FAU students work as Manatee Masters at FPL's Manatee Lagoon
2021 Annual ES Retreat Highlights Student Research and Career Opportunities
The 2022 Environmental Science Retreat was held in-person this year at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, where ES students presented their research to attendees and judges during a poster session. The first-place winner was Garrett Maggio (advisor Dr. Mike McCoy) for his thesis research on the genetics of parasitic trematodes in diamondback terrapins. Billy Abbott (advisor Rindy Anderson) was the runner-up for his thesis research on how morphological features mitigate the effects of high temperatures on mating behavior in the Bachman's sparrow. Cristal Espinosa's study of marine debris in mangrove environments (advisor Dr. Tiffany Briggs) was the winner in the Directed Independent research category.
The Retreat featured renowned wildlife ecologist Dr. Mark Cook , the Scientific Section Lead of the Systemwide Everglades Research Group at the South Florida Water Management District. Dr. Cook is also a widely recognized wildlife photographer who uses his photography to educate and inspire greater appreciation of our local natural heritage. A panel discussion engaging students and professionals followed the keynote presentation. >>Click here for more information .
Researchers Katie Buckman and River Vanderveer visited remote areas of Big Cypress National Preserve by helicopter to survey vegetation, bird nesting sites, and use a hollow box to sample fish populations in the wetlands. Katie is the crew lead and River is an undergraduate researcher studying Environmental Science. If you are interested in pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, bring an appetite for adventure, waders and sun protection, and visit our Academic Programs webpages.
Helping Hand for Wading Birds
With the varying water conditions in the Everglades constantly putting the survival of wading birds’ chicks at risk, the race to understand events leading to a successful nesting season has become the mission of Michelle Petersen, Ph.D., a new research assistant professor in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. Read more.
Two Environmental Science students earned their MS degree in Fall 2022, successfully completing research to advance our understanding in algal blooms and avian energetics.
Daniel AlbrechtDaniele worked with advisor Tobin Hindle identifying Harmful Algal Blooms near Lake Okeechobee and surrounding waterways using GIS mapping tools.
Jose GrisalesJose developmented foraging activity budgets for seven wading birds species under the direction of former Environmental Science Director Dale Gawlik.
