OPS Research Assistant, Reef Fish Behavior, EDAP 2026

The goal of this project is to investigate how reef structure shapes animal behavioral interactions. With reef habitats threatened worldwide, understanding the relationship between the environment and behavior will provide insights into how animals may be affected, especially in important mutualistic relationships. This project focuses on the relationship between dusky damselfish and cleaner gobies to examine how habitat features shape interactions between cleaners and clients. Designing, building, and maintaining the reef mesocosm experiment, including managing fish and cameras Routine fish husbandry tasks for dusky damselfish and cleaner gobies Data extraction from behavioral videos Data analysis Other duties as assigned Students can receive course credit as an internship through the Office of Career and Engagement. Successfully completed Bio 1 (Introduction to Biology, BSC 2010, or equivalent course) Experience with conducting a research project Experience with experiments in animal behavior or coursework in animal behavior Experience with fish care