Guest Editors
Jefferson (Jesse) Humbert
Walla Walla University
Jefferson (Jesse) Humbert received his undergraduate degrees from Walla Walla University before completing his Master's in Marine Biology. Jesse has long been interested in the behavior and ecological influence of octopuses. Octopuses are rarely observed in the wild due to their cryptic lifestyles; hence, wild octopus behavior is often inferred from captive specimens. To combat this bias, Jesse deployed underwater camera traps and monitored octopus dens to track octopuses while observing wild behavior. The results of this study changed the way we view Octopus rubescens through the discovery of social behaviors, diurnal preferences, and mutualistic interactions with kelp greenling (Hexagrammos decagrammus). Previous octopus projects helped him elucidate a mutualism between scallops and sponges that octopuses maintain. In his free time, Jesse works as a diver in Mexico, mapping cave systems or as a National Geographic Naturalist. Jesse assists several local marine labs and aquariums with cold water diving in Puget Sound. As a passionate educator and outdoor enthusiast, Jesse is privileged to share his love of science and the natural world with his students and colleagues.
Kirt Onthank
Walla Walla University
Dr. Kirt Onthank received his master's at Walla Walla University before completing his PhD in marine zoology at Washington State University. His interest in marine physiology led to his graduate work on hydrothermal vents on the HOV Alvin. After finishing his PhD, he accepted a position as an associate professor at Walla Walla University and eventually a position as director of the Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory. The Onthank lab focuses on the physiology, ecology, and behavior of cephalopods. Ongoing research projects are focused on the impact of ocean acidification on octopus physiology and energy budgeting. Dr. Kirt also examined the life history changes cephalopods undergo using stable isotope analysis. As a prominent believer in open-source technology and a skilled engineer, Kirt has designed and built several complex open-source systems based on consumer electronics.
Collection Overview
Cephalopods are recognized for their contributions to scientific research, ranging from the cephalopodan nervous system and learning abilities to research on their adaptive camouflage and genetics. However, there is much left to be studied. Although a valuable tool for research, cephalopods have traditionally remained understudied due to difficulties with laboratory confinement. With the development of modernized husbandry techniques and increased accessibility to cephalopods, an apparent lack of standardized protocols for experimentation and care has become apparent. This collection aims to combat this deficit by presenting standardized video protocols used by researchers working with cephalopods on topics such as husbandry, neurobiology, biomedicine, bioengineering, and behavioral studies.
Articles
Monochrome Multiplex Quantitative PCR Telomere Length Measurement
0 Views
•
Cited by 8
•
2024
•
Noelle A. Martin*1, Lauren W. Y. McLester-Davis*2,3,4, Trevor R. Roy1, Madeline G. Magruder5, Waylon J. Hastings1, Stacy S. Drury6
1School of Medicine, Tulane University, 2Native American Center for Health Professions, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 3Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 5School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, 6Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children’s Hospital