1. travel
2. tourist facilities
3. hotel

Florida Marine Science Educators Association
2015 Conference Schedule
Thursday, April 30
4:00 - 4:45 PM
5:30 - 8:00 PM
Conference Committee Meeting - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel Lobby
Registration Open - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel Lobby
Friday, May 1
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
4:00 - 5:45 PM
6:00 - 7:30 PM
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Registration Open - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel Lobby
Full and Half Day Workshops and Field Experiences – check Conference Board for transportation options
Exhibitors set up – Exhibit Hall, Blake High School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
FMSEA Science Café sponsored by COSEE Florida - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel Pool
Cash bar and food options
Registration Open - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel Lobby
Saturday, May 2
7:00 - 8:00 AM
7:30 - 8:30 AM
8:00 AM - 4:15 PM
8:30 - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
10:10 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 - 12:30 PM
12:30 - 1:00 PM
1:10 - 3:00 PM
3:00 - 3:20 PM
3:20 - 4:10 PM
4:00 PM
4:15 PM
5:30 - 6:30 PM
6:00 - 7:00 PM
6:45 - 7:00 PM
7:00 - 10:00 PM
10:00 – 10:30 PM
Exhibitor Setup - Exhibit Hall, Blake High School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
Registration Open – Exhibit Hall, Blake High School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
Exhibit Hall Open - Exhibit Hall, Blake High School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
Opening Session & Key to our Future Panel - Blake High School Media Center, 3rd Floor
Registration Open – Exhibit Hall, Blake High School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
Concurrent Sessions 1 & 2 – Blake High School, Building B, 3rd Floor
Box Lunch – Pick up lunches in Blake High School Cafeteria, Building C, 1st Floor
Regional Meetings - see Blake High School map for locations, Building B, 3rd Floor
Concurrent Sessions 3 & 4 - Blake High School, Building B, 3rd Floor
Cookie Break - Breezeway, outside of Blake High School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
Concurrent Session 5 - Blake High School, Building B, 3rd Floor
Deadline to submit election ballots – Registration Table, Exhibit Hall, Blake High School Media Center,
Building A, 3rd Floor
Exhibit Hall Closes – Exhibit Hall Breakdown
Shuttle from Sheraton to The Florida Aquarium for Evening Event - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel Lobby
Entrance
Silent Auction and Social – The Florida Aquarium, Explore A Shore Overlook Deck
Silent Auction Checkout and Payment
Banquet, Annual Meeting & Closing Keynote: Dr. David Hastings - The Florida Aquarium, Café Ray Pavilion
Shuttle to Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel – Meet in front by Manta Ray, The Florida Aquarium Outside
Entrance
Sunday, May 3
8:00 - 9:00 AM
9:00 - 10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
FMSEA/FWC Collecting Certification Facilitators Meeting - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, Bayshore East
Conference Room— Required for all ASW Facilitators
NMEA 2016 Conference Committee Meeting - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, Bayshore East Conference
Room—OPEN TO ALL!
New FMSEA Board Meeting - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, Bayshore East Conference Room
Add #fmsea15 to your online posts to join the virtual conversation about the conference!
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FMSEA Annual Conference
FMSEA 2015
Tampa Bay:Vision of the Past, Key to the Future
Welcome To Tampa!
The Board members of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association would like to thank you
for your continued support of our organization. A special thank you goes out to our hosts, Blake
High School, The Florida Aquarium and the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk for their hospitality and
dedication to the sciences. To my dedicated conference members, I want to thank you for all of
your hard work and dedication to both the organization and to making the 2015 conference a
success, without you it would not have been possible.
The FMSEA 2015 annual conference, Tampa Bay: Vision of the Past, Key to the Future is sure to not disappoint. Friday evening,
after a fun filled day of field experiences ranging from exploring the estuaries to swimming with sharks, join us for the FMSEA President’s Circle SciCafé poolside at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk. Make sure to get a good night's sleep because Saturday's events
start early and last beyond sunset. Meet aspiring environmentalists during the opening panel, stay for a full day of concurrent sessions and party into the evening during our closing banquet waterfront at The Florida Aquarium.
Here's to another fabulous year of marine science education...Cheers!
Heather Segura
FMSEA Past-President and Conference Chair, 2014-15
Important Conference Information
Full registration includes a FMSEA T-shirt, special conference items, Friday Evening Science Café, all Saturday sessions, Saturday
lunch, and evening dinner. Additional tickets for guests can also be purchased for the Saturday Banquet dinner, depending upon
availability. See the registration table for costs, details, and availability of tickets.
Your name badge is required for entry into concurrent sessions, exhibit areas and other conference-related activities. Please wear
it at all conference events.
Election ballots are included in each registration packet. Please be sure to turn your ballot in by 4:00 PM on Saturday. Election results will be announced at the banquet on Saturday evening.
Auction Items may be dropped off at the Registration Table at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel on Friday or at the Registration
Table at the Blake High School Media Center on Saturday. If you haven’t already done so, please be sure to submit a donation form
with your auction item(s). All items must be received by noon on Saturday.
Event tickets that were purchased for additional guests will be issued with registration badges. Tickets will be required for the Saturday Banquet.
Questions? FMSEA Board Members, Conference Committee Members and Conference Volunteers are wearing ribbons on their
nametags. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the conference, please don’t hesitate to ask!
The Florida Marine Science Educators Association (FMSEA) is a chapter of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) and
provides a network for marine educators working together to coordinate and expand marine education, communication and interaction. Connect with your fellow members through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. See our website for links. FMSEA is a resource
for marine education at all levels - sponsoring an annual Student Project Award for middle and high school students and offering
scholarships to teachers to help them continue their professional development. In conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, FMSEA hosts Marine/Aquatic Collecting Certification Workshops throughout the state. For more information on these and other FMSEA opportunities, visit us online at www.fmsea.org.
FMSEA Annual Conference
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Friday Field Experiences & Workshops
Times indicate the start time of the field experience at the location, so participants will need to make sure that they leave for their
field experience with plenty of time to arrive at the location prior to the start of the program. Field experiences are either full day
or half day. Transportation is not provided unless otherwise noted, however, carpooling is encouraged. Check the message board
at Registration for carpooling opportunities. Lunches are provided for the field experiences where indicated in the descriptions
below. Please stop by FMSEA Registration at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel to get your lunch if needed.
A. Shark Swim and Lecture with Dr. Dan Huber at The Florida Aquarium
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Receive an introduction to diving! Guests will wear a small SCUBA tank, regulator and floatation device keeping them on the surface, allowing them to experience the thrill of SCUBA diving from the surface, while enjoying all the sights a thriving coral reef has
to offer. Guests will start off on the shallow side of the reef with sting rays, puffer fish, lobsters, and many other tropical fish before
heading over to the deep side to join the Sharks! Dr. Huber will join the group on the swim! After the swim, Dr. Huber will share his
research on Spinal Deformities in Captive Sand Tiger Sharks: What have we Learned? The experience includes all gear (wet suit,
mask, booties and scuba gear); guests only need their bathing suit, a towel and change of clothes. Shower facilities will be available
for guests after the program.
Lunch and swim gear included. $80 per person (Limit 11 people)
Meeting Location: The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. Use gate code provided in confirmation email for
access to the Member parking lot and meet just inside the Business entrance to the Aquarium.
B. FWC Aquatic Species Collecting Workshop
10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Need your collecting permit? Join us for a two-hour workshop will focus on the Aquatic Species Collecting Certificate, which allows
educators to collect aquatic organisms with certain restrictions. A PowerPoint presentation will be used along with actual items,
and discussion. The workshop will cover the components of this special activity license, its requirements, best management practices, field sampling techniques, transporting techniques, basic information about keeping organisms, and resources that educators
can use for these activities. A field component will follow the workshop at Picnic Island Park or Cypress Point Park in Tampa. Lunch
included. $20 per person
Meeting Location: The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. Use the code provided in your email confirmation to access the parking lot members gate. Enter through the business entrance and use the door code provided in the email.
C. Explore the Estuary at the Energy Marine Center
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Join us for a tour of Pasco County School’s award winning marine center and participate in exploring the uplands and wetlands of
the Withlacoochee River Watershed. This will include kayaking through mangroves to a spoil island Durney Key, seining in the estuary, and an upland walk through the surrounding Werner-Boyce Salt Spring State Park.
Lunch included. $15 per person
Meeting Location: Energy Marine Center, 9130 Old Post Rd, Port Richey, FL 34668. Check the carpooling board at Registration if you
need a ride or can offer a ride.
D. Lowry Park Zoo Inside Look Tour
9:15 AM to 11:30 AM
Take a sneak peek behind-the-scenes at the inner workings of a zoo. During this program, your group will visit the Zoo’s commissary where the animals’ diets are made, tour the world-class manatee hospital, and have an up-close animal interaction. After your
tour, pick up your box lunch and then tour the zoo at your leisure. Lunch included.
Lunch included. $15 per person
Meeting Location: Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604. Meet at the front gate of the Zoo School, to the right of the
main entrance. Check the carpooling board at Registration if you need a ride or can offer a ride.
E. Crystal Springs Preserve
8:15 AM to 2:30 PM
Meet with an experienced educator at Crystal Springs Preserve, learn about how this amazing preserve came to be and get in the
river for a biodiversity survey, snorkel in the spring and participate in a survival program. Participants should wear closed toed
shoes that can get muddy and wet and snorkel gear, bathing suit, and change of clothes. Enjoy your lunch by the spring! Transportation will be provided. Please meet at the Sheraton lobby at 8:15 AM.
Lunch included. $15 per person
Meeting Location: Transportation will be provided for this field trip. Please meet at 8:15 AM in the main lobby of the Sheraton.
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FMSEA Annual Conference
Friday Evening Schedule
6:00-7:30 PM
Science Café: Shipwrecks, Artificial Reefs & Ecotourism‐the Underwater World Help‐
ing the Community - Sponsored by the Florida Center for Ocean Sciences Education
Excellence Florida (COSEE Florida) - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel Pool
A SciCafé is an informal program that features lively discussion. It is designed to make scientists
and their work more accessible to the general public! The SciCafé will feature three panelists
that will really highlight the conference theme, “Vision of the Past, Key to the Future.” The Gulf
of Mexico and Tampa Bay Area have a rich history and a promising future. Shipwrecks and artificial reefs have important ecological value and can be utilized for ecotourism. Each of these
panelists bring a unique perspective to share from establishing Florida’s newest Underwater
Archaeological Preserve to what the future holds for establishing more artificial reefs.
Charles Mangio, Pinellas County Solid Waste, Artificial Reef Program
Charles oversees the 42 reef sites along the Gulf Coast of Pinellas County from Tarpon Springs
to St. Pete Beach, located from 200 yards to 38 miles offshore, and one in Tampa Bay, located
north of the St. Petersburg Municipal Pier.
Michael Terrell, The Florida Aquarium, Director of Husbandry
Mike holds a degree in Underwater Archaeology from the University of Indiana. He recently was
promoted to Director of Husbandry after providing exemplary management as the Aquarium’s
Dive Safety Officer. He has worked extensively on establishing Florida’s newest Underwater
Archaeological Preserve, USS Narcissus, the Civil War tugboat wreck located off of Egmont Key.
Libby Carnahan, Sea Grant, Pinellas County Extension Agent
Libby plans, develops, and implements comprehensive marine education programs that focus
on marine industries, fisheries, and habitat issues, including coastal hazards and climate change
issues that impact marine and coastal areas predominately in Pinellas County. As a member of
the Pinellas County Extension Urban Sustainability Team Libby works closely with community
leaders and decision makers on coastal sustainability and resilient community planning and
development.
Saturday Schedule
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Registration Open – Exhibit Hall, Blake HS Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
8:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Exhibit Hall Open – Blake HS Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Session & Panel: Students, The Key to our Future - Blake HS Media Center
Around the world our planet’s marine ecosystems face many challenges. In order to address
these challenges and ensure the future health of the ocean, it is imperative we engage young
people as marine educators and conservationists at an early age. We need to connect them to
marine environments and empower them with the skills needed to teach their peers and community members about marine environments and ways to take an active role in ocean conservation. Saturday morning, Sean Russell will share insights from his work engaging students in
ocean conservation and education initiatives on a global scale. Sean will facilitate a panel discussion with several students who are leading the way with marine education and conservation
programs, alongside adult mentors. Discussion will focus on how marine science educators can
engage millennial audiences as allies in their work to educate and involve young people in
ocean conservation work.
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Sean Russell is a youth engagement strategist dedicated to empowering young people with
the tools and motivation they need to become involved in leadership initiatives. As a high
school intern at Mote Marine Laboratory, Sean founded the Stow It-Don’t Throw It Project, a
youth-driven initiative that has engaged youth and adults around the world in marine debris
prevention and fishing line recycling efforts. The enthusiasm of the young people involved in
this program led Sean to launch the Youth Ocean Conservation Summit in November 2011 with
Mote Marine Laboratory. This annual educational event is designed to empower youth participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out successful ocean conservation projects in their local communities. Through this program, Sean brings together diverse partnering
organizations to provide ongoing support to the youth-driven conservation projects emerging
from this event. Sean is currently working to expand the reach of this program by implementing
a series of satellite Youth Ocean Conservation Summits across the country. Sean also oversees
the Youth Ocean Conservation Team, a network which provides year round support for summit
participants and other youth, around the world, who are dedicated to taking action to protect
our planet’s marine ecosystems.
Sean has a diverse background in engaging young people in leadership roles in youth organizations, government agencies, international non-profit organizations, and corporations. He has
worked over the past year with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment to launch and coordinate
the inaugural SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Youth Advisory Council – a first of its kind group of 17
student leaders that provide strategic input and support to SeaWorld’s work to connect young
people to the natural world. Sean currently serves as a member of EarthEcho International’s
Learning and Education Advisory Panel, Youth Service America’s Board of Directors, the National Marine Educators Association strategic plan implementation team and has previously served
on the State Farm Youth Advisory Board, the National 4-H Healthy Living Management Team,
and the Florida 4-H Foundation Board of Directors. Sean graduated from the University of Florida in December 2013 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology and is currently interning
with Georgia Sea Grant. In his spare time Sean enjoys hiking, kayaking, SCUBA diving, and traveling.
Session Panelists:
Cori McWilliams’ conservation work began in 2011 by volunteering for Sea Turtle Conservancy (with whom her mom was volunteering), joining their AdvoKids program and assisting with
their various events at the Brevard County Barrier Island Center [BIC]. She found that her best
audience was younger children, so worked with BIC to create a monthly program consisting of
reading marine conservation-related books to younger children. Finding her niche in educating
children, Cori wrote and began presenting a sea turtle conservation program to local school
classes, Girl Scout groups, and environmental centers. Cori received her junior open water scuba certification in 2014, and shortly after officially started her "Kids for the Sea" organization,
which organizes beach clean-ups and promotes conservation education. Cori's conservation
work has gotten recognition from marine artist Wyland, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Beneath the Waves film festival, and others.
Halle Belden, is a 15 year-old environmentalist from San Francisco, California. She enjoys exploring nature by kayaking, geocaching, and taking part in any other adventure she can find.
Halle is a second year High School Intern at Mote Marine Laboratory. She exercises her passion
for the environment as the founder and president of her school's environmental club and is
part of a team of students who help plan and implement the annual Youth Ocean Conservation
Summit and associated activities. Though she currently lives in Sarasota, Florida, Halle hopes to
travel the world to research and help solve our world's sustainability issues.
Melissa Cristina Marquez, founder of Sarasota Fins, hold a BA in Marine Ecology and Conservation. She spends her time traveling and diving with sharks, doing research and going around
to classrooms to teach kids about the marine world. Her main objective is to show kids that the
ocean, and what happens to it, affects everyone- no matter where they are. By educating students of all ages (from K-12) on marine ecosystems, she hopes to inspire them to pursue science as a career.
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FMSEA Annual Conference
Ryan Sobel was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Ryan is a marine artist and conservationist,
using his work to showcase the beauty of the natural world while encouraging others to preserve it. The primary focus of Ryan's work is painting marine life and ecosystems from around
the globe. His paintings and murals have been displayed in galleries, zoos, public aquariums and
other scientific institutions across the United States, while Ryan enjoys traveling to speak with
others about the influence art can have in the push for ocean conservation.
Kim Bassos-Hull, M.S. is a Senior Biologist at Mote Marine Laboratory working in the Dolphin
Research Program, Center for Shark Research and Education Division. Kim grew up in Connecticut and was always fascinated by sea life so she headed west to attend the University of California at Santa Cruz – majoring in Biology and Marine Science for both her B.S. and M.S degrees.
Her master’s thesis work brought her to Florida in 1990 to study dolphins in Southwest Florida
under the direction of Dr. Randy Wells, director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
which has the world's longest running study of dolphins in the world. Kim has extensive experience studying marine animal behavior and ecology along Florida's Gulf coast, especially in regards to photo-identification and population estimation. Kim has been active with Mote's Education Division mentoring high school students with research projects and community outreach
since 2007 and has been a Co-PI with Mote's Spotted Eagle Ray Conservation Program since 2009.
E. Howard Rutherford returned to the University of South Florida College of Marine Science
(USF-CMS) as Director of Development after a 13-year tenure as President/CEO with The Pier
Aquarium d/b/a Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration Center and Aquarium.
Before his tenure at the aquarium, Howard was a research associate in the nutrient chemistry
laboratory at USF-CMS where he participated in research projects from the Bering Sea to the
Arabian Sea to the Southern Ocean. He has witnessed first hand the value and fragility of the
marine environment, fueling his passion to share these discoveries with the public. His influence extends beyond Tampa Bay as a leader in ocean science education reform. Howard holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Chemistry from Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL and
attended graduate school at USF-CMS.
Currently, Mr. Rutherford is President to the National Marine Educators Association, a national
organization powered by 17 individual, regional chapters who provide the on-the-ground
efforts that support and promote national initiatives in education and conservation such as
ocean literacy. He has actively participated on the City of St. Petersburg’s Ocean Team, of which
the College of Marine Science plays a major role. As founding Co-Chair, Howard helped to establish the St. Petersburg Science Festival. Currently, this Festival is one of four national festivals awarded a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to build capacity and mentor three
new science festivals in the next two years. Howard is also Co-PI on the Creating a Community
of Practice Around a Proven Teen Science Cafe Model, a $2.6 million project funded by the National Science Foundation. This project is building the first network of ocean science thematic
Florida Teen SciCafes in partnership with The Florida Aquarium and Mote Marine Laboratory.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Registration Open – Exhibit Hall, Blake High School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
10:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Concurrent Sessions 1 & 2 – Blake High School, Building B, 3rd Floor- See pages 8-10 for
session descriptions
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Box Lunch and Regional Meetings - Lunch can be picked up at Blake High School Cafeteria, Building A, 1st Floor. Please note that students are testing in Building A, please keep noise to
a minimum and be respectful. See page 10 for Regional Meeting locations.
1:10 PM - 3:00 PM
Concurrent Sessions 3 & 4 – Blake High School, Building B, 3rd Floor- See pages 11-13 for
session descriptions
3:00 PM – 3:20 PM
FMSEA Annual Conference
Cookie Break - Breezeway, outside of Blake High School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
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3:20 PM - 4:10 PM
Concurrent Session 5 – Blake High School, Building B, 3rd Floor
See pages 13-14 for session descriptions
4:00 PM
Deadline to turn in Election Ballots - Registration Table, Exhibit Hall, Blake High
School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
See pages 17-18 information on nominees.
4:15 PM
Exhibit Hall Closes - Exhibit Hall, Blake High School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Shuttle to Evening Banquet - A bus will continually shuttle participants from the lobby
entrance of Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel to The Florida Aquarium.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Silent Auction and Social – The Florida Aquarium, Explore A Shore Overlook Deck
All proceeds raised by the silent auction are used to provide needs-based scholarships for
educators to attend future conferences.
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Banquet, Annual Meeting and Closing Keynote: Dr. David Hastings –
The Florida Aquarium, Café Ray Pavilion
Dr. David Hastings, Professor of Marine Science & Chemistry at Eckerd College, is a marine
geochemist and chemical oceanographer. Dr. Hastings’ primary research interest is paleoclimatology, which is to reveal the history of past climate changes. He is exploring the utility of
a proxy for sea surface temperature based on the incorporation of Mg and Sr into the shells
of foraminifera, a ubiquitous marine protist, as well as other microfossils such as ostracods.
He is frequently asked by members of the local community to discuss issues related to climate change, sustainability, and environmental change. Many of these talks focus on justice
and the appropriate actions we can take to mitigate the negative effects of environmental
degradation. David eagerly participates in these discussions and enjoys the opportunity to
help guide the public conversation and community response to what he considers a critical
and urgent issue.
Dr. Hastings believe that it is important for scientists to actively engage in policy conversations with the public and with elected officials. Over the past decade, he has met with numerous politicians ranging from city and county officials to staff from U.S. senators and representative. Most recently, he met with Governor Rick Scott, regarding the science of climate
change, and the imperative of taking action in Florida to mitigate the impacts. In his public
talks, he focuses on solutions in addition to laying out the scientific basis for the tremendous
concern scientists have for the future of our planet.
Dr. Hastings started his adventure in science studying chemistry and oceanography at Princeton University. Following a year doing research on radioactive waste disposal research at
Battelle Columbus Laboratory, he worked in the conservation department at the national
office of the Sierra Club. Before coming to Eckerd College, he received a PhD in chemical
oceanography from University of Washington. Dr. Hastings likes to sing, hike, swim, canoe
and kayak, and given the right conditions, ski in the backcountry. He is especially passionate
about environmental issues and home made lemon sorbet.
10:00 – 10:30 PM
Shuttle departs for Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. A bus will shuttle participants from The Florida Aquarium to Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. Please meet outside
the Aquarium Entrance, in front of the Manta Ray.
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FMSEA Annual Conference
Sunday Morning Schedule
8:00 - 9:00 AM
FMSEA/FWC Collecting Certification Facilitators Meeting - Sheraton Tampa
Riverwalk Hotel, Bayshore East Conference Room - Required for all ASW Facilitators.
9:00 - 10:30 AM
NMEA 2016 Conference Committee Meeting - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel,
Bayshore East Conference Room
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
New FMSEA Board Meeting - Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel, Bayshore East Conference Room
Session Descriptions
Session 1 10:10 AM – 11:00 AM
Audience Key
G - General
N - Non-Formal
E - Elementary
M - Middle School
H - High School
P - Post Secondary
Research Track: Assessing mortality rates and stress physiology in sharks exposed to fishing
gear: Developing techniques and collaborations
Dr. Heather Marshall - Mote Marine Laboratory
Media Center
Audience: G
Florida’s access to various ecosystems, species, and different commercial and recreational
fishing communities, has allowed the development of various types of fisheries throughout
the state, some of which target or catch sharks incidentally. Due to the important role sharks
play in marine ecosystems, and some heavy fishing pressures sharks have endured in recent
decades, it has become important for better management and monitoring of various fisheries
and shark species. As collaborative projects between scientist and fishermen grow in number, a robust approach to fisheries management has developed where both economics and
conservation are kept in mind. Still many questions remain to be answered that are key in
helping maintain shark populations, including understanding migration patterns of sharks,
locations of reproductive events, and assessing mortality rates associated with fishing interactions. The later was highlighted by the National Marine Fisheries Service, which recently
released the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management-Based Research Needs and Priorities, with key research needs including establishing post-release mortality rates for commercially caught sharks. A common management practice is to mandate the release of incidentally caught sharks (e.g., catch-and-release fishing), with the idea that all sharks are able
to recover; in reality, we don’t know how many actually recover. My research with collaborators deals with assessing such mortality rates in local fisheries, but also trying to understand
the physiological upset sharks may experience in response to such exposures. After all, it is
important to build on what we know about fishing-related mortality rates, and understand
why sharks may actually be experiencing mortality during and/or after release from fishing gear.
Aquatic Species Collecting Workshop
Heather Sneed - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Room 320 Audience: G
This workshop will focus on the Aquatic Species Collecting Certificate, which allows educators
to collect aquatic organisms with certain restrictions. A Power Point presentation will be
used along with actual items, and discussion. The workshop will cover the components of
this special activity license, its requirements, best management practices, field sampling techniques, transporting techniques, basic information about keeping organisms, and resources
that educators can use for these activities. This is a double session.
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Audience Key
G - General
N - Non-Formal
E - Elementary
M - Middle School
H - High School
P - Post Secondary
Turtle T.H.i.S. (Teens Helping in the Seashore)
Beckie Mims, Matt MacGregor, Shelby Butts, and Madison Meyer- Gulf Islands National Seashore, Escambia High School
Room 318
Audience: H
Turtle T.H.i.S. is a pro-active approach to the integration of our local community in the effort
to conserve endangered sea turtles nesting on the beaches of Gulf Islands National Seashore.
"Turtle T.H.i.S." engages high school students and their teacher in current monitoring and
research alongside our Rangers. Through service learning/citizen science students will apply
scientific concepts learned in the classroom, practice scientific field methods, and apply them
in a real-world scientific study.
Acid Rain and Buffers
James Millen and Gail Millen- College of Central Florida
Room 316
Audience: G
Learn how to help students create mini-models of lakes with different lake bottom materials.
They can add simulated acid rain to the lakes to determine which lake bottom material acts
as a buffer to keep the pH of the simulated lake water relatively constant.
They’re More than Just Volunteers: Tips on Creating a Lasting Teen Program
Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski, Gina Santoianni- Mote Marine Laboratory
Room 314
Audience: G
Using Mote Marine Laboratory’s High School Internship Program as a model, learn how to
create a sustaining after-school program. During the school year, interns gain communication
and leadership skills as well as hands-on research experience alongside Mote’s renowned
scientists. Session participants will hear testimonials and see examples of projects produced
by Interns. Join us to discuss how to build a teen program that benefits both the students and
your institution.
Sarasota Fins: Inspiring the Next Generation of Marine Scientists
Melissa Marquez - Sarasota Fins
Room 312
Audience: G
In this session, educators will be able learn about Sarasota Fins and how they can further incorporate marine education about sharks into their curriculum. Sarasota Fins allows plenty to
choose from when tackling the challenge of correctly portraying these apex predators. Participants will learn how to foster a connection between students and the issues these marine
animals face because of human impact, leading to understanding and action on their behalf.
Session 2 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Research Track: Manatee Care, Training, and Research: A Look into Modified Animal Training Techniques to Benefit Wild Conservation Efforts
Katharine Boerner - Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Media Center
Audience: G
The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) is a large, slow moving, aquatic herbivore that resides in both fresh and saltwater environments. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service currently list this species as endangered and there are estimated to be less than
5,000 individuals remaining in the wild. In 1998, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium was
granted a permit which allows for staff to work hands-on with two long-term rehabilitated
manatees in a training paradigm. The USFWS permit allows for Mote to train husbandry and
research behaviors as part of benefiting the population as a whole. At the time, the intelligence level of a manatee was unknown so training techniques were slightly modified in order
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FMSEA Annual Conference
Audience Key
G - General
N - Non-Formal
E - Elementary
M - Middle School
H - High School
P - Post Secondary
to maximize the effectiveness and create the most successful situation for this particular species. Since the beginning of the training program, Mote’s two resident manatees, Hugh and Buffett,
have provided key information on the Florida manatee’s sensory and physiological systems and
have aided in the development of wild population conservation programs and projects.
CHANGE the Way You Teach Climate Change
Andria Keene, Tracy Flanagan, Anthony Leotta, Allan Feldman, Glenn Smith, Yiping Lou, Molly
Nation - Hillsborough County Schools
Room 318
Audience: H
Learn more about of the NSF-funded CHANGE (Climate Change Narrative Game Education)
project. USF and Hillsborough County Schools are working together to improve the Marine
Science Curriculum. High interest and relevant materials are being created to weave Climate
Change throughout the units including a teen sci-fi novel, video games, simulations, and
labs. Presenters will share the motivations behind the program as well as access to the activities being created.
The Benefits Of Being A Student Of Teacher Researchers Experiences (SOTRE)
Elizabeth Eubanks - Palm Beach Maritime Academy
Room 316
Audience: G
I believe that it is vital for (science) teachers to work with scientists to stay connected to what
is happening in the field. Working together enables scientists to make a broader impact,
while connecting students to cutting edge science. I would like to share my experiences and
get feed back from the group on additional ways to do this.
Google Apps for Ocean Education
Jason Robertshaw - Mote Marine Laboratory
Room 314
Audience: G
Google offers a number of free resources for formal and informal educators. This is a basic
introduction and how-to for integrating Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail into formal
and informal education. Google resources can be used to create assignments, provide feedback and communicate with students individually and as a whole class. Ocean-themed examples will be provided using Google Maps and YouTube.
Citizen Science Opportunities for Students in the Florida Keys
Sarah Egner - Marine Resources Development Foundation
Room 312
Audience: G
Marine Resources Development Foundation’s MarineLab program has been offering experiential education opportunities for students 5th grade through college in subtropical marine
ecology for 30 years. In 2012, MRDF created a Research Department which has allowed us to
integrate citizen science programs into the current curriculum. Now, visiting students can
participate in seagrass surveys, phytoplankton monitoring, mangrove restoration, coral surveys,
amongst other opportunities. The data is all used in some capacity in the scientific world.
Lunch & Regional Meetings
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Pick up your provided lunch in the in the Blake High School School Cafeteria (Building C, 1st Floor), then join your Region for a
short meeting at 12:30pm. Please note that students will be testing in Building C, please be courteous and keep noise to a minimum. Regional Meetings are located as follows:
Panhandle- Media Center
East Central- Room 316
Southeast- Media Center
FMSEA Annual Conference
North- Room 320
West Central- Room 314
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Northeast- Room 318
Southwest- Room 312
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Session 3 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
Audience Key
G - General
N - Non-Formal
E - Elementary
M - Middle School
H - High School
P - Post Secondary
Research Track: Researching Marine Megafauna Along the Florida Coast: From Dolphins to Rays
Kim Bassos-Hull - Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and Mote
Marine Laboratory
Media Center
Audience: G
The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program has been studying dolphins along the west coast of
Florida since 1970 and is the world's longest running study. Come learn about dolphin biology and behavior as we explore their social structure, ranging patterns, feeding behaviors and
some of the human impacts they face. Mote's Spotted Eagle Ray Conservation Program was
initiated in 2009 in order to learn more about these understudied rays. Spotted eagle rays
are listed by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) as nearthreatened with declining population trends due to targeted fisheries and bycatch. Come
learn about what Mote's team has learned about eagle ray life history, biology and behavior
in our coastal Florida waters and efforts to connect for conservation in other countries such
as Mexico and Cuba.
Trawl Endorsement for Aquatic Species Collecting Certificate
Heather Sneed - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Room 320 Audience: G
Participants of this workshop must possess an Aquatic Species Collecting Certificate (or have completed the workshop during this Conference), a trawl net (or access to one), a vessel to pull the net
(or access to one). This workshop details the requirements for operating a trawl net in aquatic environments, restrictions and best management practices for conducting this activity. A Power Point
presentation will be used to cover these topics and discussion is encouraged.
Oh Manatee! A Resource Management Game
Maureen Lare, Tracy Griffin - Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at FAU
Room 318
Audience: G
Learn about a hands-on game that emphasizes resource management. Weather permitting,
an open field would be ideal for this activity, but can be done inside if needed.
Field Experiences of C-IMAGE Teachers At Sea: What We Learned From Our Adventures At Sea
Kathryn Bylsma, Patty Smukall, Susan Cullum, Matt Macgregor, and Tess Rivenbark - Dr. John
Long Middle School
Room 316
Audience: G
The C-IMAGE Gulf of Mexico Teacher at Sea Program hosted eight Florida secondary science
teachers during the 2012-14 expeditions. Join teachers as they share their adventures at sea
as part of the scientific crew and research. While at sea teachers were also the ship-to-shore
communicators via social media and LIVE video conferencing with formal and informal classrooms. Deep-sea sediment cores, demersal fishes, and surface-dwelling plankton were collected to assess DWH impacts and Gulf recovery.
Home School Days at Mote: Socializing with STEM
Dana Henderson - Mote Marine Laboratory
Room 314
Audience: N
Home School Days at Mote Marine Laboratory provide opportunities for home schooled students to work on team building and social skills while learning about ocean conservation and
scientific research. In this hands on workshop, we will be exploring some fun and engaging
STEM activities themed around Mote's recent marine science research that will encourage
students work as a team, think critically and problem solve.
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The Biggest Reducer
Brandon Smith - Brevard County Parks & Recreation
Room 312
Audience: G
Floridians produce double the national average of trash. Find out where it comes from and
steps to reduce it. The Biggest Reducer program focuses on reducing lunch waste in schools.
Attendees will get access to a presentation to be used in their classes to teach children about
natural resources, the carbon cycle, embodied energy, waste reduction, S.T.E.M. connections,
and the 5R's (and you thought there were only three). Program related prizes for attendees.
Session 4
2:10 PM – 3:00 PM
Audience Key
G - General
N - Non-Formal
E - Elementary
M - Middle School
H - High School
P - Post Secondary
Research Track: Fisheries Assessment in Florida…. More than Counting Fish
Brent L. Winner - Florida FWC, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Media Center
Audience: G
With increasing coastal development, habitat loss, and fishing pressures many of Florida’s
fish populations are declining. Learn how fish populations (e.g., spotted seatrout, red drum,
and snook) are monitored by Florida scientists. Discover the importance of habitat (e.g.,
seagrass, mangroves, or marshes) and how scientists evaluate habitat preferences for fishes.
Learn the importance and need for fisheries-independent data and how these long-term databases are used to provide information on relative changes in fish abundance, aquatic
health, fish life history and ecology. Data will be presented from recent scientific studies on
red drum and snook populations, and examples given how these data are used for management of these species.
Watershed Comparison Field Studies
Natalie Edgeman - Pasco High School
Room 318
Audience: H
My biology classes completed a Watershed Comparison Field Study funded by a Splash! Grant
through the Southwest Florida Water Management District. My students have visited the
Energy and Marine Center in Port Richey, FL (an estuary on the Pithlachascotee River) and the
Crystal Springs Preserve in Crystal Springs, FL (a magnitude 2 spring that feeds into the Hillsborough River). Data has been collected using PASCO probeware and was compiled and analyzed. I would like to share this long-term project idea with other teachers.
Incorporating Google Earth and Google Maps Into Ocean Circulation Lessons
Laura Fauver, Jenna Cummings - Canterbury School of Florida
Room 316
Audience: M
In this workshop, participants will learn to use Google Earth and Google Maps to explore
ocean drifter tracks and circulation patterns. Participants will explore two lessons intended
for students in grades 6 through 12. Workshop participants will also learn to import drifter
tracks or other geographic data into both Google mapping programs. Participants should
bring their own device to the workshop and will receive lesson plans, lesson materials, and
detailed instructions on importing drifter tracks.
Bringing Dolphins Into Your Classroom
Kimberly Browne, Noelle Belden - Dolphin Research Center
Room 314
Audience: G
Dive into the wonderful world of dolphins and discover what current research is revealing
about their capabilities. Learn about Dolphin Research Center and how our studies are in-
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Audience Key
G - General
N - Non-Formal
E - Elementary
M - Middle School
H - High School
P - Post Secondary
creasing the knowledge base relating to dolphins and marine conservation. See how easy it is
to bring dolphins into your classroom for your students to enjoy though distance learning
opportunities! Dolphin Research Center offers fin-tastic presentations on a variety of topics
related to marine mammals and their world.
Bringing Citizen Science Into The Classroom
Ellie Splain - REEF Environmental Education Foundation
Room 312
Audience: G
REEF will share opportunities to incorporate citizen science in your classroom through free online
resources. Learn to navigate the world’s largest marine sightings database, gain access to fish ID/
behavior webinars, and discover student volunteer opportunities. Our educational programs focus
on three projects: Volunteer Fish Surveys, Invasive Lionfish, and endangered Nassau Grouper. Participate in hands-on sample activities including an Invasive Lionfish dissection demo!
Cookie Break in Exhibit Hall
3:00 PM – 3:20 PM
Enjoy a snack in the in the Blake High School Breezeway (between Buildings A & B, 3rd Floor)
then take a stroll through the Exhibit Hall! Please no food or drink in the Media Center.
Session 5
3:20 PM – 4:10 PM
Research Track: Sickness in the Sea
Dr. Erinn Muller – Coral Reef Ecology and Microbiology Program, Mote Marine Laboratory
Media Center
Audience: G
Coral diseases are arguably the greatest threat to reefs worldwide. Disease outbreaks, which
are influenced by the environment, have significantly changed the structure and function of
coral reefs within the last several decades. My research has shown that stressed corals are
more susceptible to disease infection, and that pathogens are likely a common component of
the coral’s microbial community. When the immune system of the coral is compromised,
these pathogens become virulent and cause significant coral mortality. Environmental conditions, such as anomalously high water temperatures, may lead to an immune-compromised
coral. Ocean acidification, another potential environmental stressor, may reduce the health
of the coral, but may also reduce the virulence of some diseases. Regardless, creating a
healthier reef environment and reducing stress on corals will decrease the loss of coral reefs
around the world. My research focuses on understanding coral health and disease to preserve coral reefs for the future.
Microplastics—The Sources Might Surprise You!
Maia McGuire - Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent
Room 320
Audience: G
Microplastics, less than 5 mm in size, are common in the marine environment. Learn where
these plastic pieces are coming from, and why they are a problem. Find out how your shower
gel, toothpaste or deodorant might be adding to the problem. How many pieces of plastic are
in your facial scrub? Discover citizen science opportunities to study microplastics and leave
with your own sample of microplastics to help you teach others about this issue.
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Audience Key
G - General
N - Non-Formal
E - Elementary
M - Middle School
H - High School
P - Post Secondary
Oceans in the Classroom: Five Professional Development Opportunities
Teresa Greely and Angela Lodge - USF College of Marine Science
Room 318
Audience: H
Bring a sense of adventure and exploration as we share five Teacher Professional Development (TPD) opportunities that will bring the ‘ocean to your classroom’. The theme for the
TPD series is Our Gulf: From Sea Surface to Sea Floor. During this session we will provide a
preview of activities, equipment and lessons that will be part of these ocean education programs.
Inquiry Based Buoyancy Considerations In Underwater Vessels
Melissa Demetrikopoulos, Wesley Thompson, John Pecore, Lee Morris - Institute for
Biomedical Philosophy
Room 316
Audience: M, H
Participants will explore various options for modeling underwater vessel buoyancy methods.
They will begin with an inquiry approach to build a buoyancy device and then be presented
with previously designed models. Participants will have the opportunity to design an experiment to test their models. This is designed for middle school students but can be easily
adapted for more advanced or gifted students.
Connectivity: Bringing Scientific Research into the Classroom
Amelia Vaughan, Brittany Pace - Florida State University
Room 314
Audience: H
This workshop aims to introduce educators to a brand new curriculum that is based off of
current research in the Gulf of Mexico and looks at the lasting impacts of the 2010 DWH oil
spill. Workshop will include hands-on activities and exploration of lessons that fit into the
five main research areas: geomorphology, geochemistry, ecology, physical oceanography,
and modeling. All participants will receive a copy of the curriculum and a variety of take
home materials.
Breaking Barriers in Marine Education: Water Quality Monitoring Reaches Broader Demographics at Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Kerri Allen – Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Room 312
Audience: G
To bring science into under-served South Florida classrooms, Loggerhead Marinelife Center
has employed portable, inquiry based learning labs focusing on Water Quality and Sea Turtle
Veterinary Science. Teachers borrow learning kits, containing all supplies and materials needed to conduct labs and activities, as well as supplemental lessons. NGSS curricula is enhanced
with citizen science monitoring programs, allowing students to participate in regional science
programs and contribute to marine conservation efforts on regional and global scales.
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Presenter Biographies
Kerri Allen is the Education Manager at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote conservation of
Florida’s coastal ecosystems with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. Kerri works to develop curriculum, train educators
in cutting edge science research, and implement conservation initiatives within the community. kallen@marinelife.org
Kim Bassos-Hull works with the following programs at Mote Marine Laboratory: Shark Biology and Conservation, Education, and the Sarasota
Dolphin Research Program. As part of her work with the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program Kim is employed by the Chicago Zoological Society
(based at Mote Marine Laboratory as part of a partnership to engage in dolphin research, education, and conservation action). Kim is also employed part time with Mote and since 2006 has worked with Mote's Education Division as a research mentor for the High School Intern Program. Since 2009 Kim has led a research project documenting spotted eagle ray biology, behavior, and fisheries impacts in Florida, Mexico, and
Cuba with the Shark Biology and Conservation Program. kbhull@mote.org
Kat Boerner joined Mote Marine Laboratory's team in 2009 and has worked in Education, Sea Turtle Care, and now the Manatee Care, Training,
and Research department. Her previous experience includes training Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at The Dolphin Conservation Center at
Marineland, researching North Atlantic right whales with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and working with elephants and
giraffes at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. She now spends her days working and training our two resident manatees, Hugh and Buffett.
kat@mote.org
Kimberly Browne and Noelle Belden are engaged in dolphin based education programs from the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys.
Kimberly Browne is a former public school teacher from Broward County with ten years of classroom and five years of informal science education experience. Noelle Belden has worked in the field of marine science education for ten years, spending the last seven working hands on
with dolphins and the public. Kimberly.browne@dolphins.org
Kathryn Bylsma, Patty Smukall, Susan Collum, Matt Macgregor, Tess Rivenbark were participants in the C-IMAGE Gulf of Mexico Teacher at
Sea Program between 2012-2014. Kathryn Bylsma teaches middle school at Dr. John Long Middle School where she engages her students by
using the inquiry method to facilitate science learning. Before beginning her teaching career she was a career microbiologist.
inquirymethod@gmail.com
Melissa Demetrikopoulos and Wesley Thompson are with the Institute for Biomedical Philosophy. Melissa is the Chair of Program Development and Wesley is the Director of Exhibits. Both work with partnerships between formal and informal educators and scientists.
mdemetr@biophi.org
Natalie Edgeman has been teaching high school science for fourteen years, Marine Science for five. Natalie has sponsored an Earth Patrol Club.
She and her students have participated in the Envirothon and the Regional Ocean Conference for Students (ROCS) at the Florida Aquarium. She
feels that hands-on experiences and field trips are the most meaningful experiences in science education. nedgeman@pasco.k12.fl.us
Sarah Egner is the Director of Research and Development at Marine Research Development Foundation. She has been with MRDF for eight
years and is currently responsible for integrating the citizen science opportunities into the MarineLab curriculum, creating partnerships with
research organizations and being a member of the education staff. Sarah_egner@yahoo.com
Elizabeth Eubanks has been involved with Teacher Researcher Experiences for the past eight years. Working with NOAA Teacher at Sea, PolarTREC, EARTH and STARS and Satellite Earth programs she brings real world science to her students at the Palm Beach Maritime Academy.
hoocaca@yahoo.com
Laura Fauver and Jenna Cummings teach at the Canterbury School of Florida in St. Petersburg. Laura is a middle school science teacher. She
works closely with Canterbury’s Director of Marine Studies, Jenna Cummings, to develop marine science curriculum for middle school students.
She is also an active FMSEA volunteer. lfauver@canterburyflorida.org
Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski and Gina Santoianni coordinate Mote Marine Laboratory’s High School Intern Programs. Kasey is Mote’s Digital Programs Coordinator and broadcasts interactive programs around the globe via SeaTrek Interactive TV. Gina is Mote’s Student Engagement Coordinator and fosters internship experiences for college students and Mote’s scientists. kasey@mote.org gina@mote.org
Teresa Greely and Angela Lodge enjoy sharing their enthusiasm, experiences and joys of careers in science and teaching. During the school
year they facilitate Teacher PD, teach college courses and lead coastal field trips. In summers they lead pre-college programs. They strive to
make the ocean more accessible and meaningful to all. greely@usf.edu
Dana Henderson implements and teaches classes and events for the home school communities in Sarasota and surrounding communities for
Mote Marine Laboratory. She also coordinates community outreach events, cares for education animals and provides interpretation workshops
for Mote volunteers. missdana@mote.org
Andria Keene, Tracy Flanagan, Anthony Leotta, Allan Feldman, Glenn Smith, Yiping Lou, Molly Nation are a presentation team from the University of South Florida and the School District of Hillsborough County. They have been working together for two years to enhance the Marine
Science curriculum and intertwine it with an ongoing climate change curriculum. Andria.keene@sdhc.k12.fl.us
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Maureen Lare and Tracy Griffin Maureen Lare received her BS in Biology from Ohio State. She gained experience in marine science studying
abroad in the Galapagos Islands. Maureen worked as a marine science educator at Dolphin Quest Bermuda and the Virginia Aquarium. She is
currently working in marine education at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University in Fort Pierce, FL. mlare@fau.edu
Melissa Marquez is the founder of Sarasota Fins, a shark education and conservation program based in Sarasota, FL. Graduating with a BA in
Marine Ecology and Conservation she is actively engaged in research, exploration, communication and application of scientific knowledge related to the conservation of marine ecosystems. melissacristinamarquez@gmail.com
Dr. Heather Marshall’s research interests at Mote Marine Laboratory are mainly focused around shark physiological ecology, with an emphasis
on capture-related stress physiology and post-release mortality. .Heather’s research has included studying heart biochemical adaptations in
lamnid sharks, the movement ecology of porbeagle sharks, and the stress physiology, post-release mortality, and ecology of sandbar and dusky
sharks. Heather has also worked with the research non-profit OCEARCH as a member of the science team for five shark-tagging expeditions,
including trips to the Galapagos and Chile. Specifically, Heather's role on these expeditions was blood sampling, processing, and quantifying the
stress physiology of the sharks as they go through the capture and tagging process. In addition, Heather is a co-founder of The Gills Club, a
group that works to connect girls with female marine biologists in the field, share knowledge, and empower them to take leadership positions
and inspire others with their own passion for sharks. hmarshall@mote.org
Maia McGuire is a past recipient of the FMSEA John Beakley Marine Science Educator Award. She has been an Extension agent with UF/IFAS
Extension and Florida Sea Grant since 2001. Her primary focus is teaching people how to modify their behavior to help protect coastal species
and habitats. mpmcg@ufl.edu
James Millen is a Professor of Biology at the College of Central Florida. millenj@cj.edu
Beckie Mims is the Staff Lead for the Turtle THIS program. A National Park Ranger for 30 years she coordinates the National Park Foundation’s
“Gulf Islands National Seashore – Electronic Field Trip” and the local PBS Ken Burns National Park series on Gulf Islands. Matt MacGregor, a high
school teacher at Escambia High School and students Shelby Butts, and Madison Meyer collaborate on the Turtle THIS program.
Beckie_Breeding-Mims@nps.gov
Dr. Erinn Muller’s research focuses on coral health and disease dynamics at Mote Marine Laboratory. She applies a comprehensive approach
that spans from understanding shifts in microbial assemblages of corals to applying hierarchical spatial and temporal models to understand the
drivers causing coral-disease outbreaks. Dr. Muller's goal is to determine how coral health and disease change under climate change and ocean
acidification conditions. She anticipates that once we understand the mechanisms leading to compromised coral health we can prevent disease
outbreaks in our future. emuller@mote.org
Jason Robertshaw is an instructional designer at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL. With over twenty years of instructional broadcast
experience ,his primary production for Mote is the award-winning SeaTrek distance learning program. jrshaw@mote.org
Brandon Smith has been teaching environmental education in Florida for fifteen years since graduating from Florida Tech with a degree in Marine Biology. He currently manages Riverwalk Nature Center, a marine science center on the Indian River Lagoon. He is the Florida regional
leader for the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation and an active member of NOAA Climate Steward Education Program, who provided the grant for Brandon to bring The Biggest Reducer program to our FMSEA conference. Brandon has received the Paul
Kroegel Award for Outstanding Service to the Indian River Lagoon by a Government Employee and was most recently nominated to receive the
Charlie Corbeil Conservation Award. Brandon.smith@brevardparks.com
Heather Sneed is the Environmental Specialist II for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Division of Marine Fisheries
Management, Outreach and Education section. Heather.Sneed@MyFWC.com
Ellie Splain is the Education Manager at REEF. Ellie has a background in marine science education at REEF, and previously at Marine Resources
Development Foundation and SeaWorld, Orlando. Her teaching is supported by extensive in-field research experience including invasive lionfish monitoring and removal, and prey fish abundance surveys in the Caribbean. ellie@REEF.org
Amelia Vaughan and Britany Pace are ocean science educators at Florida State University and are passionate about connecting educators with
resources that will help them in the classroom. Amelia@deep-c.org
Brent L. Winner has been a fisheries scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for over 25 years. He received his
bachelors’ degree in zoology from Iowa State University and his masters’ degree in marine biology, specializing in sharks, from the University of
North Carolina at Wilmington. He’s caught, studied, and published scientific papers on a variety of Florida fish species including red drum,
snook, sheepshead, snapper/grouper species, and sharks and rays. Brent.winner@myfwc.com
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2015 FMSEA Board of Directors Nominees
The FMSEA Board of Directors is a nominated panel of individuals who are responsible for the operational aspects of the FMSEA
organization. Each year various positions become available for re-election. This year the following elected positions are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
President-Elect
Membership Secretary
National Marine Educators Association Representative
Northeast Regional Director
East Central Regional Director
Southwest Regional Director
Southeast Regional Director
All members of FMSEA are encouraged to run for any of the above positions if you are interested in becoming more involved
with FMSEA. Self- nominations are accepted. If you are nominating another individual, please make sure that the individual is
aware and accepting of the nomination. If you are interested in joining a FMSEA Committee, please speak to a Board member.
Thank you,
Jenna Cummings
FMSEA President Elect, 2014-15
President-Elect
Jaclyn Gerakios, Saint Pauls School (Clearwater, FL)
Jaclyn is an avid ocean advocate and shark lover. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in marine biology and a Master’s degree
from Nova Southeastern University in Environmental Education. Jaclyn currently works in Florida as a middle school science teacher at Saint
Paul's School in Clearwater and as a divemaster at the Florida Aquarium. Jaclyn also is a dive master for a local SCUBA Venture crew where she
helps students learn to dive and helps them explores the underwater world. She is also the education coordinator for a nonprofit called Shark
Angels. Jaclyn has been on the board of directors for FMSEA since 2012. She started as secretary and has been the West Central regional director since 2014. Jaclyn would like to be considered for the position of president elect because she is passionate about marine science and loves
being part of an organization full of other ocean minded people and educators.
Membership Secretary
Laura Fauver, Canterbury School of Florida (St. Petersburg)
Laura attended North Carolina State University where she majored in Natural Resources with a concentration in Marine and Coastal Resources.
She earned a master’s degree in Marine Science at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science in 2005. For her thesis work,
Laura tested computer models for accuracy in predicting of hurricane-induced dune erosion. Laura worked as a researcher at the United States
Geological Survey from 2005 until 2007, when she transitioned to teaching middle school science. She began her teaching career at Saint
Paul’s School in Clearwater, Florida. After six years at Saint Paul’s, she moved to Canterbury School of Florida where she currently teaches seventh and eighth grade science courses. Laura works closely with Canterbury’s Director of Marine Studies to develop marine science curriculum
for middle school students. Laura is also an active FMSEA volunteer. She served as a proxy at two board meetings in the past year. She also
volunteered at the 2014 FMSEA Conference in Panama City Beach.
“Over the past year, I have greatly enjoyed my experiences volunteering with FMSEA. I believe that FMSEA’s mission to support marine science
educators across the state of Florida is vital, and I am eager to serve a formal role on the FMSEA board. The position of membership secretary
is well suited to my skill set. I am highly organized, have excellent communication skills, and have extensive experience with database management and computer programming. I am excited about the opportunity to serve the FMSEA community as membership secretary.”
National Marine Educators Association Representative
Mellie Lewis, Peer Leader for NOAA’s Climate Steward Program
Mellie Lewis is an educational consultant for several organizations. She holds a Sixth Year Diploma from the University of Connecticut in Educational Psychology, a Master’s Degree and Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Arizona in Elementary Education with a minor in Science, Her teaching experience includes university experience at the University of Connecticut and Johns Hopkins University as well as 20 years
in the Howard County Public School System. She was a NOAA Teacher At Sea, a JASON Teacher Argonaut, and received the Teacher of the Year
award from MAMEA in 2006 and Outstanding Teacher Award from NMEA in 2007. Mellie joined FMSEA in 2004 and was appointed FMSEA’s
Membership Secretary in 2011. She was elected to a 3-years term as FMSEA’s Membership Secretary in 2012. She is currently Interim Chapter
Representative to NMEA. She was an elected NMEA Board Member for six years, Chair of the NMEA Expanding Audience Committee for six
years, and is currently Vice Chair of NMEA’s Traditional Knowledge Committee. Mellie is a Peer Leader for NOAA’s Climate Steward Program
and science mentor to the Literacy Volunteers of America. Mellie loves to SCUBA dive, is passionate about marine science education, and wants
to share her enthusiasm for and knowledge of the ocean and its living things with as many people as possible.
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East Central Regional Director
Brandon Smith, Riverwalk Nature Center (Rockledge, FL)
Brandon has been the East Central Regional Director for the Florida Marine Science Educators Association since 2009. Starting 2005, he also
served on the board of the Space Coast Science Education Alliance, a network of informal educators in Brevard County and became president
of the organization in 2013. In 2013, Brandon became a NOAA Climate Steward working monthly with a community of educators across the
nation on climate education. Also, in 2013, Brandon accepted the role as Regional Leader with the National Network for Ocean and Climate
Change Interpretation (NNOCCI).
“I would like to continue my role as the East Central Regional Director as I feel I provide good and trusted communication with my members to
keep them informed of marine science opportunities in the area. My connections throughout the area provide me with a good flow of information to share with my members. I hope to expand involvement further in my area and grow my region over my next term.”
Northeast Regional Director
Jennifer Fagan, Nease High School (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida)
Jennie is in her 22nd year of teaching with twelve of those years at Nease High School in St Johns County teaching Marine Science. Throughout
her tenure at Nease, she has proven to be a leader in many fields including working to create the district developed Marine and Earth Space
exams, along with the corresponding curriculum guides. She has also been the science department chair for the past nine years. Jennie works
to connect with her students in many ways both in and out of the classroom. She works to make her lessons engaging and has used her
Aquatic Species Collecting permit to maintain various aquariums in her classroom and takes the students out of the classroom as often as she
can. She has started a running club called Marathon High where she coaches students to run the Donna Half Marathon. Jennie is also an active
member of the GTMNERR volunteer sea turtle patrol, and she has recently become an Aquatic Species Collecting workshop facilitator. Jennie
has had the privilege of serving as the Northeast Regional Director for the past two years and hopes to continue her service to the professional
organization.
“I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve on the FMSEA board for the last two years and hope to continue serving in the years to come. Helping
others is important to me and I have enjoyed being able to give back to the organization that has helped to shape me as the Marine Science
instructor I am today.”
Southwest Regional Director
Dana Henderson, Mote Marine Laboratory (Sarasota, Florida)
Dana Henderson is currently the School Programs Coordinator at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. In this position, she translates
the break through marine science happening at Mote into fun and exciting STEM programs for public and private schools and home school
communities. She is originally from Nashville, Tennessee but knew her true passion was marine conservation. Her journey began as a marine
mammal teaching assistant at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS, followed by an internship researching humpback
whales at the Whale Center of New England in Gloucester, MA. She worked for several years as a Marine Science Educator to inspire appreciation of aquatic environments at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher in Kure Beach, NC. After a brief hiatus from marine life as Education
Supervisor of the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter working with birds of prey and rehabilitating wildlife, she returned to marine science education
at Mote in February 2011. Her goal is to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to be good stewards of our marine environment and get
excited about marine research.
“In the few years that I have been a member of FMSEA I have met, worked and collaborated with some of the brightest minds in marine science. Being Southwest Regional Director would give me the opportunity to enhance these relationships and share my passion for the ocean
with fellow educators, peers and the public. I want to help out the marine science community by sharing my knowledge and resources in the
Southwest community. It would be an honor to serve on the FMSEA board.”
Southeast Regional Director
Kerri Allen, Loggerhead Marinelife Center (Juno Beach, Florida)
Kerri is an environmental educator who has worked in non-profit, government, and university settings to conduct water quality, climate
change, and estuarine research to promote marine conservation. She holds a Master’s degree in Coastal Geology from the University of North
Carolina Wilmington, as well as undergraduate degrees in Geosciences, Environmental Studies, and Geospatial Technologies. Before relocating
to Jupiter, Florida, where she works as the Education Manager at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Kerri worked alongside ocean scientists to
disseminate critical marine forecast data to public users, including recreational boaters, fisherman, and the US Coast Guard. Kerri’s passions
include educating the public about the wonders of our oceans, and working to make them safe for all, people and marine life alike. At Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote conservation of Florida’s coastal ecosystems with a special focus
on threatened and endangered sea turtles, Kerri works to develop science curriculum for K-12 students, train educators in cutting edge science
research, and implement conservation initiatives within her community.
“As the current Southeast Regional Director, I am enjoying getting to know the different educators in my region, and provide resources for collaboration and growth. I would value the opportunity to continue this role, and to facilitate the exchange of ideas, information, and resources
for our marine educators. I believe in the ability of education to change lives, and our potential to create life-long stewards of the marine environment.”
FMSEA Annual Conference
#fmsea15
Page 18
National Marine Educators Association (NMEA)
NMEA brings together those interested in the study and enjoyment of both fresh and salt water and
provides a focus for marine and aquatic studies all over the world.
Check out NMEA at www.NatlMarineEd.org for more details or follow us on Twitter and Facebook @NatlMarineEd - for regular updates. FMSEA members get $5 off membership. Join today!
Florida Association of Science Teachers (FAST)
FAST is the local chapter of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and is the state's largest non-profit
professional organization dedicated to improving science education at all levels, pre-school through college. The
emphasis is on excellence, describing outstanding programs,
innovative teaching techniques, research findings, new
materials and equipment, and providing make and take
workshops.
For more information visit www.fastscience.org.
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#fmsea15
FMSEA Annual Conference
Exhibitors
Please visit the Exhibitors below in our Exhibit Hall, located in the Blake High School Media Center. Exhibit Hall hours
are on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Bio-Rad Laboratories
Gulf Specimen Marine Lab
Loxahatchee River Environmental
Center
The Everglades Foundation
Current Publishing
Reef Environmental Education
Foundation (REEF)
Florida Institute of Oceanography
Mote Marine Laboratory
Florida Association of Science
Teachers (FAST)
National Marine Educators
Association (NMEA)
2014-2015 FMSEA Board
President (2014-15)
Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski
Mote Marine Laboratory
Sarasota, FL
president@fmsea.org
Membership Secretary (2012-15)
Mellie Lewis
NOAA Climate Steward Program
Key Largo, Florida
membership@fmsea.org
Web Developer (appointed)
Jason Robertshaw
Mote Marine Laboratory
Sarasota, Florida
webmaster@fmsea.org
East Central (2013-15)
Brandon Smith
Riverwalk Nature Center
Cocoa, Florida
rd-eastcentral@fmsea.org
President-Elect (2014-15)
Jenna Cummings
Canterbury School of Florida
St Petersburg, FL
President-elect@fmsea.org
NMEA Representative Interim
Mellie Lewis
NOAA Climate Steward Program
Key Largo, Florida
nmea-rep@fmsea.org
Panhandle (2014-16)
Stephanie Nagle
Gulf World Marine Park
Panama City Beach, FL
rd-panhandle@fmsea.org
Southeast (2014-15)
Kerri Allen
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Juno Beach, FL
rd-southeast@fmsea.org
Past President (2014-15)
Heather Segura
Florida Aquarium
Tampa, FL
Past-president@fmsea.org
Community Manager (appointed)
Laura Diederick
Smithsonian Marine Station
Fort Pierce, Florida
community@fmsea.org
North (2014-16)
Earnie Olsen
Marine Station- Citrus County
School District
Crystal River, FL
rd-north@fmsea.org
Southwest (2013-15)
Jason Robertshaw
Mote Marine Laboratory
Sarasota, Florida
rd-southwest@fmsea.org
Secretary (2014-16)
Reese Hanifin
Alonso High School
Tampa, FL
secretary@fmsea.org
Historian (appointed)
Carol Leonard
Lemon Bay High School (ret.)
Englewood, Florida
historian@fmsea.org
Treasurer (2013-16)
Lauren Tyler
The Florida Aquarium
Tampa, FL
treasurer@fmsea.org
ASC Workshop Liason
(appointed)
Kathy Russell
City of Fernandina Beach Parks &
Rec Dept.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
collections@fmsea.org
FMSEA Annual Conference
Northeast (2013-15)
Jennie Fagan
St Johns County School District
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
rd-northeast@fmsea.org
#fmsea15
West Central (2014-16)
Jaclyn Gerakios
St. Paul’s School
St Petersburg, FL
rd-westcentral@fmsea.org
Page 20
NOTES
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FMSEA Annual Conference
NOTES
FMSEA Annual Conference
#fmsea15
Page 22
NOTES
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#fmsea15
FMSEA Annual Conference
FMSEA thanks its generous supporters:
2015 Conference Committee
Chair: Heather Segura
Co-Chair: Lauren Tyler
Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski
Reese Hanifin
Jennie Fagan
Sean Nordquist
Earnie Olsen
Diane Bassett
Howard Rutherford
Jenna Cummings
Jaclyn Gerakios
Jason Robershaw
Ann Marie Shields
Stephanie Nagle
Laura Fauver
Mellie Lewis
Brandon Smith
Laura Diederick
Chuck Shields
Kerri Allen
Kathy Russell
A special thank you to the FMSEA Board for their continued support, dedication and hard work.
FMSEA Annual Conference
#fmsea15
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#fmsea15
FMSEA Annual Conference
Room 318
Room 316
Building B, 3rd Floor
OPENING SESSION & KEY TO OUR FUTURE PANEL
Building B, 3rd Floor
Room 314
Building B, 3rd Floor
Climate Change
A. Keene, K. Cook, T.
Flanagan, A. Leotta,
A. Feldman, G. Smith,
Y. Lou,
M. Nation
E. Eubanks
Bringing Teacher
Research Exp. To
the Classroom
J. Millen, G. Millen
Acid Rain
and Buffers
Citizen Science
in FL Keys
S. Egner
J. Robertshaw
Session 5
3:20 - 4:10 PM
3:00 - 3:20 PM
Session 4
2:10 - 3:00 PM
E. Muller
Research Track:
Sickness in the Sea
B. Winner
Research Track:
Fisheries
Assessment
K. Hull
Research Track:
Marine Megafauna
K. Browne
L. Fauver, J. Cummings
N. Edgeman
Teacher Prof.
Development
Opportunities
T. Greely, A. Lodge
M. McGuire
M. Demetrikopoulos,
W. Thompson,
J. Pecore, L. Morris
Buoyancy in Underwater Vessels
Breaking Barriers
Using Water
Quality Monitoring
K. Allen
A. Vaughan, B. Pace
E. Splain
Citizen Science in
the Classroom
Bringing Scientific
Research in the
Classroom
Blake High School Breezeway & Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
COOKIE BREAK & EXHIBIT HALL VIEWING
Dolphins in the
Classroom
B. Smith
D. Henderson
Google Earth
and Maps
The Biggest
Reducer
Socializing
with STEM
Watershed
Comparisons
T. Griffin, M. Lare
Oh Manatee!
Surprising
Microplastic
Sources
H. Sneed
Trawl
Certificate
Teachers at Sea
K. Bylsma, P. Smukall,
S. Cullum,
M. Macgregor,
T. Rivenbark
M. Marquez
Sarasota Fins
Google Apps for
Ocean Education
K. Gaylord-Opalewski,
G. Santoianni
Teens - More than
Volunteers
REGIONAL MEETINGS
See page 10 for meeting locations in Building B
H. Sneed
Collecting
Certificate
Workshop
B. Mims,
M. McGregor,
S. Butts,
M. Meyer
Turtle T.H.i.S
12:30 - 1:00 PM
K. Boerner
Research Track:
Manatee Training
& Research
H. Marshall
Research Track:
Shark Mortality
Blake High School Media Center, Building A, 3rd Floor
Pick up box lunches in the Blake High School Cafeteria, Building C, 1st Floor
NOTE: Students are testing in Building C. Please be courteous and keep noise to a minimum.
Session 3
1:10 - 2:00 PM
Room 312
Building B, 3rd Floor
Sean Russell, Cori McWilliams, Halle Belden, Melissa Cristina Marquez, Ryan Sobel, Kim Bassos-Hull, E. Howard Rutherford
Room 320
Building B, 3rd Floor
Media Center
Building A, 3rd Floor
LUNCH
12:00 - 12:30 PM
Session 2
11:10 - 12:00 PM
Session 1
10:10 - 11:00AM
Opening Session
8:30 - 10:00 AM
Session Time &
Locations
Sessions at a Glance
FRIDAY EVENING EVENT - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk - Poolside
200 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. Conference hotel.
SATURDAY MORNING/AFTERNOON SESSIONS - Blake High School 1701 North Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33607. 2 miles (approx. 10 minute
drive) from conference hotel.
SATURDAY EVENING EVENT - The Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. 1.3 miles (approx. 7 minute
drive) from conference hotel. TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED.
Important Conference Locations and Event Venues
Mark your calendars...FMSEA is hosting #NMEA16!
Orlando, FL • June 27-30, 2016 • fmsea.org/NMEA16