Aquatic
Research Laboratory at FSU
    
The Aquatic Research Laboratory
at Fayetteville State University specializes in both marine and
freshwater research. We maintain over 300 gallons salt and
freshwater aquariums used for research, teaching and community
outreach.
Coral toxins
as Chemotherapeutic agents
 
Undischarged (left) and discharded (right) stinging cells.
Images from Biodidac.
We are maintaining
different species of coral for the purpose of extracting toxins from
cnidocytes (stinging cells) used in feeding and defense. We
maintain several reef tanks with metal halide lights in order to
grow corals and study their toxins. Coral toxins may be useful
in the fight against cancer.
 
Research student Sydney
Lanier and Dr. Salek constructing a reef aquarium with South
Pacific live rock.
Coral Reef Education
Programs
The Aquatic Research Lab also
contains a touch tank stocked with hermit crabs, lobsters, brittle
stars and anemones that can be handled and examined under the
microscope. The goal is to expose K-12 students to, science,
the wonder and beauty of coral reefs, and their potential benefits
to mankind.
Touch tank animals
and a curious student.
Toxicology, Hormones and Behavior
In my laboratory we are completely characterizing
the courtship and spawning behavior of zebrafish. We are investigating
the effects of herbicides on
acetyl cholinesterase and carboxylesterase
levels in brain tissue of zebrafish. We are also studying the
its effects on courtship behavior, and fecundity. Many
chemicals have been show to alter brain function and behavior of
organisms.
 
Zebrafish rearing system.
The Aquatic Research
Laboratory is funded in part by the LSAMP and FICAMS grants at
Faytteville State University.
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