Dr. Samantha Kuschke Jumpstarts Career in Academia and Sea Turtle Research Through New Postdoctoral Program
The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science is pleased to welcome Samantha Kuschke, DVM, Ph.D., M.Ed., as a member of the Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program. Dean Valery Forbes, Ph.D., launched the initiative in 2022, with the aim of “jumpstarting” new multidisciplinary research collaborations between faculty and postdoctoral associates to solve some of today’s complex societal challenges.
Dr. Kuschke, along with Tiffany Roberts Briggs, Ph.D., chair, associate professor, and director of the Coastal Studies Lab in the Department of Geosciences in the Schmidt College of Science, will investigate the presence of a fungal organism (Fusarium sp.) in leatherback sea turtle nests and in the sand on local beaches. This fungal organism causes sea turtle egg fusariosis (STEF), which can lead to death of sea turtle eggs.
“I aim to quantitate the fungi present and identify factors that lead to the disease and draw correlations to decreased hatching success and the development of mycotic dermatitis in leatherback neonates later in life,” explained Dr. Kuschke. “Though we have only just begun working together, I have quickly realized that my Principal Investigator [Tiffany Roberts Briggs] is an exceptional mentor. She has the amazing ability to provide me with the freedom to pursue my research interests and challenge me while also offering support and guidance when needed.”
Her research may help elucidate the potential factors that lead to STEF and will ultimately allow scientists to gain a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of this fatal disease process. The results of this study could provide key insights about critical conservation efforts and may help inform areas where additional intervention is necessary.
“I chose to pursue this area of research because I am passionate about the conservation of leatherback sea turtles, and I believe the fungal organism that I am investigating may play an important part in the hatching success – or lack thereof – within leatherback nests on the beaches in Palm Beach County,” shared Dr. Kuschke. “Identifying the causes of decreased hatching success and survival after their emergence is an essential starting place toward conserving leatherback populations in our area.”
“The Jumpstart Program is providing me with the space, resources, and mentorship to launch my career in academia,” said Dr. Kuschke. “Additionally, this program is creating a safe and supportive place to further explore my research goals, professional relationships, and career path options.”
To learn more about the college’s Jumpstart Postdoctoral Program, visit: fau.edu/science/postdoc-program/.