Progress to date

Elisabete

Acted as teams "biologist" by briefing research partners with information regarding Sea Squirt zoology, habits and role in local ecosystems

Researched and read published articles regarding Sea Squirts

Attended Lectures on similar research topics

Corresponded with leading scientists regarding data available for the model

Visited WHOI to meet with scientists in preparation for data gathering trip

Helped develop list of parameters regarding sea squirt invasiveness

Traveled to Panama with WHOI team to implement the collection of parameter data

Upon return, helped interpret data collected in Panama to research team

Has acted in 'liaison" role between scientists from Panama research team and project research team, in regard to obtaining data collected

Created and presented research project to college IT course

Created and presented interactive workshop on Sea Squirt Zoology and Ecological impact at a local Conference for 7th and 8th grade girls, interested in Science and Technology

Nicole:

Researched mathematical models, specifically Decision Trees.

Downloaded and installed R, an open-source statistical package.

Developed software to use R to design a Decision Tree based on collected data.

Formatted data from different sources, and therefore in different formats, to be used as input to the Decision Tree design.

Manipulated pruning constraints, tree height and parameters used to develop at useful tree.