Thursday, May 11, 2006

Wilmington, N.C. - Rebecca Hamner of Greensboro is this year's recipient of the Fulbright Scholar Program at University of North Carolina Wilmington. She will graduate summa cum laude this Saturday, May 13 with degrees in marine biology and psychology, a minor in chemistry and will also be recognized for achieving University Honors in Marine Biology.

Hamner's Fulbright award period will begin in February 2007, when she will travel to Auckland, New Zealand to work with Scott Baker at the University of Auckland. While there, she will use molecular genetic techniques to investigate issues related to the conservation of Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) and a recently recognized subspecies known as Maui's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui). These endangered dolphins are endemic to the waters surrounding New Zealand and are subject to the effects of human interactions and disturbances.

"I am incredibly honored to be the recipient of a Fulbright and can not wait to begin my work on Hector's dolphins while exploring and experiencing the culture of New Zealand," Hamner said. "This is an amazing opportunity for me to work with an expert in my chosen career field and build international connections for future collaborations."

In her studies with Wilson Freshwater at the UNCW Center for Marine Science over the past three years, Hamner has used molecular genetic tools to investigate topics ranging from marine algae to the invasive population of lion fish along the east coast of the United States.

She has served as an undergraduate research assistant and as a co-author on resulting publication, and recently traveled to the Colonial Academic Alliance Undergraduate Research Conference at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA to present a poster on her research. This poster was also presented at the UNCW Showcase of Undergraduate Research displayed in Randall Library on campus.

Hamner said she plans to pursue a career in higher education so she can continue to perform research on issues related to marine mammal conservation using molecular genetic techniques.

"My research at UNCW has helped to focus my interests for a future career and given me an excellent basis of knowledge and skills that reinforced and expanded upon what I learned in the classroom," she said.

The traditional Fulbright Scholar Program sends 800 U.S. faculty and professionals abroad each year. Grantees lecture and conduct research in a wide variety of academic and professional fields. Hamner will be the first UNCW recipient to conduct research in New Zealand.