Johann Rudolf Strickler | Shaw distinguished professor - Estados Unidos

• Grant number: 09/02477-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Duration: June 18, 2009 - September 01, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Biological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Rubens Mendes Lopes
• Grantee: Rubens Mendes Lopes
• Visiting researcher: Johann Rudolf Strickler
• Visiting researcher institution: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW-Milwaukee), United States
• Host Institution: Instituto Oceanográfico (IO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

We propose to develop novel experimental and observational methods at the University of São Paulo dedicated to the study of marine plankton behavior. We will give emphasis on the feeding behavior of copepods, a dominant zooplankton taxon, as well as on the analysis of microalgal allelopathic behavior based on the detection of chemotactic responses using microfluidic devices. Both specific objectives are part of the FAPESP-based individual research grant headed by the proponent. In addition to the experiments here designed the foreign researcher will teach an international course together with the Brazilian partner, within the framework of the graduate program in Biological Oceanography at USP. Among the expected results, we plan to write a full manuscript during the visit and prepare the drafts of other two manuscripts, for submission to international journals until late 2009. We believe this scientific partnership will most certainly contribute to the opening of a new experimental research venue at USP and in Brazil, dedicated to the study of plankton behavioral ecology. (AU)