Hi! My name is Chelsea Lawrence, and I am an undergraduate Senior at Auburn University. My interest in marine organisms began when I joined the microbiology club. Participating in a research lab has been one of the best parts of my college career. With the help of Dr. Strader, Megan, and Sarah, I have been able to cultivate my lab skills. I have also enjoyed taking part in several research topics based on epigenetics. To fully understand epigenetics, we must know how particular environments can affect the genetic makeup of an organism. I have been able to study this interaction with an experiment I am currently working on. In this experiment, I have worked on determining how the environment of Stronglyocentrus purpuratus (Purple Sea Urchins) can affect their immune response genes. I am also hoping to find the microbial community responsible for the “Bald Sea Urchin” disease. Typically, when S.purpuratus is exposed to this disease, you can see signs such as an increase in their immune cells (coelomycetes) localized around their gut. This immune response localized around the gut shows the importance of the interactions between the immune system and the stomach itself. At Auburn University, I have also had the pleasure of working for AUourSTEMstory. This organization is a seminar series that educates both current and future scientists and the public on research ethics. Each semester, OurSTEMstory hosts a keynote speaker that connects the audience with true science stories illustrating how research and social ethics have been violated. “OurSTEMstory,” raises awareness about the contributions of underrepresented groups in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Modern medicine and society have benefitted from the consensual and nonconsensual contributions of underrepresented groups to STEM, and our goal is to highlight their stories while also acknowledging any unethical missteps taken in the name of advancing research and knowledge.