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2025 JOHN & BARBARA FERRERA OCEAN SCIENCE LECTURE SERIES

The John & Barbara Ferrera Ocean Science Lecture Series provides a forum for the community to learn about the important research underway at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, and around the world.

This free series is available to the public, both in-person and virtually. Lectures are held on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. in the FAU Harbor Branch Johnson Marine Education Center Auditorium followed by a meet and greet with the speaker. Presentations will also be livestreamed and recorded.

Advanced registration is required to attend in-person, please click the button below to reserve your spot; this one-time registration will provide you with a pass for the entire season. The open-access livestream and lecture archive can also be accessed below, no username or password is needed; virtual attendees may register if they’d like to receive regular updates about the series.

Please see the schedule below and for additional information contact the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center at 772-242-2293.

OSLS lecture series photo

2025 Ocean Science Lecture Series topics - Spring Series

Jan. 8
FAU Harbor Branch: Celebrating Our Accomplishments and Looking Ahead
Jim Sullivan, Ph.D.
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Jan. 15
An update on the FAU Harbor Branch Stranding and Population Assessment Team and their Work with Marine Mammals in Southeast Florida
Steve Burton, M.S.
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Jan. 22
Algal Blooms in Southern Florida: Current Trends and Future Directions
Malcolm McFarland, Ph.D.
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Jan. 29
Exploration of Deep-Water Habitats off Puerto Rico for Biotechnology Potential
Esther Guzman, Ph.D.
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Feb. 5
Striving for Sustainable Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon
Rachel Brewton, Ph.D.
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Feb. 12
Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change: Combating misinformation about the ocean, weather, and climate change . . . and having a little fun
Ellen Prager, Ph.D. and Dave Jones (Guest Lecture)
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Feb. 19
Unveiling the Hidden Role of Parasites in Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
Mike McCoy, Ph.D.
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Feb. 26
Seeds aren’t Only for Plants - Fish Farms Need Seedstock Too
Paul Wills, Ph.D.
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Mar. 5
Coral Reef Connectivity and Conservation in a Changing Climate
Ryan Eckert, M.S. and Allison Klein, M.S. (Graduate Student Lecture)
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Mar. 12
Exploring the Rich Natural Products Chemistry of Florida's Coastal Waters
Amy Wright, Ph.D.
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Mar. 19
Ink-redible Investigations: What Sea Slugs, Cuttlefish, Whales, and Sharks all have in common
Lauren Simonitis, Ph.D. (Guest Lecture)
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Mar. 26
Blue Energy in a Blue Economy
Gabriel Alsenas, M.S.
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Additional Information
Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branch’s research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.
Address
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Florida Atlantic University
5600 US 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946