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CAROSEL Offers New Spin on Water Quality Monitoring
FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute researchers have developed the CAROSEL (Chamber ARray for Observing Sediment Exchanges Long-term), an autonomous underwater system that continuously measures how nutrients like ammonium move between sediments and overlying water. For the first time, scientists can observe these exchanges in real time, multiple times a day, over extended periods – offering an unprecedented look at how sediments influence water chemistry.
This insight is vital because nutrient releases from sediments can fuel harmful algal blooms, degrade water quality and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. By revealing how quickly these processes respond to changes in light, oxygen and weather, CAROSEL provides a powerful new tool for managing nutrient pollution and improving the health of lakes, estuaries and coastal waters.
Read more. |
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ECO Magazine 'Topside Talks'
In a recent "topside talks" interview with ECO Magazine, Matt Ajemian, Ph.D., associate research professor and director of the FAU Harbor Branch Fisheries Ecology and Conservation Lab, highlighted some of his lab's latest work focused on shark depredation in Florida.
Read more. |
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Fin of the Month: Calf of Pumba (c1PMBA)
Meet “c1PMBA”, also known as calf of Pumba, who was first identified by the FAU Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment (MMSPA) team in November 2023. |
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The image on the right was submitted by one of our citizen scientists, a registered Dolphin Spotter, and the land-based photo was successfully matched to the MMSPA team's photo-identification catalog (NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-02).“c1PMBA” has been seen by the team two times since! “c1PMBA” is the calf of PMBA (Pumba), who was the October Fin of the Month dolphin.
Can you spot the similarities in these photos? The team uses the unique markings on their dorsal fins to identify individual dolphins, much like how we use our fingerprints. These sightings help the MMSPA team better understand movement patterns of bottlenose dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon.
Registered Spotters can view all 566 sightings ranging from New Smyrna to Stuart on the mobile app WatchSpotter. Becoming a citizen scientist is a great way to support our ongoing marine mammal research. Visit our website to get started.
The photo on the left was taken by the FAU HBOI MMSPA program (NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-02). All citizen scientist land-based photos have been submitted through the FAU Harbor Branch Dolphin Spotter project in accordance with the program’s guidelines and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
If you see dolphins while out on the water, please remember to stay 50 yards away. If you see a marine mammal in distress, please call the FWC hotline (888) 404-3922. |
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Marine Energy Survey
Did you know the Gulf Stream - one of the world's strongest currents - can flow up to 5.6 miles per hour and move nearly 4 billion cubic feet of water every second from Florida to Europe? At FAU's Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center, researchers are harnessing this powerful force of nature into energy solutions for Florida's coastal communities.
Help shape the future of marine energy in Florida by taking a quick, 10-question survey. |
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Art of Science Accolades
Florida Atlantic announced the winners of the 2026 Art of Science contest, competition celebrates the creativity and visual beauty of scientific research, inviting faculty, students and staff to showcase their work through photography and video. Two images from FAU Harbor Branch researchers were among this year's winners. Congratulations to:
· Conch Sunset, photography by Megan Davis, Ph.D., research professor and director of the Queen Conch Lab.
· Tres Leches, created by Li Sun Chin, doctoral student in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, working under the mentorship of Paul Wills, Ph.D., reserach professor and associate director for research at FAU Harbor Branch. |
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Vote for People's Choice
The judges have voted – now it's your turn! Vote once per day for your favorite Art of Science photograph. Submit your vote by midnight on Monday, Dec. 1 to help determine the People's Choice Award winner.
Vote.
Save the Date
Celebrate all this year's winners at the annual Art of Science gallery opening on March 31, 2026 at the Ritter Art Gallery on Florida Atlantic's Boca Raton campus.
Register. |
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| From left: Paul Wills, Ph.D.; Wayne Slade, Ph.D.; Jennifer Oddo; Florida Rep. Kelly Skidmore (D-29); Bethany Stanhope, Ph.D; and James M. Sullivan, Ph.D. |
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BioFlorida's Florida Innovation Conference
FAU Harbor Branch and the Florida Office of Ocean Economy co-hosted a panel discussion about Florida's vibrant ocean-related industries during BioFlorida's annual conference, held Nov. 5-7 Orlando. James M. Sullivan, Ph.D., executive director of FAU Harbor Branch served as moderator. Panelists were Paul Wills, Ph.D., research professor and associate director for research; Wayne Slade, Ph.D., assistant research professor; and Jennifer Oddo from the Office of Ocean Economy. Florida Atlantic also hosted a table at the conference, staffed by Giuliana Vomero Fernandez, a graduate student assistant for the FAU Harbor Branch Education and Outreach team. |
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Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program
The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program aims to stimulate synergy between faculty and postdoctoral associates interested in collaborating on multidisciplinary research that addresses societally relevant problems. Solving complex societal challenges increasingly requires multidisciplinary and team-based approaches. Recent innovations in biotechnology, data science, green infrastructure, neuroscience and behavior, coupled human-natural systems, among many others, offer exciting opportunities for novel partnerships to solve a wide range of problems in new ways. The Schmidt College of Science is uniquely positioned to facilitate multidisciplinary studies with its diverse academics and research across eight academic departments and multiple cross-departmental graduate programs and research centers of excellence on three campuses.
Application deadline: Feb. 2, 2026
Learn more. |
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MOA Students in the Lab and the Field
From the lab bench to the shoreline, October was filled with discovery for Westwood Academy’s Marine and Oceanographic Academy students at FAU Harbor Branch.
Highlights include:
· Chemistry students explored acids and bases, learning about the pH scale by directly measuring how dilution affects acidity levels.
· Biology students investigated the rate of photosynthesis with and without added CO₂ and completed a macromolecule lab, studying large biological molecules through a series of engaging, chemistry-based experiments.
· Environmental management students conducted their first on-site field survey, measuring water quality, seagrass counts, and species abundance to better understand local ecosystem health.
Students are gaining the knowledge, lab skills and field experience needed to protect and preserve our marine environment. |
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Ocean Discovery Experience
The FAU Harbor Branch Education and Outreach team hosted Ocean Discovery Experiences - hands-on marine science adventures - with the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County. From exploring the remarkable journey of sea turtle nesting to examining the unique adaptations that help ocean animals thrive, students dove into discovery through interactive lessons, creative activities and real-world science experiences. Each session was designed to spark curiosity, strengthen connections to marine environments, and inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. |
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| FAU Harbor Branch's outreach team travels to events throughout Florida with hands-on marine science educational exhibits and activities. In addition, FAU Harbor Branch scientists share their expertise through public lectures and workshops. |
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LagoonFest
Nov. 1 on the Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront |
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As 2025 comes to a close, we’re gearing up for another year of innovation at FAU Harbor Branch. Your year-end gift fuels the work of our scientists, engineers and students as they protect coastal ecosystems, launch spring fieldwork, maintain critical equipment and create hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation of marine explorers.
Whether you support our Greatest Needs, Student Success, Semester By The Sea program, or another area, your generosity keeps discovery moving forward when our coastlines need it most. |
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