OXFORD, Miss. – As apex predators – or predators at the top
of their food chain – sharks are considered essential in a
sustainable ocean ecosystem.
With this in mind, a University of Mississippi doctoral
student has completed biological research related to sharks
and marine management, which has received national
recognition.
Jill Hendon of Mounds View, Minn., was recently presented
with the 2008 Walter B. Jones Memorial Award for Excellence
in Coastal and Marine Graduate Study. She was recognized
for her research on the stress physiology of sharks at the
awards ceremony last month hosted by the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration in Washington, D.C.
According to an award letter from NOAA official David
Kennedy, a distinguished panel of judges selected Hendon
from an impressive field of nominees. He said her
dedication and hard work epitomize coastal stewardship.
Hendon’s graduate study research to protect and preserve
coastal areas has focused on marine animal health at the
physiologic level by analyzing blood samples. The work
could lead to better marine management practices, she
said.
“By examining the stress health of several sharks in a
population, inferences could be made about the overall
health of the population,” Hendon said. “Because sharks are
apex predators in our oceans, their presence is essential
for achieving and maintaining a sustainable ocean
ecosystem.”
Hendon’s passion was developed as an undergraduate at the
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Through an affiliation
with the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast
Research Lab, Hendon spent a summer there taking
marine-related field classes. The work led to a master’s
program in marine immunology at USM and her involvement as
a volunteer scientist with the NOAA’s long line shark
survey. While there, she met UM marine biologist Glenn
Parsons, who encouraged her to pursue her current
research.
“This award could not have been given to a more deserving
individual,” said Parsons, Hendon’s academic adviser. “Jill
is a great student and one of the most genuine people I
know. I am certain that she will continue to make
significant contributions to the study of stress physiology
and marine science, and she will be an exceptional member
of the academic community.”
Hendon expects to complete her doctoral degree in 2009. She
hopes to continue pursuing research focused on the
eco-physiologic approach to coastal management practices.
“I enjoy teaching and would love to continue educating
students and the community about the amazing facets of our
coastal ecosystem,” she said.
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