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I chose to study biology because I wanted to learn more about nature, wildlife and the environment that sustains us with hope of contributing to the conservation of life on Earth. It all consciously began as a hobby since I was fascinated by and passionate for reptiles and “bugs” and began working at a small zoo that rescued exotic unwanted pets. I began my college career in a B.A. of nursing program but then decided to withdraw after 2 ½ years and change my major to Biology. At the time I was completely unaware of where this decision would lead me to but after an Insect Life course at UMASS Boston I became hooked on aquatic insects.
I decided to focus on aquatic macroinvertebrates as a group since they
are bio-indicators of water quality and water is becoming an increasingly
threatened resource. My thesis research focuses on aquatic macroinvertebrate
diversity of small streams in Eastern Massachusetts. I am trying to determine
how flow regime in these small and intermittent streams seasonally affects
macroinvertebrate diversity and community composition. I have discovered
that despite the lack of surface flow for a few months during the late
summer, intermittent streams were just as biodiverse as some perennial
streams. This is significant because intermittent streams are not protected
in Massachusetts where human development is rapidly increasing.
Anna Santos
Graduate Program: Ph.D. in Biology
Field of Study: Not Available
Academic Background: Not Available
Email Address: Not Available
Outside of my “academic career”
I enjoy traveling and have gone to Brazil every January for the past 4
years. I love the outdoors and frequent the beaches in the summer and
I enjoy hiking. As a reptile enthusiast and I care for six snakes, three
of which (two Ball Pythons and one Corn Snake) were rescued five years
ago while I worked at a zoo. The Ball Pythons were apparently so content
in their new home that they decided to mate and successfully added members
to the family. This was completely unplanned but is an entire other story
you are welcome to ask me about. My passion for reptiles has guided me
in working for Curious Creatures where I provide educational hands on
programs for children that teach about wildlife and their natural history.
My most recent endeavor is learning Capoeira which is a Brazilian martial
art/dance that has proven to be very challenging but should keep me busy
over the cold winter. Life is good
Nature and wildlife (including bugs…yes bugs are wildlife too) never cease to amaze me! The best part of my work is getting out in the field and learning more about the fascinating critters that surround us. I am always impressed by the great architecture of case-building Caddisflies. My annual trips to Costa Rica have been very rewarding as I have assisted with an Electronic Field Guide (EFG) to aquatic macroinvertebrates of Costa Rica. The digital camera I have been provided with has allowed me to contribute to the EFG Biodiversity Image Gallery. The images I have taken can be viewed at http://gallery.cs.umb.edu/gallery/annasantos The most difficult aspect of my work... hum, it is all in perspective and I have to say that my experience thus far is all positive. Eventually I would like to get my PhD in Entomology or zoology and conduct my research in Brazil where a great amount of macroinvertebrates are yet to be discovered and described.