March 2021

Its muscular body shape and large pectoral fins are perfect for long-distance travel, yet movement patterns of the whitespotted eagle ray remain a mystery. Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch and collaborators, are the first to conduct a multiyear study examining large-scale movements of whitespotted eagle rays in U.S. waters... Read More

The Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Symposium, an annual meeting focused on IRL scientific research, was held virtually on February 18 and 19. A record 496 registrants of professionals, students, and public members attended. Topics included harmful algal blooms, restoration, ecology, and biodiversity of the lagoon... Program and Abstracts

You can now follow along in real-time as researchers track potential harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Okeechobee. Scientists at FAU Harbor Branch are using a data portal designed by the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) to provide the public with their latest research findings from the Harmful Algal Bloom Assessment of Lake Okeechobee (HALO) project... Website
Research Spotlight

The FAU Harbor Branch Cancer Cell Biology Lab has a new publication in Marine Drugs on marine natural products that bring down survivin levels in cancer cells. This research was sponsored by a State of Florida Bankhead Coley Grant. Publication
Student Spotlight

Carlee Jackson, FAU alumni, is co-founder of Minorities in Shark Science, which creates opportunities for minority girls to dive into shark research... Read More
Meet Matt Quinan

Matt Quinan is a second-year master’s student in the FAU Harbor Branch Geochemical Sensing Lab. Matt is studying the degradation of organic contaminants, like those found in an offshore oil spill, under different sedimentary redox conditions. Originally from Richmond, VA, he studied geology at Colgate University and then worked as an environmental consultant before joining the Marine Science and Oceanography program at FAU Harbor Branch. Since joining the lab, he has participated in multiple expeditions to the blue holes off the Florida coast and a research cruise to the northern Gulf of Mexico. Following his anticipated graduation this summer, Matt will be entering a Ph.D. program to continue his geochemistry education.
In the News
FAU Funder

FAU’s crowdfunding platform features several of FAU Harbor Branch’s research projects. You can help save the queen conch, support plastic pollution studies in local waters, fund beluga whale research in the Arctic or help researchers as they use deep-sea molecules for potential life-saving medicines. Please visit FAU Funder for detailed information on each project. Your contributions can make a difference!
Mission: Ocean Discovery

The 2021 “John & Barbara Ferrera Ocean Science Lecture Series” is underway virtually via Zoom. All lectures are free and open to the public; to register, visit http://bit.ly/34crtXa.
January 13
“Fish Culture Research at HBOI the Last 10 Years and the Future”
Paul Wills, Ph.D., FAU Harbor Branch

January 27
“Marine Natural Products as Potential Cancer Therapeutics”
Esther Guzmán, Ph.D., FAU Harbor Branch

February 10
“A Look into East Florida’s Nearshore Hardbottom Reefs”
Karen Holloway-Adkins, Ph.D., East Coast Biologists, Inc.
February 24
“The Marine Biotechnology Reference 
Collection: A New Web-based 
Resource for Research”
Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D., FAU Harbor Branch

March 10
“Ocean Color Remote Sensing: Observing a Changing Planet”
Tim Moore, Ph.D., FAU Harbor Branch

March 24
“Ocean Blue Holes: A Biogeochemical Treasure Trove”
Jordon Beckler, Ph.D., FAU Harbor Branch

FAU Harbor Branch Marine Science Friday graduate student lectures are being held every other week at 4 p.m. via Zoom. The lecture series is open to anyone interested, so join us to support these incredible students!

Calling all artists: We are currently accepting entries for our 3rd Annual Ocean Science Art Contest! Our team of over 200 marine scientists, engineers and students make amazing discoveries every day and we need your help to share them. This is a great opportunity for you to expand your portfolio, learn about the ocean and use your work to educate the community about the importance of marine science.
This year’s awards include an opportunity to have your artwork featured on the cover of our new Marine Science Activity Book... Learn more
Bring Ocean Science for A Better World® right into your home with virtual resources from FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute! Online offerings include lectures, interviews with marine scientists, activities for children and much more! Visit our virtual resources page to learn about these great opportunities for teachers, students and ocean lovers of all ages!... Learn More

As a health and safety precaution, FAU Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Visitors Center is temporarily closed. Please check back for updates.

Visit FAU Harbor Branch social media channels for daily research highlights, facts and trivia questions.

Also, make sure to check out our new online gift shop!

Through FAU Harbor Branch Speakers Bureau, community organizations may request a virtual presentation on a specific research topic or a general overview of FAU Harbor Branch. This program provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the institute’s most recent discoveries and connect with marine science experts. There is no charge for scheduling a speaker, however an honorarium or donation is encouraged.

If you would like to request a virtual speaker for your group/event, please fill out FAU Harbor Branch Speakers Bureau request form.