Meet a Scientist: Katharyn Boyer (Patreon)

Hey Deep Peeps,

It takes a lot of time and effort to produce each episode of Deep Look, but we couldn’t do it without the help of scientists and other valuable collaborators who have worked closely with us over the years. We’re introducing several of these wonderful partners to you in a series of short profiles so you can get a deeper look at their expertise.

Meet Katharyn Boyer, a professor of biology at San Francisco State University’s Estuary & Ocean Science Center. Boyer teaches undergraduate and graduate students in basic and applied ecology courses, and also leads a lab of graduate students and research technicians to conduct grant-funded research on restoration ecology in coastal systems.

Photo courtesy of Katharyn Boyer

“Our primary research topics revolve around tidal marshes and seagrass beds, and in particular how we can restore these systems in ways that also protect shorelines or otherwise serve in climate change adaptation (e.g., blue carbon storage, amelioration of ocean acidification, high tide refuge for wildlife and maximizing important species interactions). I serve on numerous advisory committees related to nature-based adaptation to climate change impacts, and do quite a bit of community outreach.”

In addition to suggesting ideas to Deep Look producers for future episodes, Boyer worked with producer Mike Seely on his episode, “See Sea Slugs Scour Seagrass by the Seashore.” (Say that six times fast if you can!)

“I provided the movie stars for an episode on sea hares (Phyllaplysia taylori) that live in eelgrass (Zostera marina) habitats,” Boyer said. “Following a series of atmospheric rivers in early 2017 and subsequent extended low salinities, these charismatic creatures disappeared from San Francisco Bay, but survived in our tanks at the EOS Center. The series producers came to the center and staged a photo shoot with them within our large tanks and in smaller aquarium tanks that permitted close videography. I arranged their access during the pandemic and assisted with some site logistics.”

Eelgrass sea hares clean the eelgrass of the microscopic algae that coats it. Seagrass meadows help absorb carbon from the atmosphere and control erosion. (Josh Cassidy/KQED)

“I was impressed by how much the series producers knew about the anatomy and behavior of the sea hare; they had really done their homework,” Boyer said. “I was amazed at the care they took and the extended time they spent getting their footage just so; it really took great patience and focus. I have spent years studying the ecology of these animals in eelgrass beds, but had never seen the close-up detail of their movement and activity that this segment revealed.”

Sea hares get their name from the bunny-ear-like tentacles on top of their heads called rhinophores, which they use to sense temperature, water movement and smell. (Mike Seely/KQED)

“It was a great service to highlight this species and to draw attention to the conservation needs of its habitat. The short format combined with really well-researched and beautifully documented species and topics in this series, and a snappy and fun voiceover (e.g., use of the term “slug bunnies,” for a sea slug that looks like a rabbit), makes for a highly accessible and educational program.”