Several University Programs students received recognition for their hard work.
Dr. Sean Powers was presented the 2017 Dean's Lecture Award in recognition of his academic excellence throughout his career during the ceremony at the Mitchell Center Globe the evening of Tuesday, October 17. As a part of the ceremony, Dr. Powers presented a talk on "Ecology You Can Eat: Improving Fisheries Management in a Changing World."
Dr. Sean Powers with University of South Alabama Department of Marine Sciences in attendance at the awards reception. From left: Dr. Alison Robertson, Dr. Jeffrey Krause, Dr. John Lehrter, Dr. Brian Dzwonkowski, Dr. Sean Powers, Dr. Ron Kiene, and Dr. Bob Shipp. (Courtesy: Alison Robertson)
Dr. Powers splits his time between the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama where he serves as the Chair of the Marine Sciences Program. His research focuses on the ecology of marine fish and invertebrates, particularly those that support commercial and recreational fisheries.
Whitney Scheffel celebrates two publications. The field chapter of her thesis work, "Tropicalization of the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Impacts of Salt Marsh Transition to Black Mangrove Dominance on Faunal Communities", was published in Estuaries and Coasts in October. Earlier this year, the Journal of Shellfish Research published her experimental chapter, "Effect of Habitat Complexity on Predator—Prey Relationships: Implications for Black Mangrove Range Expansion into Northern Gulf of Mexico Salt Marshes".
Scheffel, formerly a member of Dr. Ken Heck's lab at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, is now a research technician at the University of Florida. She's working with two faculty members whom specialize in coastal ecology and restoration.
"This job has allowed me to explore new realms of science and focus on biodiversity and also learn new methods including genetic analysis," Scheffel shared. "I look forward to working on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida and even dabbling in some freshwater research. I can't wait to see what's next!"
The Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) named Ryan Parker a recipient of the 2017 Rising TIDES (Toward an Inclusive, Diverse, and Enriched Society) Conference Mentoring Program awards. Parker was one of 11 recipients with his mentor, Chris Madden of South Florida Water Management District.
Parker is a master's student at the University of South Alabama and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
"I congratulate Ryan on his selection as a recipient of the CERF Rising TIDEs award," University Programs chair Dr. Ken Heck said. "The Rising Tides Program allows CERF to bring under represented minority students to an international conference where they can hear cutting edge research results presented by some of the world's top marine scientists, interact with a dedicated team of mentors and network with a wide variety of professionals. It's a great program and I'm really pleased that Ryan will be attending the conference and be able to gain from the experience."
The 24th Biennial CERF Conference will be held in Providence, Rhode Island on November 5 through the 9. Several Dauphin Island Sea Lab faculty and students will attend the conference.
The 2019 Conference is scheduled to be held in Mobile, Alabama.
DISL students Derek Tollette, Taylor Ledford, and Haley Nicholson received awards for their presentations at the Alabama Water Resources Association competition held in September.
Tollette and Ledford placed first and second, respectively, in the poster presentation competition. Both students attend the University of Alabama and are working on their graduate studies at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
Nicholson received second place in the oral presentation competition. Nicholson attends the University of South Alabama.