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SEAS: Student Experiments At Sea

Scientist spotlight

The Scientist Spotlight is a way for you to learn more about particular scientists and their research.

Scientists who study deep-sea mussels

Since the classroom-to-sea mussel lab asks you to compare shallow-water and deep-sea mussels, we've interviewed some scientists who investigate different aspects of deep-sea mussel biology.

Cindy Van Dover

Dr Cindy Van Dover

Dr. Van Dover studies the ecology of deep-sea animals (that is, the relationship between the animals and their environment — including other living things). In 2005, she and her students discovered a disease affecting vent mussels from the South Pacific Ocean.
More about Dr. Van Dover and her lab

Tim Shank holding two vent mussels. Image courtesy of K. Kusek

Dr Tim Shank

Dr. Shank and his lab seek to understand why deep-sea animals are distributed as they are, how they are related and how they may have evolved.
More about Dr. Shank and his lab

Craig Young

Dr Craig Young

Dr. Young studies reproduction and the early stages of marine invertebrates. He and his graduate students are investigating how deep-sea mussels reproduce.
More about Dr. Young and his lab