We at the Center for Environmental Studies have some big news to share with you!
The Center is sunsetting as a standalone unit within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and our staff and current research, education, and outreach work is being integrated into the College’s School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) to support its mission. This will position our work, and ECOS’ initiatives and activities, for even greater reach and environmental contribution.
Our Center’s legacy has created a strong foundation, and our team is evolving again to align with the expanded scope and priorities of ECOS and to make a bigger environmental impact.
To read the announcement: https://ow.ly/LLEL50Y7GvY
Thousands of black-tip sharks migrate right past our beaches every year 🦈
For decades, Professor Stephen Kajiura, Ph.D. has tracked them using GPS and cameras and what he’s seeing is changing. As ocean temperatures rise, more sharks are staying farther north, which means more activity closer to shore.
Featured by CNN, his research is helping keep beachgoers informed and aware.
🌳 Happy Arbor Day! 🌳We came together to celebrate Arbor Day this morning at the beautiful Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum on the Florida Atlantic University Jupiter Campus 🌳
The event was a reminder of how deeply Florida’s natural landscapes are woven into its history. Professor of Biology Dr. Jon Moore highlighted the legacy of William Bartram—whose explorations and writings captured the richness of Florida’s ecosystems long before modern development.
ECOS' Alana Edwards was honored for her contributions to the creation and growth of the Arboretum. For over 20 years, Alana has been at the heart of the Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum—helping bring it from vision to reality. From designing its natural flow to shaping the spaces we experience today, her impact is woven into every corner. What makes her contribution even more meaningful is how personal it is—built alongside her family and guided by her love for nature, especially butterflies. 🦋 Because of Alana, the Arboretum has grown into more than a landscape—it’s a living classroom, a place of reflection, and a lasting part of our campus identity. Thank you, Alana, for cultivating something that will continue to grow for generations. 🌳
Undergraduate Student and Arboretum Intern Erica Torres spoke to her rewarding experience working in and learning from her internship. 🌱
From appreciating native plants, including being able to purchase them in the plant sale, to reflecting on conservation, today was about honoring the past while planting inspiration for the future. 🌿
🌎 Happy Earth Day! 🌊From the depths of the Atlantic to the heart of the Everglades, our students and faculty are tackling our most pressing environmental challenges.
🐢 Protecting Wildlife: Researching sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, wading birds and songbirds, to name a few.
🌿 Restoring Habitats: Focusing on corals, sargassum, the Everglades and Big Cypress, the Indian River Lagoon and intracoastal waterways.
🏘️ Securing Communities: Advancing science-based solutions for urban flooding and coastal resilience.
There is so much more that we do! Join us as we pioneer world-class science for a more resilient future.
@fauscience@harborbranch
#earthday
WLW-ECOS Undergraduate Research Fellow Natalie Martinez has been working with Dr. Rindy Anderson on educating the FAU community about human-driven impacts on our bird populations.
Migration magic is in full swing! 💫 Millions of birds are soaring through South Florida on their epic journey north (March-May). Our coastal, wetland, and backyard habitats serve as vital rest stops for these incredible travelers.
Citizen science: Spot an injured or dead bird on campus? 📷
Report it! FAU GRA Arielle Perry created a survey to track incidents across all campuses to better understand where birds are locally being affected, which Dr. Anderson and Natalie are using as part of their community outreach and education.
bit.ly/4cySHK7
How you can Help: Lights out! 🌙
Most birds migrate at night—turn off non-essential lights and close blinds between 11 p.m. and sunrise to help prevent deadly collisions and help them navigate safely.
Read more about the university’s grassroots effort here: https://www.fau.edu/science/news/fau-scientists-encourage-lights-out-during-migration-season/
100+ attendees. 13+ organizations. Endless inspiration. 🌊🌎
A quick look back at our inaugural WLW-ECOS Undergraduate Expo. From breakthrough research to career-making connections, our students are leading the way.
🔗 Full recap in bio!
@fauecos brought together 100+ students, researchers, and environmental pros for a night of innovation and connection.
📍 Student research poster sessions
📍 Networking with regional environmental leaders and orgs
📍 Career coaching and startup insights
Special thanks to Wayne and Lucretia Weiner for fueling these vital student opportunities through the FAU School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability. The future of environmental science is bright! 🌊☀️
Check out the full recap and see how we’re building a sustainable future together at the 🔗 link in our bio.
Having a sustainable business provides “opportunities” rather than obstacles or restrictions, said Tara Wilson, Vice-President of @rocktheocean , who spoke alongside Jack Lighton, Executive Director of @4oceanfoundation , at the 2026 VoLo Climate Correction Conference. The conference, held from March 10-11 in Orlando, Florida, featured panel discussions on climate and nature-based solutions. Read more on theinvadingsea.com
The headlines tell us our reefs are in crisis, but our research tells a story of resilience.
Last night, we went beneath the surface with a powerhouse panel of scientists to move past the "surface" of coral bleaching and into the heart of the science of survival.
From decoding the microbial partners that sustain reef health to identifying deep-sea "life rafts" and outplanting the next generation of genetically diverse "super corals," @floridaatlantic 's interdisciplinary teams and industry partners are uncovering the keys to long-term recovery.
A huge thank you to our experts and the community for joining this critical discussion. We aren’t just documenting a changing ocean, we're discovering the biological tools needed to protect it.
@fauecos@harborbranch@reef_institute
Thank you to everyone who supported and attended our 🌎✨ WLW-ECOS Orientation 🌎✨ on Tuesday! It was an inspiring afternoon centered on science, environmental solutions, and exciting WLW-ECOS opportunities. Whether students came to explore career paths, discover funding opportunities, or build new relationships, the energy and enthusiasm made it a truly memorable event!
Proud to announce that Florida Atlantic University's Riverwoods Field Laboratory will be a part of "The Everglades: A Symphony Of Life" that is premiering on South Florida PBS February 18th! Be sure to check it out!
Join us for the WLW-ECOS Orientation Event
📅 When: February 17, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Sanson Life Sciences Patio located behind the Sanson Life Sciences Building, FAU Boca Campus
What: Opportunities to meet College of Science faculty Conversations with local environmental organizations and potential employers Learn about WLW-ECOS scholarships, paid internships, research fellowships, summer externships, HBOI field trips & more! 🎤 Special Panel Session (12:30–1:15 p.m.): Scientists share their “origin stories” and how they found their path into science
👥 Who: FAU students interested in science & environmental solutions
Whether you're exploring career paths or hoping to build new relationships, we hope that you’ll join us!
#ECOS #FAU #environmentalsolutions
