In a remote Norwegian field station, Erin Murray spent a month with a research team studying the impacts of noise from a nearby offshore windfarm upon key species of the local aquatic food chain.
For Murray, who had already graduated with an Ohio State zoology degree, the time at the field station was part of a three-month international research program at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway.
“At NTNU, under the supervision of Dr. Kang Nian Yap, I studied the copepod Calanus finmarchicus, a small crustacean that is essential to Norway’s biodiversity and economy and an important food source for salmon and codfish,” described Murray. “The team and I hypothesized that noise from an offshore windfarm would increase oxidative stress and metabolic rate and alter swimming patterns of the copepods, indicating stress.”
Understanding global sustainability challenges
At the field station, Murray and the research team exposed copepods to constant, low frequency audio from the windfarm for three weeks. They recorded the metabolic rate, specific heat shock, and oxidative stress gene expression of the copepods at the sound exposure site and the control site to assess signs of stress.
The team also predicted that the noise would harm swimming behavior, hindering their ability to respond to signals from predatory fish larvae. Murray helped track and record changes in swimming behavior of the copepods after producing a mechanical disturbance in the water.
“Although the copepods are small and often go unnoticed, they are essential for healthy marine ecosystems,” said Murray. “My research highlighted how noise pollution impacts ecosystem balance and fisheries, further amplifying the connection between marine sustainability and human activity.”
Ohio State programs enable international sustainability curiosity
Murray’s participation in the NTNU research program was made possible through Ohio State’s TRONDBUSS program. The Department of Molecular Genetics created TRONDBUSS within its Students in Life Sciences Abroad (STILSA) program, which supports paid and credit-earning international research internships in collaboration with NTNU, Sorbonne Université and Paris Saclay Université in France and recently extended to University of French West Indies. STILSA has now partnered with ASC Career Success to offer global experiential learning not only in academia but also in non-academic settings (e.g. private sector companies).
Through STILSA, Ohio State undergraduate students (graduated and degree-seeking) may pursue research internships across numerous fields of study, including marine and plant biology, terrestrial ecology, biomaterial science and animal ecophysiology, among others.
Murray's research focusing on the impacts of anthropogenic noise pollution on microorganisms in the Norwegian fjords was also supported with funding from Ohio State’s Sustainability Institute (SI).
Continuing studies
Murray expressed deep appreciation for the support from TRONDBUSS and SI that allowed her to collaborate on an international research initiative. Through her work at NTNU, Murray was invited to return to Europe to continue her research on noise pollution in marine environments. Overall, Murray noted that this experience has enhanced her research and professional background, in preparation of attending graduate school.
“We are so pleased to offer this opportunity for students to advance their knowledge and careers in an international setting,” said Patrice Hamel, professor of molecular genetics and founder of TRONDBUSS and STILSA. “As we seek to understand and develop solutions for a wide variety of social and ecological challenges, international research increases our awareness of commonalities across cultures and environments that can help bridge new paths forward.”
Learn more about STILSA and apply for available opportunities.
Story by Christine Andreeva, SI Student Communications Assistant
Story image used with permission from Erin Murray.