Arkansas State University, 2017 – Present
Dissertation: Ectoparasitic monogenean fish host association and cleaning symbiosis; Host range, differential infection rates, associate behavior and informal education
Bio: Amber has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from the University of the Virgin Islands, and a Master of Science, biological sciences degree specializing in behavioral ecology of tropical marine organisms from Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Her research interests include science literacy, interspecific and intraspecific interactions including communication, population dynamics, reproductive strategies, social behavior, and symbiosis between and among micro and macro scale associates. Amber is currently focusing on Caribbean reef fish ectoparasitism and marine cleaning symbiosis.
Website: https://ambermccammon.wixsite.com/marine-symbiologist
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amber_Mccammon
Publications
(6) Sikkel, PC, Welicky, RL, Artim, JM, McCammon, AM, Sellers, JC, Coile, AM, Jenkins, WG (2017) Nocturnal migration reduces exposure to micropredation in a coral reef fish. Bulletin of Marine Science. 93:475-489.
(5) Loerch, SM, McCammon, AM, Sikkel, PC (2015) Low susceptibility of invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish Pterois volitans to ectoparasitic Neobenedenia in the eastern Caribbean. Environmental Biology of Fishes. 98:1979-1985.
(4) McCammon, AM, Brooks, WR (2014) Protection of host anemones by snapping shrimps: A case for symbiotic mutualism? Symbiosis. 1-8.
(3) Welicky, RL, Cheney, KL, Coile, AM, McCammon, A, Sikkel, PC (2013) The relationship between lunar periodicity and activity of fish-parasitic gnathiid isopods in the Caribbean. Marine Biology. 160:1607-1617.
(2) McCammon, A, Sikkel, P, Nemeth, D (2010) Effects of three Caribbean cleaner shrimps on ectoparasitic monogeneans in a semi-natural environment. Coral Reefs. 29:419-426.
(1) Sikkel, PC, Nemeth, D, McCammon, A, Williams, JEH (2009) Habitat and species differences in prevalence and intensity of Neobenedenia melleni (Monogenea:Capsalidae) on sympatric Caribbean surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae). Journal of Parasitology. 95:63-68.
Grants Awarded
McCammon, A (2019) National Informal Science Education Fellowship Grant. Professional development, educational materials, and funds to integrate sustainability into public engagement work, operations, and community partnerships. Awarded travel, lodging, workshop attendance, and $1,000.
Idrisi, N, McCammon, A (2007) Marine Debris Removal and Monitoring Effort at Cas Cay – Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, St. Thomas, USVI. NOAA & the Gulf of Mexico Foundation, approved for $32,000.
Gnathiid Gnation 