Zardus’ South Pacific research
John Zardus, Ph.D., head of the Department of Biology, traveled to the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu in October, where he conducted research funded by the National Science Foundation to study the genetics of barnacles from sea turtles.
On the island of Malekula, he trained local residents to collect barnacle specimens from nesting sea turtles. Procuring specimens from different turtle species, the team will continue sampling over the next several months and send their collection to Zardus at the end of the nesting season.
Summer is year-round in Vanuatu, and Zardus found himself sleeping on a grass mat on floorboards. Despite the primitive conditions, he enjoyed himself—snorkeling on pristine coral reefs and feasting on laplap, a yam pudding with coconut cream baked in banana leaves.
