Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography Campaign Priorities

“Choosing to attend NSU was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I am able to work towards my Master of Science in Marine Biology at a school situated next to the only coral reef tract in the continental United States. While beginning my coursework, I was given the opportunity to work as a graduate research assistant in the land-based coral nursery maintaining filtration systems and monitoring the growth and health of experimental corals, as well as potential candidates for reef restoration. We were awarded funds from Clean Caribbean and Americas to complete a cutting-edge research project to determine the effects of a possible oil spill on coral communities in South Florida. It is of paramount importance to understand the effects of oil spills on corals in order to make the right decisions in regards to clean-up.” —Nick Turner Class of 2016 “The experience I gained while working with Dr. [David] Gilliam, Dr. [Bernhard] Riegl, and Dr. [Richard E.] Dodge greatly benefited my career. Through my work in Dr. Gilliam’s lab, I worked on multiple projects that were funded by one of the programs I now oversee. That hands-on experience, plus a personal introduction to my predecessor, put me directly on the path to where I am today—administrator over five natural resource management programs and the State of Florida’s point of contact for all coral reef issues. “Favorite memories include long research dive days and benthic monitoring trips to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the old (now long gone) houseboat where I had my first office at the Oceanographic Center.” —Joanna Walczak M.S., Class of 2008 “I am currently a senior entering my last semester. I am double majoring in biology and chemistry and hold a seat in the dual admissions program to attend the NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in the Fall of 2016. My work as a research assistant in cognitive psychology was cited in the master’s thesis, “Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely,” by Neymi Bernales-Lavalle. I am currently working on publications as a result of my genetics research in the lab of Dr. [Aurélien] Tartar, (Biology) and environmental chemistry research in the lab of Dr. [Dimitrios] Giarikos, (Chemistry and Physics). At the American Chemical Society conference (March 2016) in San Diego, I will present my research.” —Sara Rodriguez B.S., Biology and Chemistry, Class of 2016 HALMOS COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND OCEANOGRAPHY VOICES 09-054-15NOM Division of Advancement and Community Relations 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314-7796 | (954) 262-2109 www.realizingpotential.nova.edu | realizingpotential@nova.edu