious about with the hope they will continue researching it after they leave here. I am incredibly happy that she found a topic in our program that she continues to question.” (PR)