Leela Booth ’27 charts a course in marine science with summer REU

Marine science was a natural fit for Leela Booth ’27, who grew up on the Rappahannock River. 

“I spent a lot of time on the water, so I have always felt a deep connection to marine life,” she said. “I wanted to pursue it as a major because I genuinely enjoy learning about the ocean and everything it has to offer, and I want to make a difference.”

Particularly interested in fish and sharks, Booth spent her summer getting hands-on experience at the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment as part of its Research Experience for Undergraduates. 

She worked in the Trophic and Spatial Ecology Research (TRASER) Lab, exploring how environmental and biological factors shape the behavior, movement, and roles of marine and estuarine species. Or, as the lab puts it: “why animals are where they are, go where they go, and do what they do.”

Booth assisted marine science and policy professor Aaron Carlisle and his graduate students in a study examining how diet affects mahi-mahi egg quality, using egg morphology and lipid content analysis.

“Basically,” she explained, “I looked at how big the eggs were and the nutrients in them.” 

Booth also helped take care of the animals in the TRASER lab, went fishing for sharks, and got her boating license. 

“This program aligned with my interests and offered a lot of professional development opportunities,” she said. “I also was really interested in the work Aaron Carlisle does and was thrilled I got to work with him.

“I learned a lot about research and data analysis, which is essential to have in this field,” she added. “I also made a lot of connections. The experience helped me realize I definitely want to pursue this as a career.”