‘Killer Algae’ Study
Leads to Outstanding Thesis Award
May 26, 2004 :: No. 265
Susan Frisch, a Cal State Fullerton alumnus
whose master’s thesis on the potential introduction of “killer
algae” into Southern California waters has been used to inform
and influence public policy, has been selected to receive the university’s
2004 Giles T. Brown Outstanding Thesis Award.
Frisch, who earned her master’s degree in biology
in 2003, will be recognized Friday at the university’s annual
Honors Convocation. The award is named for an emeritus professor
of history and carries a $1,000 cash prize.
Her thesis focuses on Caulerpa taxifolia, seaweed
that has blighted the Mediterranean waters of southern Europe and
has caused considerable damage. Although it is not toxic to humans
or other organisms, its ability to grow rapidly makes this plant
a threat to the survival of native seaweed and grasses that provide
food for fish, invertebrates and seabirds.
“Susan’s thesis has generated enormous
interest, not only from the scientific community, but from agency
managers wishing to develop policies to reduce the likelihood of
seaweed introductions in coastal waters of California and the United
States,” noted Steven N. Murray, professor of biological science
and Frisch’s mentor.
“Because of the significance of Susan’s
findings to state and federal resource manager, Susan was invited
to present her thesis work at three different conferences devoted
to Caulerpa species, including a major international conference
that convened researchers from Australia, Europe, Latin America
and the United States.
“By providing evidence of the availability of
other potentially invasive Caulerpa species in the aquarium trade,
Susan’s thesis was requested and used to support passage of
state legislation that bans the importation and sale of eight other
species of Caulerpa beside C. taxifolia in California,” said
Murray.
Because of her research and knowledge of invasive
seaweeds, local fish and game wardens bring her confiscated seaweeds
to confirm whether they are among those on the banned list, according
to Murray.
Frisch, a resident of Redondo Beach, has been working
as an educational assistant in the Southern California Eco Research
Program at Cal State Fullerton. She plans to pursue a career in
marine biology.
Media Contacts: |
Steven N. Murray, professor
of biological science,
at 657-278-7291 or smurray@fullerton.edu
Dave Reid, Public Affairs, at 657-278-4855
or dreid@fullerton.edu |
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