Undergraduate Researcher: Jodi Vandermyde

Stable nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N) of muscle tissue is frequently used as an indicator of an animal's trophic level and reflects the environment it inhabits. However, muscle tissue can only determine a fish's environmental history for the past few weeks or months. Otoliths (earstones) would be better because they contain rings that provide a record of age and permanently retain chemical signatures from previous environments.

The objectives of my research were to determine whether there's a relationship between δ15N in fish otoliths and δ15N in muscle tissue and to determine whether otolith and muscle δ15N differ among fish collected in forested and agricultural drained watersheds in Southern Illinois. Results indicated a significant correlation between muscle and otolith δ15N, with muscle δ15N averaging 1.1% higher than otoliths. There was also a significant difference of fish otoliths and muscle δ15N where δ15N levels were higher in agricultural draining watersheds than forested draining watersheds.

Without research, our world would stop advancing in knowledge and technology. Unfortunately, it is hard for undergraduates to get a chance to do their own research project. The REACH program gives undergraduates that chance and in doing so it is building a stronger generation of researchers. The program gave me a chance to gain experience in new techniques and practice in presenting my research early in my career.

—Jodi Vandermyde