Investigating Trophic Interactions of Deep-sea Animals (Sharks, Teleosts, and Mobile scavengers) in the Gulf of Mexico Using Stable Isotope Analysis

This dissertation, written by Diana Churchill, and entitled Investigating Trophic Interactions of Deep-Sea Animals (Sharks, Teleosts, and Mobile Scavengers) in the Gulf of Mexico Using Stable Isotope Analysis, having been approved in respect to style and intellectual content, is referred to you for judgment. We have read this dissertation and recommend that it be approved. iii DEDICATION To my mother and father, Jackye and Steve Churchill, who encouraged my curiosity and have always supported my aspirations no matter how fanciful they have been. And to Adrianne Alpern, whose love and wisdom has kept me grounded. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The work presented in this dissertation was not accomplished solely by the author. Many individuals assisted me throughout this process with mentorship and logistical support. I would fist like to thank Mike Heithaus, my major advisor, for taking a chance on an aquarist six years out of undergrad looking to do something more intellectual than scrubbing fish tanks. You have been an excellent role model for me, both professionally and personally. Your level of energy and excitement seem boundless and are often a needed reminder of what I love about science. You believed in my ideas and allowed me to run with them. Working under your mentorship has given me the resources and confidence to pursue my career aspirations. appreciate your generous contributions of expertise and time during my research. Special thanks to Craig Layman for his support during the early stages of this project when it was still a Master's thesis. considerable planning it took to successfully execute three deep-sea research cruises. Dean and Chip also provided invaluable expertise on deep-sea taxa identification. I would also like to thank Bill Chamberlain, John Harris, and the staff of the FIU Stable Isotope Laboratory for additional logistical support. I am very thankful for the support and assistance provided by my current and former lab mates Thank you to the multitude of volunteers who worked long, grueling hours aboard the R/V Weatherbird II and to all of the undergraduate volunteers who assisted in processing samples in the lab. I especially want to thank my partner, Adrianne Alpern, for keeping me sane during graduate school. Your emotional support made the challenging times more bearable and your enthusiasm made Miami the best place to live. I'm so fortunate to have found you and I look forward to many more adventures. Lastly, I would like to thank my …