Graduate Research Assistant

D. Matthew "Matt" Schweitzer

Email: mschweitzer1972@yahoo.com                       

Education

• M.S., Biology, in progress, Texas A & M University – Corpus Christi

• B.S., Biology, Texas A & M University – Corpus Christi
  

Thesis

• Sex distribution and size variation of adult blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus Rathburn) along a salinity gradient within the lower Nueces River and Nueces River estuary

Thesis Objectives

• Explore sex ratio distribution of adult blue crabs along the salinity gradient in Nueces River Estuary;

• Determine if sizes of blue crabs increase as the salinity of the lower Nueces River system decreases;

• Explore seasonal variations in female blue crab population distribution and reproductive stages along the salinity gradient of the lower Nueces River estuary;

• Track recapture rates and growth of male and female blue crabs within the lower reaches of the Nueces River and try to extrapolate population density based on results.

Research Interests

• To obtain funding for an in-depth study of brachyuran larval dispersal and recruitment in the Coastal Bend of Texas

• Benthic invertebrate recruitment and population dynamics

• Estuarine system ecology

• Avian behavior and ecology

• Phytoplankton/zooplankton distribution and taxonomy. 

 Long-Term Goals

• I intend to take my education further, following up my M.S. with a Ph.D.  I am very passionate about what I perceive as an intense need for outreach education programs for school children and the general public concerning wildlife conservation and natural habitat protection and preservation, and plan on pursuing a career that combines this type of education with field research here in the Coastal Bend