While most college students dedicate their summers to interning at typical offices, Lizzy Glazer finds herself in the Galapagos embracing adventure, immersing herself in Ecuadorian culture, and learning from nature firsthand. In July 2024, after a two-day excursion on a fishing boat off the coast of San Cristobal, Galapagos, joint UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University undergraduate Glazer found herself setting up camp in a cabin on Isabela Island without running water or electricity. Glazer, a Junior Robertson Scholar majoring in Marine Science & Conservation and Neuroscience, spent the following two weeks in the Galapagos National Park alongside an experienced research team led by Daniela Alarcón of the Galapagos Science Center (GSC). Glazer was in for an opportunity of a lifetime – collecting never-before-seen data on the surrounding marine life.
With a deep passion for her field of study, Glazer is dedicated to understanding animal cognition and making wildlife relatable to inspire environmental protection efforts. When Glazer found out that UNC-Chapel Hill partnered with Universidad San Francisco de Quito to create the only university science center in the Galapagos, she knew she needed to proactively find a way to get involved in a marine science research project – and in particular, research on cetaceans.
The Galapagos is the perfect environment for conservation research because of its extensive biodiversity that has been studied since Darwin landed on the Islands in 1835. Due to its tropical location, deep-sea water mixes with the warm surface causing upwelling. Marine animals thrive in this nutrient-rich water, allowing scientists a front-row seat into biological evolution. As issues with the global climate crisis progress, GSC marine scientist Alarcón, with Glazer by her side, explored the impact of changing water temperatures and weather patterns on bottlenose dolphins, orcas, and blue whales. Although some animals have learned to adapt to the changing conditions, altering their diets and migration patterns, others are not as adaptable to this change.
During Glazer’s time in the Galapagos on this marine expedition, she started every morning whale watching, scanning the horizon for the sprays of blue whales that would guide the boat’s course. The presence of ten blue whales—the largest creatures on earth that could measure the length of multiple school buses—was a breathtaking sight. Using drone footage to capture aerial views, the research team observed whales from an elevated perspective. They employed photogrammetry, a research method using photographs to obtain precise measurements and information about physical objects, to gather data on blue whales. Additionally, a hydrophone—an underwater microphone–collected ocean sounds, which were then paired with stunning drone footage to analyze whale communication. The integration of visual and auditory data deepened Glazer’s understanding of marine life and the intricate web of whales beneath the waves.
Glazer also conducted research documenting and analyzing the communication styles of bottlenose dolphins, providing insights into their social interactions and behaviors. Bottlenose dolphins are known as signature whistlers, which they use to refer to each other like names. Each individual has a unique whistle that is often a variant of their mother’s. They produce sounds from their blowhole and use echolocation clicks, utilizing a fat-filled melon on the front of their head to emit signals that bounce off objects underwater. This allows them to interpret their surroundings and create mental images of their environment. This echolocation serves as both a hunting tool and an additional sense, making them highly vocal communicators. For identification, Glazer employed photo ID techniques since each dolphin’s dorsal fin is also unique, enabling accurate tracking and study of individual dolphins.
Back in the lab at the Galapagos Science Center, Glazer conducted biopsy research and genetic testing using skin samples of various cetaceans, as well as analyzed prepared samples for the analysis of stable isotopes to identify feeding patterns. Using the genetic information they gathered, Glazer and the broader team of researchers crafted genetic relationship maps, linking together DNA and creating a visual representation that illustrates the connections and relationships between the species found in the Galapagos with others in the region.
Reflecting on her two months in the Galapagos, Glazer describes her journey as magical, watching marine life thrive independently and harmoniously, untouched by human interference. Her short walk to work, often alongside sea lions, added to her experience. Glazer appreciated the warm hospitality of the Galapagos and enjoyed bonding with her host family while practicing her Spanish. Eager to give back, she participated in outreach with the GSC, focusing on important topics like reducing plastic usage and educating community members through family science events.
During her research, Glazer became acutely aware of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world, appreciating the stunning beauty of nature while also recognizing the challenges posed by our presence. “Humans often view themselves as apex predators, which can create a disconnect from the vibrant biodiversity that surrounds us and overshadow the intelligence of other species,” Glazer reflects. “We should use our intelligence and influence to protect nature, especially since many animals are vulnerable to human impact. It’s our responsibility to preserve what cannot preserve itself.” With a hopeful vision for the future, Glazer envisions a world where we embrace our role as caring stewards of the Earth.
Article by Maya True Wasik ’27 and Kelly Weaver