Congratulations Meta Hughes!!

Congratulations to Meta Hughes on an excellent MS thesis defense!

Meta's thesis asked whether we could use modelled lunar phase and/or lunar illumination as useful predictors of the vertical distributions of the lanternfish Hygophum taaningi. Previous studies on the genus have shown that they seem to migrate around the full moon, but this study was the first to take advantage of a long-term dataset and model data to really dive into the question and show some very cool behaviors! I've also learned more about the moon and its own patterns than I knew existed, so it's been a fun project to supervise! Her thesis is currently being revised for final dissemination in the new year, and we expect to convert this to a paper after the break as well so stand by for those in due course (I'll post an update to this post when we've got links to share).

Congratulations again Meta and enjoy the well-deserved break!

Jan 2026 update - You can now read Meta's thesis here: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hcas_etd_all/224