"This research is important because invasive species like the Pacific Oyster can cause extreme ecological and economic damage. By further understanding invasive species, scientists can work to conserve native marine life." 

Austin Truong is a senior from Chino Hills, CA, pursuing a B.S. in Biology. Upon graduating, he hopes to enter Medical School, where he will pursue an MD/DO. His long-term professional plans include becoming a Pediatric General Surgeon at a teaching hospital in Southern California.

Austin says, “This opportunity to conduct summer research has really helped me grow professionally. There is a level of determination, self-discipline, and problem solving involved in this process that will better equip me for my future endeavors as a physician. The skills gathered from having the opportunity to create and execute my own research project studying the invasive marine species, Crassostrea gigas, is something unique that not a lot of people get to do.” 

Austin’s mentor is Dr.Andrea Huvard, and his work was funded by a Swenson Science Summer Research Fellowship.