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Major: 
M.S Marine Science

Education:
2019 B.S. Biology and Neuroscience, Providence College

Research Interests: 
I am interested in the reproductive ecology amongst deep-sea fishes. For my Master’s thesis, I will be focusing on reproduction of a deep-sea genus fish known as Chiasmodon (Scombriformes; Chiasmodontidae). I will be researching aspects of reproduction including separation of sexes (i.e. potential hermaphroditism), size at maturity, spawning frequency/timing, and gonad development. . Throughout the duration of my Master’s, I will be working as the Laboratory Manager and Research Associate under Dr. Tracey Sutton. I attended Providence College where I received my undergraduate degree and studied under Dr. John H. Costello focusing on the biomechanics of various animals. I was able to speak at a conference during my time at Providence in which I presented my research on the bio-fluid interactions of animal propulsors.

Abstract:
Lederer E., Johnson H., & Costello, J.H. (2017). Bio-Fluid Interactions of Flexible Animal Propulsors. 10^th Annual Rhode Island Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows Conference, RI SURF, Conference conducted in Rhode Island, July 2017, MES-4 (A), pp. 57.

Devynne Brown
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Major: 
M.S Marine Biology

Education: 
2020 B.S. Double Major: Marine Biology and Environmental Science, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Research Interests: 
I am interested in the processes of bioluminescence and the luminescent capabilities of various deep-sea organisms including fishes, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. I will be studying light output of luminescent fishes and other deep-water fauna, the distribution of these light sources throughout the water column, and exactly what organs or adaptations these marine organisms utilize to glow! My other interests (and experiences) revolve around sea turtle conservation and the anthropogenic stress inflicted on seagrasses using stable isotope analysis. I received my undergraduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where I also was a member of the cheerleading squad all four years.

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Major: 
M.S. Marine Science

Education:
2020 B.S. Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy, Monmouth University

Research Interests: 
I am interested in the trophic ecology amongst deep-sea fishes. My Master's thesis project will be looking at the diet of a deep-sea genus fish known as, Chiasmodon (Scombriformes; Chiasmodontidae). I will be conducting a trophic study using stomach content analysis aiming to answer the questions of what, when/where, and how often these fish feed in the Gulf of Mexico. During my undergraduate studies, I was involved in herpetology research under Dr. Sean Sterrett, involving diet studies and population surveys of local freshwater turtles, along with the habitat distributions of various salamander species. I am also a co-author on a published paper, describing a shift in the diet of the Barbour's Map turtle after the introduction of an invasive bivalve.

Publications:
Sterrett, S.C., Kirk, T.J., and L.L. Smith. 2020. Evidence of a dietary shift in female Barbour's Map turtle (Graptemys barbouri) to exploit and exotic mollusk. Chelonian Conservation and Biology. Special Issue on Graptemys Biology. doi: 10.2744/CCB-1431.1.

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Major: 
M.S. Marine Science

Education:
2018 B.S. Biology, Indiana University Southeast
2017: B.A. Chemistry, Indiana University Southeast
2010: Bachelor of General Studies, Indiana University

Research Interests: 
My research interests revolve around the conservation of species and ecosystems. By building upon our knowledge and understanding of the deep sea, we are better preparing ourselves to preserve the ecosystem and the creatures that call it home.

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Major:
M.S. Marine Science

Education:
2020 B.S. Biology, Wheaton College

Research Interests:
I am interested in the types of gear and tools used to study the ocean. Specifically, different style and sizes of nets used for trawling. I did my master’s thesis on the trophic ecology of longfin escolars (Scombrolabrax heterolepis), an intermediate predator that is caught primarily by large midwater trawls.

Now I am working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a biological science technician. We use electrofishing to remove invasive silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) from the Missouri River Basin and collect data on their abundance, size structure, age, and more.

Ryan McGonagle (M.S., 2021)
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Position: 
OPS Biological Scientist I (FWC-FWRI Fisheries Independent Monitoring program)

Thesis: Trophic Ecology and Functional Morphology of the Scaleless Black Dragonfishes (Family Stomiidae; Subfamily Melanostomiinae)

Education: 
2021 M.S. Marine Science, Nova Southeastern University
2017 B.S. Double major: Marine Science and Biology with a concentration in Integrated Organismal Biology, East Stroudsburg University

Research Interests: 
I have several interests in the field of ichthyology which include but are not limited to morphology, ecology, and taxonomy of fishes. For my thesis, I studied the diet and morphology of Scaleless Black Dragonfishes (Family Stomiidae; Subfamily Melanostomiinae) in the Gulf of Mexico. During my undergraduate degree, I conducted shark research in Assateague, VA surveying seasonal abundance of shark populations with Dr. Dominique Didier of Millersville University.

Currently, I am a Biological Scientist for the Fisheries Independent Monitoring (FIM) program for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). I am a part of the offshore and inshore fisheries teams in the Charlotte Harbor Field Laboratory. The FIM program uses stratified-random sampling to estimate fish abundance and population trends in seven estuarine regions around Florida.

Rachel Eckley (M.S., 2021)
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Position:
Research Associate II at the University of Miami's Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric studies

Thesis: Population Dynamics, Vertical Distribution, and Trophic Ecology of Whalefishes (Cetomimidae) in the Bathypelagic Gulf of Mexico

Education: 
2021 M.S. Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Biology, Nova Southeastern University
2016 B.S. Marine Science and B.A. Spanish, Coastal Carolina University

Research Interests: 
I am interested in researching the ecology and structure of deep ecosystems. My thesis project involved the faunal composition, vertical distribution, and diet of whalefishes (suborder Stephanoberycoidei) in the bathypelagic Gulf of Mexico. The male, juvenile, and larval life forms of many whalefish species have yet to be described or properly classified. In my project I developed an identification guide that includes all whalefish life-history stages in order to aid in future identification purposes. Whalefishes have long been considered bathypelagic, however typical sampling methods of open net trawling make it impossible to determine capture depth. The specimens in this collection were captured in known discrete depths, which allowed me to determine the vertical range of each species and life-history stage. Much of the necessary dietary information on whalefishes is unknown. By performing a gut content analysis, I determined the most recent prey items for each whalefish species and life-history stage. Before beginning my graduate studies at NSU, I studied Marine Science, the Spanish language, and Hispanic cultures at Coastal Carolina University.

Currently, I am a contractor in support of NOAA-NMFS for the US Caribbean Branch. I am building a searchable database of Caribbean research to identify data gaps and create a strategic plan for data collection that informs ecosystem-based fisheries management. 

Rosanna Milligan (Ph.D., 2015)
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Position:
Assistant Professor
Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Natural Sciences & Oceanography Department of Marine & Environmental Sciences
Lab Website: www.deepseascape.com

Education:
2018 Post Doc. Biological Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University
2015 Ph.D. Marine Ecology, University of Glasgow, UK
2008 MSc. Parasitology, University of Glasgow, UK
2006 MSci. Aquatic Bioscience, University of Glasgow, UK

Research Interests:
My research background lies in analyzing the effects of natural and anthropogenic drivers (including fisheries and oil production) on benthic marine communities, in ecosystems ranging from temperate coastal waters to the deep sea. Within the DEEPEND project, I will primarily be working for Prof. Tracey Sutton as a data analyst to examine spatial and temporal changes in the pelagic populations and communities of the Gulf of Mexico and identify their possible drivers.

Selected Publications:
Milligan, R.J. & T.T. Sutton (in prep.). Myctophid assemblages show limited spatial structure across the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Milligan, R.J. & T.T. Sutton (in review). An Overview of the Species Composition, Abundance, and Vertical Distribution of the Mesopelagic Fish Family Myctophidae in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.

​Milligan, R.J., E.M. Scott, D.O.B. Jones, B.J. Bett, J. Clarke, A. Jamieson, R. O’Brien, G. Rowe, H.A. Ruhl, B.B. Sangolay, K.L. Smith Jr., A. Walls, M. Vardaro, D.M. Bailey,  (in review). Evidence for seasonal changes in deep-sea fish distributions: A great migration in the African deep sea.

Johnston, M.W., R.J. Milligan, C.G. Easson, S. deRada, D. English, B. Penta, T.T. Sutton, (in review). Characterizing Pelagic Habitats in the Gulf of Mexico Using Model, Empirical, and Remotely-Sensed Data.  J. Mar. Syst.

Michael Novotny (M.S., 2018)
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Position: 
Natural Resource Specialist at Broward County - Water and Wastewater Operations Division

Education: 
2018 M.S Marine Biology, Nova Southeastern University
2012 B.S. Dual Major: Biology and Marine Science, with a minor in Chemistry, University of Tampa, FL

Thesis: The Assemblage Structure and Trophic Ecology of a Deep-Pelagic Fish Family (Platytroctidae) in the Gulf of Mexico

Research Interests: 
I am interested in understanding the structure of marine ecosystems and how the biotic and abiotic processes shape these communities.  I am particularly attracted to food web ecology and trophic linkages of an ecosystem.  For my thesis, I investigated the food web dynamics of tubeshoulders (Platytroctidae) in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Currently, I am a Natural Resource Specialist at Broward County - Water and Wastewater Operations Division. As a Natural Resources Specialist within the Compliance & Enforcement Section of the Water and Wastewater Operations Division, I am responsible for the collection of groundwater, surface water, and drinking water throughout Broward in accordance with FDEP standard operating procedures. A variety of environmental parameters are collected at each site as determined by the permit. The standard water quality parameters taken are temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH, and turbidity.Depending on the permit and collection source, various test maybe conducted to monitor nutrient concentrations, bacterial concentrations, metals, disinfection byproducts, or chlorine residuals. Beyond the field, I also review environmental permits and compliance reports for consistency with federal, state, and local environmental laws, such as the Clean Water Act and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

Achievements/Awards:
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GOMRI) Scholar (2016)

Nina Pruzinsky (M.S., 2018)
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Position:
Research Assistant, Oceanic Ecology Lab, Seascape Ecology Lab, and Marien Microbiology & Genetics Lab
Oceanic Ecology Lab Manager, DEEPEND Consortium

Education:
2018 M.S. Marine Biology, Nova Southeastern University
2015 B.S. Environmental Science with minors in Marine Science and Spanish, University of Delaware

Thesis: Identification and spatiotemporal dynamics of tuna (Family: Scombridae; Tribe: Thunnini) early life stages in the oceanic Gulf of Mexico

Research Interests:
I am interested in researching poorly-studied species/communities because my goal is to provide information to the public and conservation/management efforts to help maintain populations and overall large ecosystems. For my thesis, I examined the identification, faunal composition, and spatiotemporal distributions of larval and juvenile tunas (Family: Scombridae) in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) from 2010 to 2017. Since the Gulf of Mexico is a major spawning area for tuna, it is crucial to investigate the population dynamics of their early life stages in the area affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. During my thesis, I developed a synthesis of morphological characteristics used to identify challenging larval and juvenile life stages and also identified the assemblage of tuna early life stages and the primary drivers of the assemblage structure in the GoM.

Check out the Lab Members page to find out more information about my thesis research and new position!

Achievements/Awards:
Featured in Nova Southeastern University's newspaper, NSU leads research hub in symbiotic genome project (2020)
Biography included in the Twenty First Century Book, Into the Deep: Science, Technology, and the Quest to Protect the Ocean (2020)
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GOMRI) Scholar (2019)
Invited Speaker at the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference (2019)
DEEPEND Consortium/Rock the Ocean Travel Grant (2019)
Research Grant from the Southern Florida Chapter of the Explorers Club, Inc. (2017)
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH) Graduate Student Travel Grant (2017)
NSU Pan Student Government Association Professional Development Grant (2017)

Publications:

Pruzinsky, N.M., R.J. Milligan, and T.T. Sutton (2020) Pelagic habitat partitioning of late-larval and juvenile tunas in the oceanic Gulf of Mexico. Frontiers of Marine Science. 7:257. doi: 103389/fmars.202000257.

Cook, A.B., A.M. Bernard, K.M. Boswell, H. Bracken-Grissom, M. D'Elia, S. Derada, C.G. Easson, D. English, R.I. Eytan, T. Frank, C. Hu, M.W. Johnston, H. Judkins, C. Lembke, J.V. Lopez, R.J. Milligan, J.A. Moore, B. Penta, N.M. Pruzinsky, J.A. Quinlan, T. Richards, I.C. Romero, M.S. Shivji, M. Vecchione, M.D. Weber, R.J.D. Wells, and T.T. Sutton (2020) A Multidisciplinary Approach to Investigate Deep-Pelagic Ecosystem Dynamics in the Gulf of Mexico following Deepwater Horizon. Frontiers in Marine Science. 7:548880. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.548880.

Berger, A.J., P. Blackwelder, T. Frank, T.T. Sutton, N.M. Pruzinsky, N. Slayden, and J.V. Lopez (2021) Microscopic and Genetic Characterization of Bacterial Bioluminescent Symbionts of the Gulf of Mexico Pyrosome, Pyrosoma atlanticum. Frontiers in Marine Science-Microbial Symbioses 8:606818. doi:10.3389/fmars.2021.606818. 

Matthew Woodstock (M.S., 2018)
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Position: 
PhD. Candidate/Teaching Assistant, Florida International University

Education:
2018 M.S. Marine Biology, Nova Southeastern University
2015 B.S. Ecology, Evolution and Behavioral Biology, Beloit College

Thesis: Trophic Ecology and Parasitism of a Mesopelagic Fish Assemblage

Research Interests:
I am interested in the trophic relationships of deep-sea organisms and how populations interact to create a community. I am especially interested in the diel vertical migrations of many deep-sea fishes that allow them to be transporters from the surface water to the deep. My thesis project connected the parasite fauna of select fish species (migrators and non-migrators) to their stomach contents. Previously, I worked for the Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy where we tagged sharks and rays in an effort to understand more about the size and age structure of elasmobranch populations near Tarpon Springs, Florida.

My current focus is to develop an ecosystem model of the mesopelagic Gulf of Mexico in order to connect the lower trophic levels (e.g., primary producers) to higher trophic levels (e.g., fishes and squids). This model will be useful to predict responses to the mesopelagic ecosystem in the event of future human-caused disturbances similar to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and can be utilized to develop hypotheses in order to understand more about the deep sea

Achievements/Awards:
2018 Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography Student of the Year
NSU Pan Student Government Association Professional Development Grant (2017)
NSU Oceanographic Center Fishing Tournament Scholarship (2016)

Selected Publications:
Woodstock MS, Blanar CA, Sutton TT (in prep). Diet regulates internal parasites: the relationship between prey items and parasites in a mesopelagic fish assemblage.

Woodstock MS, Sutton TT, Blanar CA (in prep). The parasite fauna of a low-latitude mesopelagic fish assemblage.

Woodstock MS, Moore JA, Fenolio D (in prep). Larsonia pterophylla (Cnidaria, Anthomedusae, Pandeidae) parasitic on Paraconger sp. (Anguilliformes: Congridae) and Callenchelyini sp. in the Gulf of Mexico, new host records and a range extension.

Kendall Lord (M.S., 2016)
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Position: 
7th Grade Science Teacher at Azalea Middle School

Education:
2016 M.S. Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management, Nova Southeastern University
2012 B.S. Marine Biology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Capstone: A History of Research in the Bathypelagic Realm, Earth’s Largest Habitat

Research Interests:
My research focuses on acquiring a better understanding of deep-water pelagic ecosystems with an emphasis on the bathypelagic realm. This is Earth’s largest habitat yet it is the least explored or understood. My previous experiences include a dive team internship at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in addition to working as a junior research assistant with the IUCN Marine Biodiversity Unit for Global Marine Species Assessment based at Old Dominion University.

Alex Marks (M.S., 2016)
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Position: 
Research Technician in the Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Education:
2016 M.S. Marine Biology, Nova Southeastern University
2013 B.S. Dual Major: Zoology and Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Thesis: Reproductive ecology of dragonfishes (Family: Stomiidae) in the Gulf of Mexico

Research Interests:
My research interests are centered on the reproduction of fishes, especially on understudied species such as those found in the deep sea. My thesis focuses on the reproductive ecology of the Stomiidae, or dragonfishes, a large taxon of predatory fishes that primarily inhabit the mesopelagic zone. My thesis used a visual, macroscopic approach as well as microscopic, histological approach of the gonad. Using these methods, I collected data on the size at first reproduction, sex ratio, maturity stage of the gonad, hermaphroditism, and production rate of the 12 dominant species collected in the Gulf. These data are essential for ecosystem-based modeling of global deep-pelagic ecosystems, which contain the overwhelming majority of earth’s fish biomass.

Since graduating from the Oceanic Ecology Lab, I have accepted a 6-month position with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay as a Research Technician in the Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries Lab. In my role, I am involved with a variety of ongoing lab projects, including monitoring water quality of Green Bay tributaries, stream fish species diversity, otolith microchemistry of larval lake whitefish, and reproductive ecology of fluvial ecotypes of lake whitefish. This species is now returning to the area, after having been extirpated since the late 1800s. I am also involved with our lake sturgeon project, which seeks to assess their recruitment and determine environmental variables that are associated with the onset of larval drift. Our work on these ancient fish was recently featured on the local news. http://fox11online.com/news/local/sturgeon-spawning-underway-on-fox-river-in-de-pere

Achievements/Awards: 
Title V Fellow

Selected Publications:
Marks, A.D., Kerstetter, D.W., Wyanski, D.M., and Sutton, T.T. (2020). Reproductive ecology of dragonfishes (Stomiiformes: Stomiidae) in the Gulf of Mexico. Frontiers in Marine Science.

Katie Bowen (M.S., 2015)
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Education:
2015 M.S. Marine Biology, Nova Southeastern University
2010 M.Ed. Secondary Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
2006 B.S. Dual Major: Marine Science/Biology and Biology/Organismal/Ecology, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Thesis: Connectivity of Coastal and Oceanic Ecosystems: Pelagic Habitat Use by Juvenile Reef Fishes in the Gulf of Mexico

Research Interests:
My thesis focused on juvenile reef fishes that were collected in the pelagic habitat of the northern Gulf of Mexico using a 10-m² MOCNESS midwater trawl during a 3-month (late spring/early summer) sampling series conducted in 2011.  The assemblage structure, abundance, biomass, horizontal and vertical distribution of juvenile reef fishes were described. Also, my interests include the biota of the deep sea, ocean conservation and restoration, as well as fisheries research.

Selected Publications:
Sutton, T., A. Cook, T. Frank, H. Judkins, M. Youngbluth, J. Moore, M. Vecchione, M. Nizinski, L. Malarky, E. Burdett, C. Fine, and K. Bowen (2015) Oceanic micronekton, nekton and gelatinous macroplankton of the northern Gulf of Mexico from 0-1500 m depth: faunal composition, abundance, vertical distribution, and new records of occurrence. NOAA Technical Report, Office of Response and Restoration.

Lacey Malarky (M.S., 2015)
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Position: 
Analyst, Illegal Fishing & Seafood Fraud, Oceana

Education:
2015 M.S. Marine Biology, Nova Southeastern University
2009 B.A. Marine Biology, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL

Thesis: Faunal composition and distribution of pelagic larval and juvenile flatfishes (Teleostei: Pleuronectiformes) in the northern Gulf of Mexico: connectivity between coastal and oceanic epipelagic ecosystems

Research Interests:
My thesis project focused on the faunal composition and spatial distribution of pelagic larval and juvenile flatfishes in the offshore northern Gulf of Mexico. While adult flatfishes are generally found in coastal areas, their larvae develop in offshore surface waters, and are a consistent component of the oceanic ichthyofauna in the region.  My overall research interest lies in ocean conservation and fisheries research and management.

Selected Publications:
Sutton, T., A. Cook, T. Frank, H. Judkins, M. Youngbluth, J. Moore, M. Vecchione, M. Nizinski, L. Malarky, E. Burdett, C. Fine, and K. Bowen (2015) Oceanic micronekton, nekton and gelatinous macroplankton of the northern Gulf of Mexico from 0-1500 m depth: faunal composition, abundance, vertical distribution, and new records of occurrence. NOAA Technical Report, Office of Response and Restoration.

Fautin D.G., L. Malarky, J. Soberón (2013) Latitudinal diversity of sea anemones (Cnidaria: Actiniaria). Biological Bulletin 224:2 89-98. 

Jennifer Putland (Ph.D., 2007)

Position: 
K-12 Education Coordinator
Ocean Networks Canada

Education:
2011 Postdoc, Harbor Branch Oceanography Initiation
2006-2007 Ph.D. Oceanography, Florida State University

Selected Publications:
Putland, J. N., B. Mortazavi, R.L. Iverson, and S.W. Wise (2014) Phytoplankton biomass and composition in a river-dominated estuary during two summers of contrasting river discharge. Estuaries and coasts 37(3): 664-679.

Putland, J. and T.T. Sutton (2011) Survey of larval Euphausia superba lipid content along the western Antarctic Peninsula during late autumn 2006. Polar Science 5(3): 383-389.

Putland, J. and  T.T. Sutton (2010) Microzooplankton grazing and productivity in the central and southern sector of the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. Florida Scientist 73(3/4): 236.

Putland, J. N., B.E.H.Z.A.D. Mortazavi, and R.L. Iverson (2009) Changes in Phytoplankton and Bacterioplankton Biomass and Rate Processes in Apalachicola Bay, Florida, in Response to Reduction in River Discharge. Gulf of Mexico Science 27(2): 109-122.

Kyle Bartow (Ph.D., 2010)

Position: 
Associate Professor
Indian River State College

Education:
2010 Ph.D. Integrative Biology, Florida Atlantic University
2005 B.S. Dual Major: Biology and Marine Science, University of Miami

Thesis: Taxonomy and Ecology of the Deep-Pelagic Fish Family Melamphaidae with Emphasis on Interactions with a Midocean Ridge System

Research Interests:
As long as I can remember, I have been intrigued by life in the darkness of the deep ocean. I was given the opportunity to study a family of deep-sea fishes for my dissertation research which lives in the deep sea without the aid of bioluminescence. Specimens for this research were collected along the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which could represent a unique interaction of these traditionally pelagic fishes with the benthic environment. My research focused on attempting to reconcile the number of species within the family while also learning more about the ecology of this poorly studied family of fishes. One of the intriguing findings of the research was that melamphaid from the study area had a diet that was comprised mostly of gelatinous larvacean prey. Gelatinous prey have traditionally been seen as lacking enough nutrients to sustain larger fish species, but this research showed that a biomass dominant species of fish could be successful with a diet containing primarily gelatinous prey. Since graduating, I have become a professor at Indian River State College where I teach a wide range of classes and help prepare our bachelors students for a career in the sciences through planning and carrying out their own undergraduate research projects.

Jennifer Bartow (M.S., 2008)

Position: 
Master Instructor I
Indian River State College

Education:
2008 M.S. Biological Science, Florida Atlantic University
2004 B.S. Dual Major: Biology and Marine Science, University of Tampa

Thesis: Trophic ecology of the slender snipe eel, Nemichthys scolopaceus (Anguilliformes: Nemichthyidae)

Research Interests:
I was always interested in the sea, and the animals of the deep were particularly intriguing. My thesis focused on the diet and composition of a large assembly of deep-sea slender snipe eels off the coast of the Georges Bank.  The common belief of deep sea organisms is that prey is scarce and predators should therefore be fairly opportunistic.  My research, on the other hand, showed that these eels were actually very discriminatory in their feeding, selecting mainly euphausiids and large decapod crustaceans.  Upon graduation, I have since moved into the education field, as a high school science teacher, and am hopefully cultivating a love of the sea in the next generation.

Selected Publications:
Feagans-Bartow, J.N. and T.T. Sutton (2014) Ecology of the oceanic rim: pelagic eels as key ecosystem components. Marine Ecology Progress Series 502: 257-266.

Megan Geidner (M.S., 2008)

Education:
2008 M.S., Florida Atlantic University 

Thesis: Spatial and trophic ecology of the sawtooth eel, Serrivomer beanii, a biomass-dominant bathypelagic fish over the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Andrey Suntsov (Ph.D., 2003)

Education:
2007 Postdoc, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution
2003 Ph.D. Zoology, Marine Biology, Biogeography, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Moscow
1997 M.S., Virginia Institute of Marine Science
1993 B.S. Moscow State University

Selected Publications:
Suntsov, A. and R. Domokos (2013) Vertically migrating micronekton and macrozooplankton communities around Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers 71: 113-129.

Suntsov, A., J.A. Koslow, and W. Watson (2012) The spatial structure of coastal ichthyoplankton assemblages off central and southern California. California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations Reports 53: 153-170.

Phillips, A. J., R.D. Brodeur and A.V. Suntsov (2009) Micronekton community structure in the epipelagic zone of the northern California Current upwelling system. Progress in Oceanography 80(1): 74-92.

Suntsov, A. V. and R.D. Brodeur (2008) Trophic ecology of three dominant myctophid species in the northern California Current region. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 373: 81-96.

Suntsov, A. V. (2007) Brotulotaenia (Teleostei: Ophidiiformes) larval development revisited: an apparently new type of mimetic resemblance in the epipelagic ocean. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 14: 177-186.

Vanda Carmo (M.S.)

Position/Major:
Ph.D. candidate at the University of the Azores
Marine Biology

Publications:
Carmo, V., T.T. Sutton, G.M. Menezes, T. Falkenhaug, and O.A. Bergstad (2015) Feeding ecology of the Stomiiformes (Pisces) of the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. 1. The Sternoptychidae and Phosichthyidae. Progress in Oceanography 130: 172-187.

Carmo, V., M. Santos, G.M. Menezes, C.M. Loureiro, P. Lambardi, and A. Martins (2013) Variability of zooplankton communities at Condor seamount and surrounding areas, Azores (NE Atlantic). Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 98: 63-74.

Santos, M., M.T. Moita, I. Bashmachnikov, G.M. Menezes, V. Carmo, C.M. Loureiro, A. Mendonça, A.F. Silva, and A. Martins (2013) Phytoplankton variability and oceanographic conditions at Condor seamount, Azores (NE Atlantic). Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 98: 52-62.

Ashley Marranzino (M.S., 2016)

Position: 
Research Assistant, Nova Southeastern University 

Education:
2016 M.S. Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Rhode Island
2013 B.S. Biology, Regis University

Research Interests: 
My research focuses on examining the morphology of sensory systems in deep-sea fishes. I am interested in understanding how fishes living in extreme environments, like the light-limited midwaters of the deep sea, interact with their environment. By studying the morphology and functional capabilities of sensory systems, we can infer how different species behave (i.e. find food, locate mates, and avoid predators).

Achievements/Awards:
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2013 – 2016)
Frederich H. Stoye Award for Best Student Oral Presentation in Genetics, Development and Morphology – Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (2016)
Lerner-Gray Memorial Fund (2014)
URI Enhancement of Graduate Research Award (2014)

Publications:
Marranzino, A.N., Kenaley, C.P., Psaltis, J. and Webb, J.F. (in prep). Density and proposed function of the numerous minute photophores in stomiiform fishes.

Marranzino, A.N., Sutton, TT, and Webb, JF (in prep). A comprehensive identification guide to the fishes in the genus Cyclothone.

Marranzino, A.N. and Webb, J.F. (2018) Flow sensing in the deep sea: the lateral line system of stomiiform fishes. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.183: 945 – 965. doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx090

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Position/Major: 
Research Assistant, DEEPEND Consortium  
M.S. Marine Biology

Education:
2016 B.S. Biology: concentration in Marine Biology, Old Dominion University

Research Interests: 
I am interested in understanding the life history of deep-pelagic fishes. My thesis focuses on the age and growth of deep-pelagic fishes, with case studies of meso- and bathypelagic species from the Gulf of Mexico. Before starting at NSU, I received my B.S. in Marine Biology from Old Dominion University and worked in Dr. Mark Butler’s Marine Ecology Lab studying the effects of climate change on the PaV1 disease in juvenile Caribbean Spiny Lobsters.  

Achievements/Awards:
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GOMRI) Scholar (2020)
NSU Pan Student Government Association Professional Development Grant (2019)
DEEPEND Consortium/Rock the Ocean Travel Grant (2019)

Publications:

Berger, A.J., P. Blackwelder, T. Frank, T.T. Sutton, N.M. Pruzinsky, N. Slayden, and J.V. Lopez (2021) Microscopic and Genetic Characterization of Bacterial Bioluminescent Symbionts of the Gulf of Mexico Pyrosome, Pyrosoma atlanticum. Frontiers in Marine Science-Microbial Symbioses 8:606818. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2021.606818.

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Major: 
M.S. Marine Biology

Education:
2015 B.S. Marine Science, Biology Minor, Florida Gulf Coast University

Research Interests: 
I am interested in the taxonomy and classifications of fishes. Taxonomy is an ever-changing field, yet it serves as the groundwork for building various types of models used to monitor ecosystems. Classification methods/dichotomous keys are available for easily accessible species unlike deep-sea fishes and more specifically, juveniles. For this reason, I will be examining juvenile scorpaenids in order to create a dichotomous key for these undescribed life stages and will further investigate their spatial distributions for my thesis. Before studying at NSU, I interned at the FWRI satellite location in Port Charlotte, FL. I examined the diet composition of the common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) from two different populations in Charlotte Harbor. 

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Major: 
M.S. Marine Biology

Education: 
2017 B.S. Marine Biology, Marine Ecology Minor, Nova Southeastern University

Research Interests: 
I am interested in the ecology and conservation of fish in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones. My focus is studying the possible reasons for asynchronous diel vertical migration in mesopelagic fishes and how those reasons may interact with one another.

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Major: 
M.P.S. Marine Biology 

Education: 
2018 B.S. Double major: Marine Science and Biology, Geology Minor, University of Miami

Research Interests: 
I am interested in the morphology, taxonomy, and ecology of deep-sea fishes to further our fundamental understanding of our planet’s last frontier, as well as show the stretch of anthropogenic effects on the ocean. Before starting at NSU, I received my B.S. in Marine and Atmospheric Science from the University of Miami and was a TA for Minerology, and Scanning Electron Microscopy courses. During the last two summers of my undergraduate career, I researched patterns of tooth replacement in fishes at Cornell University under Dr. William Bemis and worked at the Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates.

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Major: 
M.S Marine Biology 

Education: 
2017 B.S. Major: Biology, Environmental Studies Minor, Manchester University

Research Interests: 
I am interested in the ecology of deep-sea fishes and their habitat as well as potential conservation efforts. I am studying the spatial distribution of the genus Cyclothone, which are small, bristlemouth fishes, in the Gulf of Mexico. Although these fishes are known for their high abundance in trawls from waters across the globe, their distribution in the Gulf of Mexico is poorly described. Upon analysis of their morphological features and spatial distribution in the water, I aim to provide baseline information in order to observe changes in their distribution and abundance over time. Before attending NSU, I studied at Manchester University where I received my bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies.

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Major: 
M.S Marine Biology 

Education: 
2018 B.S. Major: Marine Biology and Environmental Studies/Sustainability, College of Charleston

Research Interests: 
I am interested in understanding the trophic dynamics and ecology of deep-sea ecosystems. My thesis focuses on the diet of several anglerfish species by conducting gut content analysis as well as investigating the role lures play in attracting different prey types. In my project I will also be investigating feeding patterns between male and females due to the lack of data while addressing whether males feed at any stage of their life. Before beginning my graduate studies at NSU, I studied at the College of Charleston investigating life history dynamics of coastal estuarine fish under the guidance of Dr. Gorka Sancho and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

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Major:
M.S. Marine Science

Research Interests:
I am interested in Marine Management and Policy as well as Marine Conservation. For my thesis, I am assembling a database on the top-down control of oceanic micronekton in the Gulf of Mexico, with two objectives in mind. The first objective is to determine what predators are in the GOM, assemble an inventory of the fauna that eat the deep-living species, and scale how important deep-sea species are to the diet of any given species in the open ocean. The second goal is to quantify and calculate the predation impact on micronekton. This thesis project is of the utmost importance in changing the perspective that the open ocean is a layered system to a system that is highly connected and dynamic.

Education:
2020 M.A. in Teaching
2014 B.S in Biology/Biomedical sciences
2014 Research Internship, Marine Biology at University of Southeast Alaska

Research Experience:
The University of Southeast Alaska/ Juneau, Alaska
Position: Research Assistant
Supervisor: Heidi Pearson, Ph.D.

Studied and analyzed 30 years of photo-identification data of dusky dolphin fins, with the ultimate goal of assessing spatio-temporal association patterns of dusky dolphins and gaining awareness on cetacean populations.

Publications/Acknowledgements:
Orbach, Dara & Pearson, Heidi & Engelhaupt, Amy & Deutsch, Sierra & Srinivasan, Mridula & Weir, Jody & Yin, Suzanne & Würsig, Bernd. (2018). Long-Term Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Association Patterns of Dusky Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) off Kaikoura, New Zealand. Aquatic Mammals, 44, 608-619. 10.1578/AM.44.6.2018.608. https://doi.org/10.1578/AM/44.6.2018.608 (Acknowledged)

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Major: 
M.S Marine Science 

Education: 
2020 B.S. Marine Science with a minor in Psychology, Jacksonville University

Research Interests: 
I have many interests within the realm of Marine Science. During my undergraduate career, I focused on various aspects of ichthyology and geology. For my thesis, I am conducting an ecological assessment of the meso-/bathypelagic fish genus Cyclothone (Stomiiformes; Gonostomatidae), putatively the most abundant fishes in the Gulf of Mexico. I am describing their abundance and vertical distribution to gain a better understanding of their presence in the Gulf of Mexico.