Since July, junior Tyler Daly has been soaking in opportunity from his work as a research assistant for Dr. Christine Ramsay, associate professor of life sciences. Part of a grant-funded project (by Southeastern New England Educational and Charitable Foundation) to investigate the impact of marine invasive species in local waters, Tyler’s research focuses on bryozoans, “marine fouling” organisms that have made their way to the Thames River from warmer southern waters. Marine fouling organisms attach themselves to underwater objects, such as ropes, boats and other structures, and cause damage.

Tyler, a marine biology major, is gaining practical experience and broadening his understanding of what being a scientist means. He secured the position of research assistant by following up on a request for one from Dr. Ramsay to her marine biology students in January 2021.

“I am elated to be doing this work. I love the fact that I am being exposed to exactly what research and possibly a job in this field would look like.”

His work averages about five to eight hours per week, and he splits his time between collecting specimens from around the Mitchell dock and then conducting experiments in the lab in Bingham Hall.

“The ultimate goal of this research is to determine temperature tolerances for the bryozoans to live and then predict where they might spread, based on the temperatures of the coastal areas around us. An invasive species like this outcompetes native species for space.”

When the water in the river gets too cold for the bryozoans to live on the dock, the experiments will end and the collected data and images will continue to be analyzed throughout the winter months. Dr. Ramsay and Tyler will use that information to write a paper that will be published and presented at a professional scientific conference.

Tyler said that some of the challenges that he has encountered in his work as a research assistant have prepared him well for future work.

“Data analysis was a big challenge. It’s grueling and monotonous, but it’s one of the things that I love because it’s a big part of the sciences. I have gotten used to it, and it’s very practical for me to know. Being a research assistant has also helped me communicate better with a ‘boss.’ At first I wasn’t sure how to talk with Dr. Ramsay and have a rapport, but now I am much more comfortable communicating with her and with others.”

Looking forward to a future filled with science, Tyler also recognizes being in the moment on the Mitchell dock.

“This experience is really helpful in terms of understanding what work in academic or research settings would be like. There are a lot of possibilities. I love science and figuring out how things work, the math behind the interactions of everything, the governing force in the world, and which things make what move. I also love that my job is to go to the dock and do science work on the water. I get to watch the ferry or even a submarine come in or go out as I am pulling bryozoans off a rope for an experiment that I am about to set up. That is very exciting for me!”

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Sophomore Max Mallove recently signed a contract to be a professional player with TeamMETA Esports, playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Smash Bros. Melee. As a pro, he will compete in national and state level tournaments, represent Team Meta’s sponsors and partners and participate in training sessions.

In addition to that, he continues to play at the collegiate level for Mitchell Esports, coached by Chris Leonard, who said of Max’s pro status, “Max is an excellent Smash Ultimate player and even better at Smash Melee. He is a natural talent, and we are excited to have him in the TeamMETA family.”

Competing in local tournaments since 2014, Max upped his game when he played in national level tournaments, including Shine 2016 in Boston and EVO 2017 in Las Vegas. Despite this experience, he considered not joining Mitchell’s new esports team last year.

“I almost didn’t play at Mitchell because I had never played Ultimate at tournament level. Somehow, though, I ended up going undefeated, so I’m glad that I gave it a shot,” Max said.

What does Max like most about participating in esports?

“The level of competition drives you to always keep improving and upping your game, making it really satisfying when it pays off. It’s also fun to meet new people that share a common interest in esports. When I first started playing at a tournament level, I was nervous that everyone would be way better than me. Now I just enjoy the challenge. I look forward to learning from my mistakes and from other good players.”

Max offers the same advice to other players, whether novice to professional.

“Always be open to advice and tips from other players or coaches! It’s very easy to overlook small details that can play a large factor in your gameplay.”

When he is not participating in esports activities, Max studies business at Mitchell and works at his family’s store, Mallove’s Jewelers, which he plans to take over one day.

“After graduating from Mitchell, I’m going to work towards getting my degree from the Gemological Institute of America. That way I’d be certified to appraise diamonds and other precious stones.”

In the meantime, Max is enjoying splitting his time between campus and his job.

“Mitchell was an easy choice for me because I needed to stay close to my job. The small campus makes it easy for me to be able to transition between work and my classes. Mitchell is a community-oriented campus. Everyone is very friendly and supportive!”

Current Mitchell or Thames students interested in participating in esports should contact:

Chris Leonard at leonard_c@mitchell.edu OR
Jamie Romeo at romeo_j@mitchell.edu

Prospective students interested in esports, please contact:

Jamie Romeo at romeo_j@mitchell.edu