2012 ESPM C107, IB 158LF Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Class

The Mo’orea field course, also known as ESPM 107 or IB 158LF, was a nine-week research expedition conducted in late 2012 at the University of California Gump South Pacific Research Station in Mo’orea, French Polynesia. The curriculum was taught by professors Brent Mishler, Jonathon Stillman, George Roderick, Vincent Resh, Stephanie Carlson, Tom Bruns, and Matteo Garbelotto, with support from graduate student instructors Rosemary Romero, Matthew Luskin, and Darcy Kato-Ernst. Students were tasked with conducting independent research projects on various aspects of tropical ecology, biology, and geomorphology, utilizing Mo’orea as a biological and ecological sandbox. These projects covered a wide array of topics, including the effects of climate change on marine development, symbiotic interactions between crabs and anemones, spider cannibalism, coral disease, and the distribution of zooplankton, fungi, and bryophytes. The course combined intensive field surveys and laboratory experiments with quantitative analysis using JMP software. In addition to academic rigor, the program emphasized cultural enrichment and collaboration among the student group.