If you ask student-athlete and biology senior Vivian Light to share a fun science fact, she will likely tell you something fascinating about fish. For instance, fish and trees have something in common: to determine their age, you count the rings. While tree rings are found in trunks, fish age is calculated through annuli — rings that form in their otoliths, or ear bones.
Light has performed this delicate counting task numerous times while working in a lab at Hatfield Marine Science Center, studying black rockfish alongside graduate student Madison Bargas. The research is part of Bargas’ graduate thesis, which focuses on understanding the reproductive rates of the species and when it’s safe to catch them and not damage population numbers.
“There are so many benefits to doing research. It was a hands-on experience where I learned if I was OK with dissecting stuff. And I learned that I really enjoy working with fish,” Light said.
Despite being based in Corvallis for volleyball training, she made frequent drives to the coast last summer to participate in a class and help Bargas. She sent one email to the lab and they welcomed her with open arms.
Looking ahead, she plans to attend graduate school, hopefully at Oregon State, and eventually work in freshwater fish conservation. A supportive advisor, interesting classes and enriching opportunities have helped shape her academic and athletic career. Her journey is a testament to the opportunities and growth that Oregon State offers to its students, both in the laboratory and on the court.