January 2019
The focus of this year’s public forum for the Indian River Lagoon Symposium centers on its theme of Indian River Lagoon: Quo Vadis? Quo vadis ?  is a Latin phrase meaning "Where are you going?" Technical sessions consisting of oral presentations will be held on Feb. 7, 2019 followed by a poster session.

The public is invited to attend the forum on Friday, Feb. 8 , 2019 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Harbor Branch’s Johnson Education Center Auditorium, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce. “Engaging the Public: What are the Counties Doing?," will provide presentations and panel discussions on what counties are doing to help restore the Indian River Lagoon and how the public can help.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and closes Fri. Feb. 1, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering and Computer Science ,  in collaboration with researchers from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicin e   and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute ,   one of the university's four research pillars, has received a $652,820 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish the first NSF-funded Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning (AIDL) Training and Research Laboratory in Florida. 
Laurent Cherubin, Ph.D., associate research professor at FAU's Harbor Branch serves as one of the 12 investigators on the project. 
The Harbor Branch Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research, and Technology (CIOERT) named Joshua Voss, Ph.D. Executive Director. Dr. Voss has been involved as a co-principal investigator in CIOERT since its inception in 2009, leading the mesophotic coral ecosystems project. Josh’s research program combines exploratory and discovery science and focuses on the extent, composition, dynamics, and connectivity of mesophotic coral reef ecosystems.

CIOERT also announced Michael Twardowski, Ph.D. will serve as Associate Director. Dr. Twardowski will provide direction for research projects in the CIOERT theme area of development of advanced underwater technologies. Dr. Twardowski's research interests include using optical sensing techniques to study problems in imaging, ocean color remote sensing, harmful algal blooms, oil detection, long-term and autonomous monitoring, sediment transport, and particle characterization.

Shirly Pomponi, Ph.D., announced her departure as Executive Director but said she plans to remain involved in CIOERT by providing support to Dr. Voss and Dr. Twardowski in her new role as Associate Director.
Research
Bonefish (Albula vulpes) support an economically important fishery, yet little is known regarding the reproductive biology of this species.  Harbor Branch scientists and collaborators collected  blood and oocyte samples from wild female bonefish during and outside the spawning season in Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas. The results from the study, " Seasonal and spatial changes in sex hormone levels and oocyte development of bonefish (Albula vulpes)" were published in the Environmental Biology of Fishes  Journal.
Mission: Ocean Discovery
The Ocean Science Lecture Series provides a forum for the community at large to learn about Harbor Branch's most recent discoveries directly from the scientists and engineers who make them. The invited speakers from other institutions are colleagues who work on topics relevant to our Harbor Branch research themes. Lectures are held in the auditorium of the Johnson Education Center on the Harbor Branch campus, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce, 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. There is no charge to attend.

Wed., Jan. 30, 2019
Mission Ocean Discovery:
An Overview of Outreach at FAU Harbor Branch
Gabby Barbarite, Ph.D., FAU Harbor Branch

The lecture's are available online via streaming video.
Dive into Ocean Science for a Better World with talks from FAU Harbor Branch graduate students!

Marine Science Friday Lectures are held at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center on Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, however space is limited to 30 guests. Please call 772-242-2293 to reserve a spot.  

Fri., Feb. 1, 2019
Understanding Coral Disease Through 3D Modeling
Ian Combs, Biological Sciences M.S. Program
At FAU Harbor Branch, our marine scientists, engineers and students make amazing discoveries every day and we need your help to share them! The Ocean Science Art Contest was established to inspire high school students to be creative while learning about the ocean, local research and possible careers.

All middle and high school students (grades 6-12) enrolled in a recognized public, private or home school in St. Lucie County and Indian River County are eligible to participate. Winners will receive a special VIP tour of FAU Harbor Branch, a meet and greet with researchers and other great prizes. The phrase “Ocean Science for a Better World” motivates us every day, now we can’t wait to see how it will inspire your next masterpiece! 
Explore the most biologically diverse estuary in North America and learn about the important research scientists at FAU Harbor Branch are conducting. 

The tours are held on Thursday's from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. The next tour will be held Feb. 21, 2019. Reservations are required in advance. Contact the FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitor's Center​ to book your tour ! 
Founded in 1971, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is a research community of marine scientists, engineers, educators and other professionals focused on Ocean Science for a Better World. The institute drives innovation in ocean engineering, at-sea operations, drug discovery and biotechnology from the oceans, coastal ecology and conservation, marine mammal research and conservation, aquaculture, ocean observing systems and marine education.