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Welcome!
If you've joined us at FAU Harbor Branch for a lecture, film festival, or special event recently, thank you for being part of our community. We're excited to include you in our monthly newsletter so you can see more of our latest research, education efforts, and stories of impact.
If you'd prefer to only receive event invitations, simply reply to this email and let me know.
I hope you enjoy this month's updates!
Best,
Brandon McHenry
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Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish Making a Comeback
After decades of population loss in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), new research by FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, in collaboration with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, provides a spark of hope that the IRL may once again be functioning as a nursery for juvenile smalltooth sawfish.
Read more.
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The 'Croak' Conundrum
Across the animal kingdom, sound is more than communication – it’s a signal of survival and success. For instance, male green treefrogs use loud, repeated “honking” calls to attract mates. In a recent study, FAU researchers investigated how oral tongueworm parasites affect these mating signals. Their findings challenge long-standing ideas about their role in sexual signaling.
Read more.
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Long Live the Queen Conch
FAU Harbor Branch's Queen Conch Lab was recently featured in "Edible South Florida". Below is an excerpt from the article by Gretchen Schmidt.
Fifty years ago, Megan Davis first met the queen conch - "the most beautiful animal in the world." Today, Dr. Davis is working to make sure these large pink sea snails will be around for many more years through the Queen Conch Lab.
Read more.
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CAROSEL Aims to Detect Water Quality Issues Early
WPLG Local 10 recently accompanied Jordon Beckler, Ph.D, and his team as they deployed a new autonomous sensing device in Lake Okeechobee. Developed by Beckler and his team, Chamber Array for Observing Sediment Exchanges Long Term (CAROSEL), aims to detect harmful algae blooms before they start by monitoring changes in the lake's sediments.
Watch the segment.
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Fin of the Month: WIDW
Meet “WIDW”, also known as Widow, who was first identified by the FAU Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment team (MMSPA) in January 2023. “WIDW” has had two calves and is currently nurturing “c2WIDW”. The mom and calf pair can be spotted in the Indian River Lagoon from Wabasso to Sebastian Inlet in the winter months.
The photo was taken by the MMSPA program (NOAA NMFS LOC No. 23069-02).
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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Indian River Lagoon Symposium
In February, more than 1,000 scientists, students, environmental managers and interested members of the public converged in-person and virtually at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute for the 15th annual Indian River Lagoon Symposium.
This collaborative, one-day gathering is dedicated to advancing the science, dialogue and stewardship for one of Florida’s most important ecosystems. The theme for 2026 was “Emerging Technology and Novel Methods." Presentations highlighted applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning and molecular techniques, as well as advances in sensor systems, remote sensing and autonomous platforms.
Read more.
View photos from the event.
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Frontiers in Science
Florida's coral reefs are invaluable natural treasures facing unprecedented threats from disease, environmental challenges and pollution. During a recent Frontiers in Science event, hosted by the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, panelists as took the audience to the front lines of this crisis, sharing groundbreaking research on coral resilience, disease resistance, and innovative restoration techniques that are essential to securing the future of our oceans.
Watch here.
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Run for World Water
The Harbor Branch Student Association hosted a Run for World Water 5K run/walk on the FAU Harbor Branch campus on March 24. Participants joined from across the Institute to celebrate World Water Day.
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Junior Scientist Fellows at IRL Symposium
The Junior Scientist Fellows successfully completed the program with poster presentations of their research projects at the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Symposium in February. These high school researchers, working alongside FAU Harbor Branch mentors, spent several months gathering data, analyzing results, and exploring the IRL ecosystem. Their projects investigated native vegetation regrowth following Brazilian pepper removal; diversity and abundance of seagrass in the central IRL; and compared larval barnacle abundance and recruitment in two lagoon locations. The Junior Scientist Program is conducted each year in partnership with the Indian River Land Trust. Field work is conducted at the Land Trust's Coastal Oaks Preserve.
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Art of Science Gallery Opening
Tuesday, March 31
4 to 6 p.m.
Ritter Art Gallery, Boca Raton Campus
Experience the intersection where science meets art. Join Florida Atlantic for an immersive gallery experience featuring stunning visuals captured by researchers — from microscopic worlds to groundbreaking discoveries. These extraordinary photos and videos were selected by a panel of judges as part of a university-wide contest celebrating the beauty and creativity found in scientific exploration. Free food, champagne and giveaways.
Register.
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Spring 2026 WLW-ECOS Expo
Tuesday, April 7
5 to 7 p.m.
Owl's Nest, 2nd Floor, Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Success
Boca Raton Campus
Join an inspiring evening dedicated to exploring the future of environmental, coastal and ocean sustainability.
- Meet environmental professionals
- Connect with innovative startups
- Explore career and internship opportunities
- Gain resume feedback from FAU’s Career Center
- Check out student research presentations
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Florida Marine Educators Association 2026 Conference
April 23-25
FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
| | 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. | | |
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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Last Chance! Owl Access Online Auction
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind FAU Harbor Branch tour experience and support Florida Atlantic student internships and housing by securing the top bid in the Owl Access Online Auction. Act now! The auction closes April 1.
Bid today.
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