Hi! My name is Amber Miller and I am currently a graduate student getting my master's in marine ecology at TAMUCC. I currently have a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a minor in chemistry from Western Kentucky University. For my thesis work, I plan to work on the phylum Porifera on the Flower Garden Banks in the Gulf of Mexico this upcoming summer. The first part of my thesis research will be to conduct presence/ absence surveys and then to quantify the sponge species found along transects. I plan to also discuss the chemical and/or morphological characteristics that the sponge and the surrounding coral have in common. Being a native of Ohio, I have never been truly immersed in a marine environment and I am excited to be getting my master's here in Texas. I have always been interested in marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs and have traveled to many interesting locales. Hopefully when I have completed graduate school, I will have the opportunity to travel. On a personal note I enjoy being outdoors and love to swim, horseback ride and enjoy relaxing when I have time. I am also very interested in other invertebrates, including Hexapods.

My research interest include ecosystems related to coral reefs and adjacent communities, Coral physiology, Coral diseases, Coral immunity, bioaccumulation of compounds by members of the coral reef community, and potential compounds for the Pharmaceutical industry. Life interests include sailing, scuba diving, photography, secluded beaches, ranching, the learning experience, and family. Long-term goals include graduating with a Ph.D. in CMSS from Texas A & M-Corpus Christi and continuing the study of the reef system for compounds for the Pharmaceutical industry, the study of the reef system as a whole, and introduce as many people to the fascinating world available to them both above and below the water.

garyofcc@aol.com