Rising Tides: December 2024 Edition

Rising Tides Newsletter - December 2024

Dear CMS Community,

As we wrap up 2024, I want to take a moment to recognize the hard work, dedication, and resilience you’ve demonstrated throughout the year. Our college and community had numerous achievements over the past twelve months, many of which are included in this newsletter. We encountered challenges, too, but nothing we can’t together overcome.

I hope you find time over the next few weeks to reflect on your accomplishments, set goals for 2025, and rest and recharge in the company of loved ones.

Have a happy holiday season and wonderful start to the new year.

Sincerely,

Tom Frazer

Dean

USF and partners launch innovative accelerator program to grow the marine economy

The Continuum, a blue-tech accelerator program, is designed to promote the commercialization of blue-tech solutions, drive advancements in ocean resilience, reduce negative environmental impacts, and stimulate economic growth for the country’s marine economy.

How a USF glider helped forecast Hurricane Helene

An underwater glider deployed by the Ocean Technology Group collected valuable oceanographic data that helped forecasters predict the path and intensity of hurricane Helene.

Hurricane season puts new storm surge model to the test

Spread across the West Florida Shelf, buoys with sensors continuously collect and transmit critical information that allows scientists in the Ocean Circulation Lab to track intensification of hurricanes in real time.

High-impact research earns recognition for CMS faculty

The list highlights 10 current CMS faculty members and two emeritus faculty, recognizing both career-long and single-year citation achievements.

Former USF professor honored with Boyd Hill Birds of Prey Aviary

Gabe Vargo, a former professor at CMS, helped found the birds of prey program at Boyd Hill and was an integral part in developing the aviary.

Celebrating the success of the Making Waves REU 2024

We want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for the dedication that the mentors, graduate students, program coordinators, and USF personnel provided during the 2024 Making Waves REU (MWREU) program.

Graphic arts students work with CMS researchers to elevate their brand

Researchers at CMS partnered with graphic arts students for an opportunity to produce real-world design work for a new research project.

Oceanography Camp Especially for Girls now Accepting Applications for Summer 2025

Now Accepting Applications for Summer 2025!

Camp Dates: June 9-27, 2025. Must be 8th grader in Pinellas County, FL

Apply Now

Tracking CMS successes

Sara Reinelt, a doctoral student in the lab of Don Chambers, was awarded a Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) grant, which will fund her research of eddy-induced carbon flux in the Southern Ocean.
On November 12th the Bermuda Cabinet approved the appointment of three experts to the Sargasso Sea Commission, including Frank Muller-Karger, a first-time appointment to the Commission.
Olivia Blondheim received the Florida Sea Grant’s Aylesworth scholarship. Blondheim’s research focuses on the influence of algal blooms and rising ocean temperatures on the water filtration rates of eastern oysters.
David Mearns, a renowned shipwreck and a distinguished USF Alumnus, received two prestigious medals from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for his role in locating Shackleton's ship, QUEST.
The Optical Oceanography Lab has been honored with the prestigious 2024 William T. Pecora Group Award for its outstanding contributions to advancements in remote sensing technology, education, and community service.

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