Michael Lewis Parsons - Florida Gulf Coast University · Senior Faculty Scholarship Excellence...

Curriculum Vitae Michael L. Parsons

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Michael Lewis Parsons

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Biology-Geology from University of Rochester, NY; May, 1990.

Ph.D. in Oceanography and Coastal Sciences (minor in Environmental Studies) from Louisiana

State University; December, 1996.

Post-doctoral Fellow, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, November, 1996 to July, 1999.

Honors and Awards:

Senior Faculty Scholarship Excellence Award, Academic Year 2012-2013, Florida Gulf Coast

University.

Member, Editorial Board, Harmful Algae, November, 2012 – present.

Member, National Harmful Algal Bloom Committee, July, 2009 – June, 2015.

Outstanding Advisor/Mentor Award, Academic Year 2000-2001, University of Hawai'i at Hilo.

ASLO DIALOG II Participant, Bermuda Biological Research Station, October, 1997.

1996 Louisiana State University Distinguished Dissertation Award Nominee.

Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences Joseph Lipsey, Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Award for Outstanding Graduate Student; June, 1995.

American Phycological Society Bold Travel Award to PSA/ASLO Meeting, Miami, FL; June,

1994.

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium Graduate Student Fellowship; 1992-1996.

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium Summer Fellowship; June, 1991.

State of Louisiana Board of Regents Fellowship; August, 1990 to August, 1994.


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Employment History:

Director, Vester Field Station, Florida Gulf Coast University, May, 2016 to present.

Professor, Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, August,

2010 to present.

Director, Coastal Watershed Institute, Florida Gulf Coast University, August, 2010 to present.

Co-Director, Coastal Watershed Institute, Florida Gulf Coast University, August, 2009 to July,

2010.

Acting Director, Coastal Watershed Institute, Florida Gulf Coast University, August, 2008 to July,

2009.

Associate Professor, Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast

University, January, 2007 to July, 2010.

Assistant Director, Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Masters Program,

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, August, 2004 to December, 2006.

Associate Professor (tenured), Marine Science Department, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, August,

2004 to December, 2006.

Marine Option Program Coordinator, January, 2003 to December, 2006.

Assistant Professor, Marine Science Department, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, August, 1999 to

July, 2004.

Post-doctoral Fellow, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, November, 1996 to July, 1999.

Graduate Assistant, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, August, 1996 to October, 1996.

Instructor, ADVANCE Program, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, July, 1996.

Teaching Assistant, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, June, 1996.

Graduate Assistant, Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State

University, September, 1994-May, 1996.

State of Louisiana Board of Regents Doctoral Fellow, Louisiana State University, 1990-1994.

Refereed Publications: (*denotes student authors)

Milbrandt, E.C., Reidenbach, L., and M.L. Parsons. Accepted. Field and laboratory-based data

suggest a mechanism for macroalgal beach stranding events on Sanibel Island, Florida.

Estuaries and Coasts.


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Sassenhagen, I., Gao, Y., Lozano-Duque, Y., Parsons, M.L., Smith, T.B., and D.E. Erdner. 2018.

Comparison of temporal and spatial genetic differentiation emphasizes impact of local

processes. Frontiers in Marine Science 5. DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2018.00393

Rumbold, D.R., Lienhardt, C.*, and M.L. Parsons. 2018. Mercury biomagnification through a

coral reef ecosystem. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 75: 121-

133.

Leynse, A.K.*, Parsons, M.L., and S.E Thomas. 2017. Differences in the photoacclimation and

photoprotection exhibited by two species of the ciguatera-causing dinoflagellate genus,

Gambierdiscus. Harmful Algae 70: 90-97.

Parsons, M.L., Brandt, A.L.*, Ellsworth, A.*, Leynse, A.K.*, Rains, L.K.*, and D.M. Anderson.

2017. Assessing the use of artificial substrates to monitor Gambierdiscus populations in the

Florida Keys. Harmful Algae 68: 52-66.

Lyu, Y., Richlen, M.L., Sehein, T., Chinain, M., Adachi, M., Nishimura, T., Xu, X., Parsons,

M.L., Smith, T., and D.M. Anderson. 2017. LSU rDNA-based RFLP assays for the routine

identification of Gambierdiscus species. Harmful Algae 66: 20-28.

Stanca, E. and M.L. Parsons. 2017. Species diversity of phytoplankton along spatial and temporal

gradients in the Florida Keys. Journal of Plankton Research 39: 531-549.

doi:10.1093/plankt/fbx006. Xu, Y., Richlen, M.L., Liefer, J., Robertson, A., Kulis, D., Smith, T., Parsons, M.L., and D.M.

Anderson. 2016. Influence of environmental variables on Gambierdiscus spp. (Dinophyceae)

growth and distribution. PloS ONE 11(4): e0153197. doi:10.1371/journal. pone.0153197.

Parsons, M.L.¸ and M.L. Richlen. 2016 (invited, Key Note). An overview of ciguatera fish

poisoning in the Bahamas. In: Erdman, R. and R. Morrison (Editors). The 15th Symposium on

the Natural History of the Bahamas. Gerace Research Centre, San Salvador, Bahamas, p. 1-

10.

Parsons, M.L., Morrison, W., Rabalais, N.N., Turner, R.E., and K.N. Tyre*. 2015. Phytoplankton

and the Macondo oil spill: a comparison of the 2010 phytoplankton assemblage to baseline

conditions on the Louisiana shelf. Environmental Pollution 207: 152-160.

Rains, L.K.*, and M.L. Parsons. 2015. Gambierdiscus species exhibit different epiphytic

behaviors towards a variety of macroalgal hosts. Harmful Algae 49: 29-39.


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Garcia, J.C.*, Ketover, R.D.J., Loh, A.N., Parsons, M.L., and H. Urakawa. 2014. Influence of

freshwater discharge on the microbial degradation processes of dissolved organic nitrogen in

a subtropical estuary. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Journal of Microbiology 107: 613-632.

Parsons, M.L., Turner, R.E., and E.B. Overton. 2014. Sediment-preserved diatom assemblages

can distinguish a petroleum activity signal separately from the nutrient signal of the

Mississippi River in coastal Louisiana. Marine Pollution Bulletin 85: 164-171.

Ozhan, K.*, M.L. Parsons, and S. Bargu. 2014. How were phytoplankton affected by the

Deepwater Horizon oil spill? Invited manuscript. Bioscience 64: 829-836.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., and G.J. Doucette. 2013. An Assessment of Pseudo-nitzschia

Population Dynamics and Domoic Acid Production in Coastal Louisiana. Harmful Algae 30:

65-77.

Urakawa, H., Ali, J., Ketover, R.D.J.*, Talmage, S.D.*, Garcia, J.C.*, Campbell, I.S., Loh, A.N.,

and M.L. Parsons. 2013. Shifts of bacterioplankton metabolic profiles along the salinity

gradient in a subtropical estuary. ISRN Oceanography DOI:10.5402/2013/410814.

Parsons, M.L., Okolodkov, Y.B., and J.A. Aké-Castillo. 2012. Diversity and morphology of the

species of Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyta) of the National Park Sistema Arrecifal

Veracruzano, SW Gulf of Mexico. Acta Botanica Mexicana 98: 51-72.

Parsons, M.L., Aligizaki, K., Bottien Dechraoui, M.Y., Fraga, S., Morton, S.L., Penna, A., and L.

Rhodes. 2012. A reassessment of the state of knowledge of Gambierdiscus and Ostreopsis

in the fields of taxonomy, biogeography, ecophysiology, and toxicology. Invited manuscript.

Harmful Algae 14: 107-129.

Parsons, M.L., Settlemier, C.J., and J.M. Ballauer*. 2011. An examination of the epiphytic

nature of Gambierdiscus toxicus, a dinoflagellate involved in ciguatera fish poisoning.

Harmful Algae 10: 598-605.

Parsons, M.L., Settlemier, C.J., and P.K. Bienfang. 2010. A simple model capable of simulating

the population dynamics of Gambierdiscus, the benthic dinoflagellate responsible for

ciguatera fish poisoning. Harmful Algae 10: 71-80.

Anderson, D.M, Burkholder, J.M., Cochlan, W.P., Glibert, P.M., Gobler, C.J., Heil, C.A., Kudela,

R., Parsons, M.L., Rensel, J.E., Townsend, D.W., Trainer, V.L., and G.A. Vargo. 2008.

Harmful algal blooms and eutrophication: Examples of linkages from selected coastal regions

of the United States. Harmful Algae 8: 39-53.


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Erdner, D.L., Dyble, J., Parsons, M.L., Stevens, R.C., Hubbard, K.A., Wrabel, M.L., Moore, S.K.,

Lefebvre, K.A., Anderson, D.M., Bienfang, P., Bidigare, R.R., Parker, M.S., Moeller, P.,

Brand, L.E., and V.L. Trainer. 2008. Centers for Oceans and Human Health: a unified

approach to the challenge of harmful algal blooms. Environmental Health 7: S2(S2).

Parsons, M.L., Walsh, W.J., Settlemier, C.J., White, D.J.*, Ballauer, J.M.*, Ayotte, P.M.*, Osada,

K.M.*, and B. Carman. 2008. A multivariate assessment of the coral ecosystem health of

two embayments on the lee of the island of Hawai‘i. Marine Pollution Bulletin 56: 1138-

1149.

Parsons, M.L. and L.B. Preskitt*. 2007. A survey of epiphytic dinoflagellates from the coastal

waters of the island of Hawai‘i. Harmful Algae 6: 658-669.

Rabalais, N.N., Turner, R.E., Sen Gupta, B.K., Platon, E., and M.L. Parsons. 2007. Sediments

Tell the History of Eutrophication and Hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Ecological

Applications 17(5) Supplement: S129-S143.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., Turner, R.E., and N.N. Rabalais. 2006. Reconstructing the

development of eutrophication in Louisiana salt marshes. Limnology and Oceanography 51:

534-544.

Thessen, A.E.*, Dortch, Q., Parsons, M.L., and W. Morrison. 2005. Effect of salinity on Pseudo-

nitzschia species (Bacillariophyceae) growth and distribution. Journal of Phycology 41: 21-

29.

Bidigare, R.R., Benitez-Nelson, C., Leonard, C.L., Quay, P.D., Parsons, M.L., Foley, D.G., and

M.P. Seki. 2003. Influence of a cyclonic eddy on microheterotroph biomass and carbon

export in the lee of Hawaii. Geophysical Research Letters 30: 1318.

Vaillancourt, R.D., Marra, J., Seki, M.P., Parsons, M.L., and R.R. Bidigare. 2003. Impact of a

cyclonic eddy field on phytoplankton community structure and photosynthetic competency in

the subtropical North Pacific Ocean. Deep Sea Research I 50: 829-847.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., and R.E. Turner. 2002. Sedimentological evidence for an increase in

Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) abundance in response to coastal eutrophication.

Limnology and Oceanography 47: 551-558.

Pan, Y., Parsons, M.L., Busman, M., Moeller, P., Dortch, Q., Powell, C.L., Fryxell, G.A., and

G.J. Doucette. 2001. Pseudo-nitzschia sp. cf. pseudodelicatissima - a confirmed producer of

domoic acid from the northern Gulf of Mexico. Marine Ecology Progress Series 220: 83-92.


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Parsons, M.L., Scholin, C.A., Miller, P.E., Doucette, G.J., Powell, C.L., Fryxell, G.A., Dortch,

Q., and T.M. Soniat. 1999. Pseudo-nitzschia in Louisiana coastal waters: molecular probe

field trials, genetic variability, and domoic acid analyses. J. Phycology 35: 1368-1378.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., Turner, R.E., and N.N. Rabalais. 1999. The use of diatom remains as

a proxy of historical salinity changes in Airplane Lake, Louisiana. In: Rozas, L.P., Nyman,

J.A., Profitt, C.E., Rabalais, N.N., Reed, D.J., and R.E. Turner (Editors). Recent Research in

Coastal Louisiana: Natural System Function and Response to Human Influences. Louisiana

Sea Grant College Program, p. 65-78.

Dortch, Q., Turner, R.E., Parsons, M.L., and N.N. Rabalais. 1999. What is the threat of harmful

algal blooms in Louisiana coastal waters? In: Rozas, L.P., Nyman, J.A., Profitt, C.E.,

Rabalais, N.N., Reed, D.J., and R.E. Turner (editors). Recent Research in Coastal Louisiana:

Natural System Function and Response to Human Influences. Louisiana Sea Grant College

Program, p. 134-144.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., Turner, R.E., and N.N. Rabalais. 1999. Salinity history of coastal

marshes reconstructed from diatom remains. Estuaries 22: 961-972.

Parsons, M.L. 1998. Salt marsh sedimentary record of the landfall of Hurricane Andrew on the

Louisiana coast: diatoms and other paleoindicators. J. Coastal Research 14: 939-950.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., and G.A. Fryxell. 1998. A multi-year study of the presence of

potential domoic acid-producing Pseudo-nitzschia species in the coastal and estuarine waters

of Louisiana, USA. In: Reguera, B., Blanco, J., Fernández, M.L. and T. Wyatt. Harmful

Algae, Xunta de Galicia and IOC, p. 184-187.

Dortch, Q., Moncreiff, C.A., Mendenhall, W., Parsons, M.L., Franks, J.S., and K.W. Hemphill.

1998. Spread of Gymnodinium breve into lower salinity waters in the northern Gulf of

Mexico. In: Reguera, B., Blanco, J., Fernández, M.L. and T. Wyatt. Harmful Algae, Xunta

de Galicia and IOC, p. 143-144.

Dortch, Q., Robichaux, R., Pool, S., Milsted, D., Mire, G., Rabalais, N.N., Soniat, T.M., Fryxell,

G.A., Turner, R.E., and M.L. Parsons. 1997. Abundance and vertical flux of Pseudo-

nitzschia in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Marine Ecology Progress Series 146: 249-264.

Books and Book Chapters:


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Parsons, M.L., Richlen, M.L., and A. Robertson. 2018. Gambierdiscus. In: S.E. Shumway, J.M.

Burkholder, and S. Morton (Eds.). Harmful Algae: A Compendium Desk Reference, p. 601-

604. Wiley-Blackwell. Connecticut Sea Grant College Program. CTSG-17-08.

Parsons, M.L., Richlen, M.L., and A. Robertson. 2018. Ostreopsis. In: S.E. Shumway, J.M.

Burkholder, and S. Morton (Eds.). Harmful Algae: A Compendium Desk Reference, p. 617-

620. Wiley-Blackwell. Connecticut Sea Grant College Program. CTSG-17-08.

Richlen, M.L., Parsons, M.L., and D.M. Anderson. 2012. Ecology and Impacts of Ciguatera on

Coral Reef Ecosystems. In: Advances in Environmental Research, v. 26, pp. 41-76, Nova

Publishers.

Bienfang, P.K., Parsons, M.L., Bidigare, R.R., Laws, E.A., and P.D.R. Moeller. 2008. Ciguatera

Fish Poisoning: A Synopsis from Ecology to Toxicity. In: Walsh, P.J., Smith, S.L., Fleming,

L.E., Solo-Gabrielle, H.M., Gerwick, W.H. (Eds.). Oceans and Human Health. Elsevier, Inc.,

Academic Press, Burlington, MA, pp. 257 – 270.

Other Publications:

Okolodkov, Y.B., Merino-Virgilio, F.C., Herrera-Silveira, J.A., and M.L. Parsons. 2009.

Gambierdiscus toxicus in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. IOC Harmful Algae News 40:

12-14.

Parsons, M.L. 1996. Paleoindicators of changing water quality in coastal Louisiana. Ph.D.

Dissertation, Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University,

Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Technical Reports:

Parsons, M.L. 2015. The impacts of variable freshwater inflow and sea level rise on coastal

processes in southwest Florida. U.S. Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of

Postsecondary Education, Final Report.

Parsons, M.L. 2014. Synthesis Report – Caloosahatchee Science Workshop. November 19 & 20,

2013, Cohen Center Ballroom, Florida Gulf Coast University, South Florida Water

Management District.


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Parsons, M.L. 2014. The impacts of variable freshwater inflow on estuarine processes in

southwest Florida. U.S. Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary

Education, Final Report.

Loh, A.N., Brand, L., Ceilley, D., Charette, M., Coen, L., Everham, E.E., Fugate, D., Grizzle, R.,

Milbrandt, E., Riegl, B. Foster, G., Provost, K., Tomasello, L.L., Henderson, P., Breier, C.,

Liu, Q., Watson, T., Parsons, M.L. 2011. Bioavailability and Sources of Nutrients and the

Linkages to Nuisance Red Drift Algae. The City of Sanibel and Lee County, Final Executive

and Technical Reports.

Tolley, S.G., Peebles, E.B., Fugate, D., and M.L. Parsons. 2010. The responses of turbidity,

CDOM, benthic microalgae, phytoplankton, and zooplankton to variation in seasonal

freshwater inflow to the Caloosahatchee Estuary. Final Report prepared for the South Florida

Water Management District.

Parsons, M.L. 2009. Monitoring of Red Tide in the northwestern Everglades and adjacent coastal

areas: FY 2009. Final report to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

Parsons, M.L. 2008. Estero Bay Science Symposium. Synthesis of Knowledge and Gap

Analysis. Final report to the South Florida Water Management District.

Parsons, M.L. 2008. Estero Bay Science Symposium. Annotated Bibliography. Final report to

the South Florida Water Management District.





Parsons, M.L., and W.J. Walsh. 2006. Assessment of anthropogenic impacts on two coral reef

sites on the Big Island of Hawaii. Environmental Protection Agency State, Tribal, and Local

Wetlands Program.

Wiegner, T.W., Beets, J., Dudley, W.D., Muehlstein, L., and M.L. Parsons. 2006. A review of

coastal monitoring data for developments in West Hawai‘i. Report prepared for the County

of Hawaii, Hilo, HI.

Parsons, M.L. 2005. On Improving the Screening Capabilities for Ciguatera in Hawaii. Final

Report to Hawaii Sea Grant.


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Parsons, M.L. 2005. A review of water quality characteristics at the Wai Opae MLCD, Kapoho,

Hawaii. Kapoho Kai Final Report.

Parsons, M.L. 2005. An assessment of the anthropogenic impacts on two coral reef sites on the

Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative Final Report.

Parsons, M.L. 1998. Diatom Analysis. In: Turner, R.E., Swenson, E.M., Rabalais, N.N., Smith,

L.E., and J.K. Summers (Eds.). REMAP 1995 Results: Everglades. U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Environmental Research

Laboratory, Gulf Breeze, Fl.

Dortch, Q., Gibson, D., and M.L. Parsons. 1996. Part II: Phytoplankton and Benthos, Chapter 1:

Phytoplankton. In: Cumulative/Secondary Impact Identification and Evaluation in the

Louisiana Coastal Zone. Phase II: A Biological Characterization of a Representative Fastland

Marsh and an Adjacent Non-fastland Estuarine Marsh. Final Report for DNR Cooperative

Agreement #25103-95-02 to the Office of Coastal Restoration and Management, Louisiana

Department of Natural Resources, Louisiana Geological Survey, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Bontempi, P.S., Wiesenburg, D.A., Lyons, C.A., Parsons, M.L., and Q. Dortch. 1996.

Phytoplankton distributions on the Louisiana continental shelf: a comparison of results from

microscopic identification and phytoplankton pigments measurements. Proceedings of the

15th Gulf of Mexico Information Transfer Meeting, December, 1995, p. 361-365. U.S.

Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, New

Orleans, LA. OCS Study MMS 96-0056.

Rabalais, N.N., Dortch, Q., Justic, D., Kilgen, M.B., Klerks, P.L., Templet, P.H., Turner, R.E.,

Cole, B.E., Duet, D., Beacham, M., Parsons, M.L., Rabalais, S., and R. Robichaux. 1995.

Characterization of the Current Status and Historical Trends of Eutrophication, Pathogen

Contamination, and Toxic Substances in the Barataria and Terrebonne Estuarine Systems.

BTNEP Publication No. 22, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, Thibodaux,

Louisiana.

Grants and Contracts Awarded:


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Centers for Oceans and Human Health (COHH3). NSF and NIH/NIEHS. Establishment of the

Greater Caribbean Center for Ciguatera Research (PI). September 1, 2018 – June 30, 2023.

$5.9 million.

Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GOMRI). Research Consortia. Coastal Waters Consortium

III (Co-PI). January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2020: $4.8 million ($75,132; Parsons).

NOAA ECOHAB. CIGUATOX: A study of Gambierdiscus "super bugs" and ciguatoxin fate in

coral reef food webs (PI). September 1, 2017 – August 31, 2020: $749,763.

NSF PIRE. Advancing Global Strategies and Understanding on the Origin of Ciguatera Fish

Poisoning in Tropical Oceans (Co-PI). September 1, 2017 – August 31, 2022: $4.7 million

($599,850; Parsons).

NSF EAGER. Alternative defensive mechanisms of autotrophs from harmful reactive oxygen

species (Co-PI). October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018 ($54,027).

Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GOMRI). Selection of Research Consortia II. Alabama

Center for Ecological Resilience (Co-PI). January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2017: $6.4 million

($439,476; Parsons & Urakawa).

Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GOMRI). Selection of Research Consortia II. Coastal Waters

Consortium II (Co-PI). January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2017: $16.1 million ($156,870;

Parsons).

NOAA ECOHAB. CIGUAHAB: Ciguatera investigations in the Greater Caribbean

Region: ecophysiology, population connectivity, forecasting, and toxigenesis (PI).

September 1, 2011 – August 31, 2016: $4,015,370.

Florida Gulf Coast University. Office and Research and Graduate Studies. MDRI Program.

Biosensor assay development for the rapid detection of marine biotoxins (Co-PI). July 1,

2013 – June 30, 2014: $15,000.

Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GOMRI). Selection of Research Consortia. The Effects Of

The Macondo Oilspill On Coastal Ecosystems (Co-PI). September 1, 2011 – December 31,

2015: $12.1 million ($133,737; Parsons).

Water One World Solutions. Demonstration of Microbiological and Physico-Chemical Treatment

Performance by Pure Sip Personal Water Purifiers (Co-PI). July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012:

$38,209.


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The Impacts of Variable Freshwater Inflow and Sea Level Rise on Coastal Processes in Southwest

Florida (PI). U.S. Department of Education FIPSE Program. September 1, 2010 – August 31,

2012: $350,000.

National Science Foundation. MRI – R2: Acquisition of a Laboratory Research and Teaching

Flume (Co-PI). NSF MRI Program. March 1, 2010 – February 28, 2012: $230,822.

The Impacts of Variable Freshwater Flow on Estuarine Processes in Southwest Florida (PI). U.S.

Department of Education FIPSE Program. October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2011: $333,000.

Ecology of the Florida Keys and Florida Bay: A Collaborative Undergraduate Research and

Education Expedition (PI). Florida Institute of Oceanography. October 22 – 25, 2010:

$3,400.

Benthic invertebrate community dynamics of the southwest Florida continental shelf (Co-PI).

Florida Institute of Oceanography. October 5 – 7, 2010: $12,000.


Education Expedition (PI). Florida Institute of Oceanography. October 22 – 25, 2009:

$3,400.


Florida Institute of Oceanography. September 16 – 18, 2009: $12,000.

Biological Oceanography of the Southwest Florida Continental Shelf (PI). Florida Institute of

Oceanography. March 25, 2009 – April 10, 2009: $7,500.


Education Expedition (PI). Florida Institute of Oceanography. October 6, 2008 – October

23, 2008: $7,400.

Florida Gulf Coast University Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Graduate Fellowship

Award; August 2008 – July 2009: $10,000.

Freshwater Inflow and Estuarine Production in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary (Co-PI).

U.S. Department of Education. July 1, 2008 – October 31, 2009: $191,593.

Bioavailability and sources of nutrients and the linkages to nuisance red drift algae (Co-PI). City

of Sanibel in Partnership with Lee County, Florida. May 21, 2008 – August 21, 2010:

$769,083.


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Enhancement of Public Health Preparedness for Dealing with Bioterrorism: New Biocides and

Decontaminating Agents for Biodefense (Co-PI). USF Florida Biodefense Research

Consortium. May 19, 2008 – May 18, 2010: $366,625.

Elise B. Newell Seminar Series (PI). Florida Sea Grant. Spring, 2008: $600.

Responses to Variation in Seasonal Freshwater Inflow to the Caloosahatchee Estuary (Co-PI).

South Florida Water Management District. January 11, 2008 – January 10, 2010: $130,000.

Monitoring of Red Tide in the northwestern Everglades and adjacent coastal areas. Florida Fish

and Wildlife Research Institute. April 15, 2007 – June 30, 2009: $65,000.

Florida Gulf Coast University Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Internal Grant

Program; August 2007 – July 2008: $5,000.


Education Expedition (Co-PI). Florida Institute of Oceanography. October 30, 2007 –

November 30, 2007: $7,400.


Florida Institute of Oceanography. October 4, 2007 – October 20, 2007: $5,000.

Center for Oceans and Human Health: Establishment of the Pacific Research Center for Marine

Biomedicine (Co-PI). NSF and NIEHS, 04/30/04 – 12/31/06: $5 million ($204,300; Parsons).

EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII): Investing in Multidisciplinary University

Activities (Co-PI). NSF, 04/01/03 – 12/31/06: $10 million ($1,250,000; Parsons,

approximate).

Assessment of anthropogenic impacts on two coral reef sites on the Big Island of Hawai‘i (PI).

Environmental Protection Agency, 9/15/03 – 9/14/05: $137,500.

On improving the screening capabilities for ciguatera in Hawaii (PI). Hawaii Sea Grant, 03/01/03

– 08/31/05: $76,500.

Hawaiian Values, Science and Technology: Advancing a New Paradigm for STEM Education

(Participant). National Science Foundation, Tribal College and University Program.

September 2002 – August 2005: $2,413,120 (total budget).

Studying the linkages between water quality, fishing pressures, and management practices: a case

study at Wai Opae (PI). Hawaii Coral Reef Initiative, 10/01/03 – 12/31/04: $40,000.

Pseudo-nitzschia bloom dynamics and domoic acid accumulation in oysters from low salinity

waters (Co-PI). Ecology and Coastal Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB)


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Program, 10/01/03 – 09/30/06: $54,551; Parsons (Awarded, but funding was turned down due

to conflict of interest (Quay Dortch, the PI, became Program Director of ECOHAB)).

NASA/USRA Earth System Science Education for the 21st Century (ESSE 21) Grant. Teaching

Global Environmental Change from Mountain to Ocean: The “Ahupua‘a Way”: $69,706, co-

PI (Barbara Gibson, PI).

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo EPSCoR REAP. Is ciguatera influenced by epiphytic diatoms?

October 2003 – September 2004: $20,000, PI.

University of Hawai'i Seed Money Grant. Ecological studies of ciguatera around the Big Island

of Hawai‘i (PI). June 2001 – May 2002: $14,720.

University of Hawai'i Educational Improvement Fund Award: $2,365, March 2000.

University of Hawai'i Educational Improvement Fund Award: $4,450, March 2001.

University of Hawai'i University Research Council Travel Award: $2,000, December 29, 1999.

National Science Foundation, Pseudo-nitzschia species, toxin production, and eutrophication in

the Northern Gulf of Mexico: past and present: $514,479 (total budget), 1996 – 1999, co-PI

with Q. Dortch, G.A. Fryxell, C.A. Scholin and G.J. Doucette.

First Author Presentations at (Inter)national or Regional meetings: (*denotes student co-

authors)

Parsons, M.L., Richlen, M.L., Robertson, A., Smith, T.B., and D.M. Anderson. Modeling

ciguatoxin flux into multiple vectors in the coral reef benthic food web. The 18th International

Conference on Harmful Algae, Nantes, France, October 21-26, 2018.

Parsons, M.L., and E. Stanca. Gambierdiscus has neighbors: an examination of the epiphytic

community cohabiting macrophyte hosts with Gambierdiscus. 9th U.S. Symposium on

Harmful Algae, Baltimore, MD, November 11-17, 2017.

Parsons, M.L., Anderson, D.M., Richlen, M.L., and A. Robertson. Development of a model to

predict ciguatera fish poisoning outbreaks. The 17th International Conference on Harmful

Algae, Florianópolis, Brazil, October 9-14, 2016.

Parsons, M.L. Does eutrophication play a role in ciguatera fish poisoning? American Fisheries

Society, 145th Annual Meeting, Portland, Oregon, August 16-20, 2015.

Parsons, M.L., Richlen, M.L., Pitz, K.*, Anderson, D.M., Ellsworth, A., Leynse, A.K.*, and A.

Brandt*. “How can the benthic behavior of Gambierdiscus influence ciguatera monitoring


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efforts?” Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean, Biannual Conference,

Curacao, May 18-22, 2015.

Parsons, M.L., Morrison, W., Rabalais, N.N., and R.E. Turner. “Phytoplankton and the Macondo

oil spill: a comparison of the 2010 phytoplankton assemblage to baseline conditions on the

Louisiana Shelf.” 2015 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference, Houston,

Texas, February 16-19, 2015.

Parsons, M.L., Brandt, A.L.*, Ellsworth, A., and A.K. Leynse*. “Does Gambierdiscus really

exhibit substrate preferences?” The 16th International Conference on Harmful Algae,

Wellington, New Zealand, October 27-31, 2014.

Parsons, M.L., Morrison, W., and N.N. Rabalais. “Did the coastal phytoplankton community

change in response to the Macondo oil spill?” 2014 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem

Science Conference, Mobile, Alabama, January 26-29, 2014.

Parsons, M.L. Invited plenary, “Ciguatera: Will Poisoning Events Increase in the Future?” 15th

Symposium on the Natural History of the Bahamas. Gerace Research Centre, San Salvador,

Bahamas, June 13-17, 2013.

Parsons, M.L., Anderson, D.M., Berdalet, E., Chan, L., Chinain, M., Erdner, D.L., Fraga, S.,

Kibler, S., Kiene, R., Litaker, W., Richlen, M.L., Robertson, A., Smith, T., Tester, P., Usup,

G., and A. Zingone. “Improving modeling and monitoring capabilities for benthic HAB taxa,

toxins, and human health impacts”. Concept paper presented at the GEOHAB Open Science

Meeting, Paris, France, April 2013.

Parsons, M.L., Anderson, D.M., Robertson, A., Erdner, D.L., Smith, T., Richlen, M.L., Kiene,

R., and Y. Okolodkov. “CIGUAHAB: a regional study of ciguatera in the greater Caribbean.”

GEOHAB Open Science Meeting, Paris, France, April 2013.

Parsons, M.L., C.J. Settlemier, and P.K. Bienfang. Invited. A simple model capable of simulating

the population dynamics of Gambierdiscus, the benthic dinoflagellate responsible for

ciguatera fish poisoning. GEOHAB Benthic HABs Open Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaii, June

21 – 24, 2010.

Parsons, M.L., C.J. Settlemier, and P.K. Bienfang. A refined model of Gambierdiscus growth

and abundance in the coastal waters of Hawaii. Fifth Symposium on Harmful Algae in the

U.S., Ocean Shores, Washington, November 15 – 19, 2009.


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Parsons, M.L. Taxonomic aspects of Pseudo-nitzschia species present in the Gulf of Mexico.

Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Workshop, St. Petersburg, FL, June 1 – 5, 2009.

Parsons, M.L. Harmful algal blooms in a changing coastal environment. Florida Coastal Ocean

Observing System annual meeting, Fort Myers, FL, Nov 3, 2009.

Parsons, M.L. Watershed alteration impacts on estuaries and coasts. Florida Coastal Ocean

Observing System annual meeting, Fort Myers, FL, Nov 3, 2009.

Parsons, M.L., Q. Dortch, W. Morrison, N.N. Rabalais, R.E. Turner, and A. Maier-Brown.

Phytoplankton dynamics in the plume of the Mississippi River: responses to nitrogen

enrichment, silica limitation, and phosphorus limitation (with new data analysis). Ocean

Sciences Meetings, Orlando, Florida, March 3 – 7, 2008.

Parsons, M.L., C.J. Settlemier, and J.M Ballauer*. Observations on the epiphytic relationship

between Gambierdiscus spp. and several macroalgal host species. Fourth Symposium on

Harmful Algae in the U.S., Woods Hole, Massachusetts, October 29 – November 2, 2007.

Parsons, M.L., Q. Dortch, W. Morrison, N.N. Rabalais, R.E. Turner, and A. Maier-Brown*.

Phytoplankton dynamics in the plume of the Mississippi River: responses to nitrogen

enrichment, silica limitation, and phosphorus limitation. AGU Chapman Conference, Rovinj,

Croatia, October 8 – 12, 2007.

Parsons, M.L. Anthropogenic impacts on water quality at Kealakekua and Honokohau Bays.

Hawaii Aquatics Conference, Gateway Center, NELHA, Hawaii, November 5, 2006.

Parsons, M.L. Modeling the population dynamics of Gambierdiscus in the coastal waters of

Hawaii. ASLO/AGU National Ocean Sciences 2006 Meeting, Honolulu, HI, February 21,

2006.

Parsons, M.L. The autecology of Gambierdiscus in the coastal waters of Hawaii. 3rd Symposium

on Harmful Algae in the U.S., Pacific Grove, CA, October 6, 2005.

Parsons, M.L. Ciguatera on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Invited presentation, Cyamus National

Meeting, Royal Kona Resort, March 6, 2003.

Parsons, M.L. Electronic publication from one researcher's point of view. Invited presentation

at the ASLO/AGU National Ocean Sciences 2002 Meeting, Honolulu, HI, February 10 – 15,

2002.


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Parsons, M.L. and Q. Dortch. Sedimentological evidence of an increase in Pseudo-nitzschia

(Bacillariophyceae) abundance in response to coastal eutrophication. Ninth International

Conference on Harmful Algal Blooms, February 7 – 11, 2000, Hobart, Tasmania.

Parsons, M.L., Scholin, C.A., Doucette, G.J., Fryxell, G.A., Dortch, Q., and T.M. Soniat. Pseudo-

nitzschia in Louisiana coastal waters: molecular probe field trials. Invited presentation for

the special symposium on Molecular, Cellular, and Ecophysiological Bases of Harmful Algal

Blooms. Phycological Society of America Meeting, August 3 – 8, 1998, Flagstaff, AZ.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., Turner, R.E., and N.N. Rabalais. A diatomological history of salinity

in coastal Louisiana. Recent Research in Coastal Louisiana: Natural System Function and

Response to Human Influences, February 3 – 5, 1998, Lafayette, LA.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., Rabalais, N.N., and R.E. Turner. Have Louisiana estuaries always

been eutrophic? 14th Estuarine Research Federation Conference, October 13, 1997,

Providence, RI.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., and G.A. Fryxell. A multi-year study of the presence of potential

domoic acid-producing Pseudo-nitzschia species in the coastal and estuarine waters of

Louisiana, USA. VIII International Conference on Harmful Algae, June 25, 1997, Vigo,

Spain.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., Rabalais, N.N., and R.E. Turner. A paleoindicator study of the

development of eutrophication in two Louisiana estuaries. 13th Biennial International

Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation, November 15, 1995, Corpus Christi, TX.

Parsons, M.L. Diatom and paleoindicator responses to the landfall of Hurricane Andrew on the

Louisiana coast as preserved in the sediments of a salt marsh pond. 13th North American

Diatom Symposium, September 27 – 30, 1995, Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, Iowa.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., Rabalais, N.N., and R.E. Turner. A historical view on the development

of eutrophication in coastal Louisiana waters. ASLO/PSA Meeting, June 12 – 16, 1994,

Miami, FL.

Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., Rabalais, N.N., Turner, R.E., and M.J. Sullivan. The use of

paleoindicators in the study of anthropogenic impacts on a salt marsh pond in coastal

Louisiana. 12th North American Diatom Symposium, September 23 – 25, 1993, Delta Marsh

Field Station, Alberta, Canada.


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Parsons, M.L., Dortch, Q., Rabalais, N.N., Milsted, D., and S. Pool. Potential for toxic algal

blooms in Louisiana coastal waters. Gulf Estuarine Research Society Annual Meeting, April

2 – 4, 1992, Port Aransas, TX.

Co-author Presentations at (Inter)national or Regional meetings: (*denotes student authors)

Robertson, A., Richlen, M.L., Erdner, D., Smith, T.B., Anderson, Liefer, J., Xu, Y., McCarron, P.,

Miles, C., and M.L. Parsons. Toxicity, chemistry, and implications of Gamberdiscus silvae:

A ciguatoxin superbug in the Greater Caribbean Region. The 18th International Conference

on Harmful Algae, Nantes, France, October 21-26, 2018.

Catasus, A.B.*, Parsons, M.L., and A. Robertson. Prevalence of Caribbean ciguatoxins and

benthic algal toxins in fishes from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The 18th

International Conference on Harmful Algae, Nantes, France, October 21-26, 2018.

Hian, M.*, and M.L. Parsons. Ciguatera in Florida Keys Patch Reefs: Biogeographic Indicators

of Gambierdiscus Density And Temporal Abundance (CFP: BIG DATA). The 18th

International Conference on Harmful Algae, Nantes, France, October 21-26, 2018.

Schroeder, J.* and M.L. Parsons. Abiotic Influences and Community Dynamics of

Gambierdiscus species in the Florida Keys. The 18th International Conference on Harmful

Algae, Nantes, France, October 21-26, 2018.

Blonder, S.L.*, and M.L. Parsons. The lingering impact of the Macondo oil spill on epiphyte

community structure and stability. 2018 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science

Conference, New Orleans, LA, February 5-8, 2018.

Lindsey, M.W.*, A. Robertson, and M.L. Parsons. How were microphytobenthic communities

influenced by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill? 2018 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem

Science Conference, New Orleans, LA, February 5-8, 2018.

Zingre, J.A.*, and M.L. Parsons. Benthic diatom population responses to the oiling of Louisiana

coastal waters. 2018 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference, New

Orleans, LA, February 5-8, 2018.

Ndungu, L.*, Bartleson, R., Feeney, M.E., Pettit, M.B., Urakawa, H.E., Milbrandt, E.C., Parsons,

M.L., and H. Urakawa. Hydrogen peroxide measurement in cyanobacteria blooms in

southwest Florida lakes. 27th Annual Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference, Fort

Myers, FL, February 2, 2018.


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Hian, M.E.*, and M.L. Parsons. BIGDATA: Biogeographic indicators of Gambierdiscus

diversity and temporal abundance in Florida Keys Patch Reefs. 9th U.S. Symposium on

Harmful Algae, Baltimore, MD, November 11-17, 2017.

Zingre, J.A.*, and M.L. Parsons. Benthic diatom population response to the oiling of coastal

waters. 2017 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference, New Orleans, LA,

February 6-9, 2017.

Robertson, A., Baltzer, K.A., Urakawa., H., and M.L. Parsons. Assessment of Biodiversity and

Resilience in Benthic Microbial Assemblages in the Chandeleur Islands. 2017 Gulf of Mexico

Oil Spill and Ecosystem Science Conference; New Orleans, LA, February 6-9, 2017.

Bury, A.*, and M.L. Parsons. Comparison of Resilience in Naïve Ruppia maritima (Florida)

versus Pre-conditioned Ruppia maritima (Louisiana) in Exposure to the Water Associated

Fraction (WAF) of Crude Oil in Laboratory Mesocosms. 2017 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill &

Ecosystem Science Conference, New Orleans, LA, February 6-9, 2017.

Urakawa, H., Smolinski, R.A.*, Baltzer, K., Novoveska, L., Gwinn, J.K., Smith, S.N., Parsons,

M.L., and A. Robertson. Characterization of the sediment Archaeal community in the

Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana: Five years after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster. 2017

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference, New Orleans, LA, February 6-9,

2017.

Smolinski, R.A.*, Robertson, A., Baltzer, K., Novoveska, L., Gwinn, J.K., Smith, S.N., Parsons,

M.L., and H. Urakawa. Characterization of the sediment microbial community in the

Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana: Five years after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. 2017 Gulf

of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference, New Orleans, LA, February 6-9, 2017.

Bury, A.*, Catasus, A.*, Zingre, J.A.*, and M.L. Parsons. “Comparison of resilience in naïve

organisms (Florida) versus pre-exposed organisms (Alabama) in exposure to water associated

fraction (WAF) of crude oil in laboratory mesocosms”. 2016 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill &

Ecosystem Science Conference, Tampa, FL, February 1-4, 2016.

Zingre, J.A.*, and M.L. Parsons. “Benthic diatom responses to the oiling of coastal waters”. 2016

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference, Tampa, FL, February 1-4, 2016.

Leynse, A.K.*, and M.L. Parsons. Gambierdiscus: Managing excess cellular carbon – diversion

to photoacclimation and photoprotection? 8th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S., Long

Beach, CA, November 16-19, 2015.


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Ellsworth, A.M.*, and M.L. Parsons. Gambierdiscus on the move: how do tidal cycles and moon

phases affect distribution? 8th Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S., Long Beach, CA,

November 16-19, 2015.

Stanca, E., and M.L. Parsons. “Species and shape diversity of phytoplankton along spatial and

temporal gradients in the Florida Keys”. 13th European Ecological Federation and 25th Italian

Society of Ecology Joint Conference, Rome, September 21-25, 2015.

Smith, T.B., Richlen, M.L., Robertson, A., Liefer, J.D., Anderson, D.M., Morris, Jr., J.G., and

M.L. Parsons. “Ciguatera fish poisoning: long-term dynamics of Gambierdiscus spp. on

coral reefs in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.” Association of Marine Laboratories of the

Caribbean, Biannual Conference, Curacao, May 18-22, 2015.

Tyre, K.E.*, and M.L. Parsons. “Phytoplankton responses to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil

spill.” 2015 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference, Houston, Texas,

February 16-19, 2015.

Brandt, A.L.*, and M.L. Parsons. “Connections between HABs and coral reef phase shifts:

investigating macroalgal growth dynamics.” The 16th International Conference on Harmful

Algae, Wellington, New Zealand, October 27-31, 2014.

Pitz, K.*, Richlen, M., Smith, T.B., Parsons, M.L., and D.M. Anderson. “Shedding light on

Gambierdiscus community diversity: development of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

(FISH) probes to detect and enumerate Gambierdiscus species.” The 16th International

Conference on Harmful Algae, Wellington, New Zealand, October 27-31, 2014.

Ellsworth, A.M.*, Brandt, A.L.*, and M.L. Parsons. 2013. Monitoring strategies for the

ciguatera-causing benthic dinoflagellate, Gambierdiscus. Seventh Symposium on Harmful

Algae in the U.S. October 27 – 31, 2013. Sarasota, FL.

Leynse, A.K.*, and M.L. Parsons. 2013. Gambierdiscus nutrient uptake kinetics. Seventh

Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S. October 27 – 31, 2013. Sarasota, FL.

Markley, L.R.*, and M.L. Parsons. Potential HAB species found in the Caloosahatchee Estuary,

Florida. Seventh Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S. October 27 – 31, 2013. Sarasota,

FL.

Heine, L.K.*, Parsons, M.L., and A.K. Leynse*. 2011. Epiphytic behavior of four species of the

dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus on different macroalgal hosts from the Florida Keys. Sixth

Symposium on Harmful Algae in the U.S. November 13 – 18, 2011. Austin, TX, (**winner


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–best student poster**).

Markley, L.R.*, and M.L. Parsons. 2011. What causes phytoplankton blooms in the

Caloosahatchee Estuary, Florida? 2011 Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference.

November 18, 2011. Fort Myers, FL. (**winner – best student poster**).

Fugate, D., Parsons, M.L., Neurohr, J.*, Denkert, B.*, and L. Markley*. 2011. Sediment

dynamics in a shallow subtropical lagoon. 21st Biennial Conference of the Coastal and

Estuarine Research Federation. November 6 – 10, 2011. Daytona Beach, FL.

Loh, A., Parsons, M.L., Rumbold, D.G., Savarese, M., and A.K. Volety. 2011. Coastal watershed

research for undergraduate students at Florida Gulf Coast University. 21st Biennial

Conference of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation. November 6 – 10, 2011.

Daytona Beach, FL.

Markley, L.R.*, and M.L. Parsons. 2011. What causes phytoplankton blooms in the

Caloosahatchee Estuary, Florida? 21st Biennial Conference of the Coastal and Estuarine

Research Federation. November 6 – 10, 2011. Daytona Beach, FL.

Milbrandt, E.C., Foster, G.*, Grizzle, R., Parsons, M., and L. Coen. 2011. Development of a tool

for beach managers to identify sources and locations of macroalgae around southwest Florida

barrier islands. 21st Biennial Conference of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation.

November 6 – 10, 2011. Daytona Beach, FL.

Tolley, S.G., Parsons, M.L., Fugate, D.C., Denkert, B.A.*, Neurohr, J.M.*, Radabaugh, K.*,

Burghart, S.E., and E.B. Peebles. 2011. Managing freshwater inflow to optimize prey

production for young estuarine-dependent fishes in the Caloosahatchee Estuary. 21st Biennial

Conference of the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation. November 6 – 10, 2011.

Daytona Beach, FL.

Tolley, S.G., Parsons, M.L., Fugate, D.C., Denkert, B.A.*, Andresen, M.*, Neurohr, J.M.*,

Markley, L., Radabaugh, K., Burghart, S.E., and E.B. Peebles. 2011. Freshwater Inflow and

Prey Production for Young Estuarine–Dependent Fishes in the Caloosahatchee River and

Estuary. CHNEP 2011 Watershed Summit March 29 – 30, 2011. Punta Gorda, FL.

Loh, A.N., Tomasello, L.L., Ketover, R.D.J.*, Everham, E.E., and M.L. Parsons. 2011. Sources

and Sinks of Nutrients to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. CHNEP 2011

Watershed Summit March 29 – 30, 2011. Punta Gorda, FL.

Milbrandt, E.C., Coen, L.C., Bartleson, R.D., Provost, K., and M.L. Parsons. 2011. A Two Year


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Assessment of Macroalgal Population Dynamics, Distribution and Habitat Characterization

around Southwest Florida Barrier Islands, with Special Attention to past Macroalgal Bloom

Events. CHNEP 2011 Watershed Summit March 29 – 30, 2011. Punta Gorda, FL.

Tolley, S.G., Fugate, D.C., Parsons, M.L., Denkert, B.A.*, Andresen, M.*, Neurohr, J.M.*,

Markley, L.*, Radabaugh, K.*, Burghart, S.E., and E.B. Peebles. The use of zooplankton as

bioindicators for the management of freshwater inflow in Southwest Florida. 20th Annual

Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference. November 19, 2010. Fort Myers, FL. Okolodkov, Y.B., Bautista, G.C., Parsons, M.L., Torres-Salgado, R., J.A. Castillo. El género

Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) en el Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano,

Golfo de México: taxonomía y dinámica estacional. November 10, 2009. III Taller Fan,

Acapulco, GRO.

Tolley, S.G., Fugate, D., Parsons, M.L., Denkert, B.*, Andresen, M.*, Radabaugh, K.*, Ellis, G.,

Burghart, S., and E. Peebles. Physical-biological interactions related to invertebrate prey

production for young estuarine-dependent fishes in southwest Florida. November 3, 2009.

Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation 20th Biennial Conference, Portland, Oregon.

Milbrandt, E., Grizzle, R., Foster, G., Coen, L., Parsons, M.L., Klement, B., Provost, K., and A.

Rybak. Determining the habitats and locations for attached and drifting macroalgae in

southwest Florida. November 4 – 5, 2009. Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation 20th

Biennial Conference, Portland, Oregon.

Okolodkov, Y.B., Bautista, G.C., Parsons, M.L., and J.A. Castillo. Monitoring of Harmful Algal

Blooms in Veracruz Coastal Waters, Gulf of Mexico, in 2005-2008. International EcoHealth

Forum 2008, Mérida, Yucatán México, December 1 – 5, 2008.

White, D.J.*, and M.L. Parsons. Ciguatoxin (CTX) in Hawaiian Archipelago Fishes: Toxicity

Identified by Neuroblastoma (N2a) Assay. Ocean Sciences Meetings, Orlando, Florida,

March 3 – 7, 2008.

Bienfang, P.K., Moeller, P.D.R., DeFelice, S., Hemscheidt, T., Hunick, K., White, D.J.*, and M.L.

Parsons. Ciguatera: Characterization of a New Neurotoxin in Hawaiian Fishes. Ocean

Sciences Meetings, Orlando, Florida, March 3 – 7, 2008.

Dortch, Q., Thessen, A.E.*, Soniat, T.M., Doucette, G.J., Powell, C.L., and M.L. Parsons. 2002.

Threat of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Tenth


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International Conference on Harmful Algae (XHAB). St. Petersburg, Florida, October 20 –

26, 2002.

Maier, A.F.*, Dortch, Q., and M.L. Parsons. 2002. Response of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. to nutrient

additions. Tenth International Conference on Harmful Algae (XHAB). St. Petersburg,

Florida, October 20 – 26, 2002.

White, D.J.* and M.L. Parsons. 2002. Ciguatera in Hawaii: Distribution of toxigenic

dinoflagellates, ciguateric fish and related abiotic and biotic factors. Pacific Division AAAS

meeting, Waimea, Hawaii, June 13, 2002.

Krieff, J.* and M.L. Parsons. 2002. Examination of the gut contents of Big Island reef fish for

the presence of toxigenic dinoflagellates. Pacific Division AAAS meeting, Waimea, Hawaii,

June 13, 2002.

Ley, J.M.*, Parsons, M.L., White, D.J.*, Garrett, D.L.*, and J.G. Crompton*. 2002. Ciguatera

and water quality on the Big Island of Hawaii: Is there a connection? ASLO/AGU National

Ocean Sciences 2002 Meeting, Honolulu, HI, February 10 – 15, 2002.

Dortch, Q., Parsons, M.L., Doucette, G.J., Fryxell, G.A., Maier, A.*, and A. Thessen*. Pseudo-

nitzschia species in the northern Gulf of Mexico: Overview and response to increasing eutrophication. Symposium on Harmful Marine Algae in the U.S., December 5 – 9, 2000, Woods Hole, MA.

Dortch, Q., Moncreiff, C.A., Pennock, J.M., Mendenhall, W.A., Mahler, M., Parsons, M.L.,

Peterson, T., Franks, J.S., and K.W. Hemphill. Blooms of Gymnodinium breve in low salinity

waters in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Invited presentation, Texas Red Tide Workshop, April

17 – 18, 1998.

Dortch, Q., Turner, R.E., Parsons, M.L., and N.N. Rabalais. What is the Threat of Harmful Algal

Blooms in Louisiana Coastal Waters? Recent Research in Coastal Louisiana: Natural System

Function and Response to Human Influences, February 3 – 5, 1998, Lafayette, LA.

Doucette, G.J., Dortch, Q., Parsons, M.L., Mendenhall, W.A., and G.A. Fryxell. Toxicity of

Pseudo-nitzschia spp. in estuarine and shelf waters of Louisiana. National Institutes of

Environmental Health and Safety Workshop on Hazardous Marine/Freshwater Microbes and

Toxins, August 26 – 27, 1997, Research Triangle, N.C.

Dortch, Q., Moncreiff, C.A., Mendenhall, W.A., Parsons, M.L., Franks, J.S., and K.W. Hemphill.

Spread of Gymnodinium breve into low salinity waters in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. VIII

International Conference on Harmful Algae, June 25 – 29, 1997, Vigo, Spain.


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Dortch, Q., Robichaux, R., Parsons, M.L., Gibson, D., Mendenhall, W.A., Rabalais, N.N., Soniat,

T.M., Turner, R.E., Fryxell, G.A., and C.A. Scholin. Environmental control of Pseudo-

nitzschia spp. abundance in the northern Gulf of Mexico. NATO Advanced Study Institute

on the Physiological Ecology of Harmful algal Blooms, Bermuda Biological Station, May 27

– June 6, 1996.

Bontempi, P.S., Neuhard Lyons, C.A., Wiesenburg, D.A., Parsons, M.L., and Q. Dortch.

Phytoplankton distributions on the Louisiana continental shelf: a comparison of results from

microscopic identification and phytoplankton pigment measurements. MMS ITM, December

12 – 13, 1995.

Dortch, Q., Robichaux, R., Rabalais, N.N., Soniat, T.M., Fryxell, G.A., Turner, R.E., and M.L.

Parsons. Abundance of Pseudo-nitzschia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. 13th Biennial

International Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation, November 16, 1995, Corpus

Christi, TX.

Robichaux, R.J., Dortch, Q., Mire, G.A., Rabalais, N.N., Soniat, T.M., and M.L. Parsons.

Occurrence of toxic algae in Louisiana coastal waters. Gulf Estuarine Research Society

Annual Meeting, April 7 – 9, 1994, Beaumont, TX.

Dortch, Q., Rabalais, N.N., Parsons, M.L., and D. Milsted. Blooms of toxic algae in Louisiana

coastal waters in response to eutrophication. NECOP synthesis, October 2 – 4, 1991, Hilton

Head, SC.

Lehmann, D., Brett, C.E., Britt, S., Parsons, M.L., and D. Ryan. Fossil concentrations in black

shale environments: the role of gradient currents. Geological Society of America Meeting,

October 29 – November 1, 1990.

Teaching Experience:

Professor, Florida Gulf Coast University, fall 2010 to present (Biological Oceanography*,

Geobiology of Reefs*, Phytoplankton Ecology*, Marine Ecology, Internship in

Environmental Studies, Internship in Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences, Coral Reef

Ecology*, Marine Ecosystem Monitoring and Research Methods, Harmful Algal Blooms*,

Current Topics: Tropicalization of the Gulf of Mexico, Marine Conservation Biology*.


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Associate Professor, Florida Gulf Coast University, spring 2007 to spring 2010 (Introduction to

Marine Systems, Marine Ecology, Estuarine Ecology*, Phytoplankton Ecology*, Biological

Oceanography*, Marine Ecosystem Monitoring and Research Methods).

Associate Professor, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, fall 2004 to fall 2007 (Marine Option Program

Seminar, Oceanography Lab, Marine Monitoring and Analysis, Pelagic Ecology, Coastal

Eutrophication, Conservation Biology and Environmental Science*, TCBES Field and

Laboratory Methods*, TCBES Experimental Design*).

Assistant Professor, University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, fall 1999 to spring 2004 (Marine Option

Program Seminar, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Oceanography Lab, Marine Monitoring

and Analysis, Pelagic Ecology, Algal Culturing Techniques, Senior Thesis Research, Marine

Science Seminar).

Instructor, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, summer, 1998 (Introduction to Marine

Science).

Co-instructor (with Karen Steidinger and Carmelo Tomas), Harmful Algae in the Gulf of Mexico,

Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, Corpus Christi, Texas, June 22 – 26, 1998.

Instructor, ADVANCE Program, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, July, 1996.

Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Marine Science, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium,

June, 1996.

Guest Lecturer, Marine and Estuarine Plankton, Louisiana State University, February, 1995.

* Graduate level courses

Field Experience:

research vessels: 40+ days total time aboard the R.V. Pelican (1992 – 1998) conducting sediment

pigment analysis, sediment core collection, and phytoplankton analysis; 5+ days total time

aboard the R.V. Acadiana (1992 – 1998) conducting phytoplankton analysis and trawling;

60+ days total time aboard the R.V. Four Winds (1999 – 2006) instructing students and

conducting water and phytoplankton analyses; 10+ days total time aboard the R.V. Bellows

(2007 – present) instructing students and conducting water and phytoplankton analyses.

small boats: 25+ one-day boat trips into the coastal marshes of Louisiana to collect sediment cores;

30+ one-day boat trips to coral reef sites around the Big Island of Hawai‘i for SCUBA-based


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research; 100+ one-day boat trips to estuarine and nearshore locations in the 10,000 Islands,

coastal waters of southwest Florida, Estero Bay, and Caloosahatchee River for drift algae,

phytoplankton, and water quality research. 50+ one-day boat trips in Florida Bay and various

reef sites in the Florida Keys in support of SCUBA-based activities in ciguatera and coral reef

research.

helicopters: seven days of multiple take-offs and landings in the Florida Everglades to collect

periphyton samples, October, 1995.

snorkeling/SCUBA: 50+ biweekly fieldtrips to collect water and macrophyte samples around the

Big Island of Hawaii, July 2001 – 2006; 50+ fieldtrips to the Florida Keys to collect water

and macrophyte samples, January 2007 – present.

Synergistic Activities:

1. Diatom presentation to fifth graders from Waiakea Elementary School, 10/06/99.

2. Tidepool fieldtrip with fifth graders from Waiakea Elementary School, 10/07/99.

3. Sigmi Xi Math & Science Day, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 04/08/00.

4. Plankton presentation to third graders from Chiefess Kapiolani School, 12/15/00.

5. Career Day, Waiakea Elementary School, May 2000, 2001, 2002.

6. Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day, 01/27/01, 01/28/02.

7. Geography Awareness Week Presentation, Waiakea Elementary School, 11/14/01.

8. Na Pua No‘eau Summer Institute, Summer 2003. Taught a course entitled “Sand and Sea”

for Native Hawaiian Intermediate and High School students.

9. Marine Option Program Coordinator, Spring 2002 – Fall 2006.

10. Na Pua No‘eau Super Saturday - numerous field trips for Native Hawaiian intermediate

schoolchildren, Spring 2003 – Fall 2005.

11. Open House for various elementary classes from Hilo area, Fall 2001 – Fall 2006.

12. Advisor for High School Science Fair Projects, Fall 2002 – Fall 2005.

13. Solutions To Avoid Red Tide (START) Board Member, November 2007 – present.

14. Oceanography presentation, North Naples Middle School, October 2008.

15. Red tide presentation, Gulf Coast High School, December 2008.

16. START membership drive red tide panel member, February 2009.

17. University Science Day, Veteran’s Memorial Elementary School, June 2009.


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18. Estuary Conservation Association Guardian Committee Member, June 2009 – May 2010.

19. Instructor, Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Workshop, St. Petersburg, FL, June 1 –

5, 2009.

20. Member, National Harmful Algal Bloom Committee, July 2009 – June 2015.

21. Member, Steering Committee, Red Tide Control and Mitigation Workshop, February 9 –

11, 2010, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL



24. Member, Editorial Board of Harmful Algae, November 2012 – present.

25. Brownie Troop Presentation, Veterans Memorial Elementary School, December 18, 2012.


27. Member, Steering Committee, 8th U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae, November 15 – 19,

2015; Long Beach, CA.

28. National Harmful Bloom Committee ad hoc committee for student travel awards, June 3

2010 – November 2015.

29. Mentor, American Fisheries Society Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, May –

August 2015.

30. Mentor, Lee County Science Fair High School Student Researchers, April 2016 – present.

31. Instructor, U.S. Harmful Algal Bloom Taxonomy Workshop, Bigelow Laboratory for

Ocean Sciences, August 2018.

32. Board of Directors, Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, January 2018 – December

2020.

33. Chair, FGCU College of Arts and Sciences Research Space and Equipment Committee,

September 2007 – present.

34. Chair, FGCU Diving Safety Board, August 2016 – present.

Collaborators & Other Affiliations:

Collaborators (U.S. Institutions; last two years): Don Anderson (WHOI), Mark Besonen (Harte

Institute), Kelly Dorgan (DISL), Quay Dortch (NOAA NOS), Deana Erdner (UTMSI), David

Fugate (FGCU), Ken Heck (DISL), Felix Jose (FGCU), Ron Kiene (DISL), Eric Milbrandt

(SCCF), Ed Overton (LSU), Nancy Rabalais (LSU), Joelle Richard (FGCU), Mindy Richlen


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(WHOI), Alison Robertson (DISL), Darren Rumbold (FGCU), Tyler Smith (UVI), Robert Sobol

(U. South Alabama), S. Gregory Tolley (FGCU), R. Eugene Turner (LSU), Hidetoshi Urakawa

(FGCU), John Valentine (DISL).

Graduate and Postdoctoral Advisor: Quay Dortch, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium

(now with NOAA NOS).

Recent Graduating MS Students Supervised:

Current Devin Burris. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “Hurricane Irma and Florida red tide: is there a connection?”.

Adam Catasus. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “Biomagnification of ciguatoxins in a reef foodweb”.

Susan Denham. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “Small scale spatial variation of light limiting factors over a declining Thalassia testudinum meadow in Southwest Florida”.

Danelle Downs. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “Ciguatoxin accumulation in pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) resident in Thalassia seagrass meadow in the Florida Keys”.

Amanda Ellsworth. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “Gambierdiscus on the move: the role of tidal and lunar cycles in dinoflagellate motility in seagrass beds”.

Andrea James. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “Grazing preferences of invertebrates in Florida Keys hard bottom communities”.

Michael Lindsey. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “The effects of oil exposure on benthic microalgae: Louisiana versus Florida”.

Laura Markley. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “Phytoplankton dynamics in the Caloosahatchee River Estuary”.

Katie Ribble. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “Grazing dynamics in Florida Keys seagrass beds”.

Jessica Schroeder. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “An environmental study of toxigenic dinoflagellates growing on Halimeda in the Florida Keys”.

Anne Smiley. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “Toxigenesis in Gambierdiscus silvae under varying environmental conditions”.

Jeff Zingre. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “Benthic diatom responses to crude oil exposure in a salt marsh environment, Louisiana”.


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2018 Samantha Blonder. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “Is there a lingering impact of the Macondo oil spill on epiphyte community structure and stability in the Chandeleur Islands (Louisiana, USA)?”. Graduated Summer, 2018.

Nicholas Culligan. Committee member for M.S. thesis titled “A reconstruction of past intense hurricane landfalls in Estero Bay utilizing back-barrier lagoonal sediments”. Graduated Summer, 2018.

Meghan Hian. Major professor for M.S. thesis tentatively titled “Ciguatera in Florida Keys patch reefs: Biogeographic indicators of Gambierdiscus density and temporal abundance (CFP: BIG DATA)”. Graduated Summer, 2018.

Lisa Rickards. Committee member for M.S. thesis titled “Seagrass abundance and distribution in relation to changing environmental factors in Estero Bay, Florida”. Graduated Summer, 2018.

Kevin Tyre. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “Phytoplankton responses to crude oil and chemical dispersant in exposure in laboratory culture: implications for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill”. Graduated Spring, 2018.

2017 Allison Bury. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “Physiological responses of Ruppia maritima exposure to crude oil”. Graduated Spring, 2017.

Matt Gamel. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “American Green Caviar: Analysis of sea grape algae (Caulerpa racemosa var. peltata) for bio-filtration and valuable co-production”. Graduated Spring, 2017.

2016 Ashley Brandt. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “Benthic community structure and responses to environmental drivers in the Florida Keys”. Graduated Spring, 2016.

Alex Leynse. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “Nutritional and Photophysiological Approaches to Identifying the Niche of Gambierdiscus: Insight into the Ecology of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning”. Graduated Spring, 2016.

Natasha Méndez-Ferrer. Committee member for University of South Florida Ph.D. dissertation titled “Photic stress in symbiont-bearing reef organisms: analysis of photosynthetic performance”. Graduated Summer, 2016.

2015 Lacey Rains. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “On the epiphytic nature of Gambierdiscus in the Florida Keys”. Graduated Summer, 2015.

Christopher Lienhardt. Co-major professor for M.S. thesis titled “Trophic transfer of mercury in a subtropical coral reef food web”. Graduated Summer, 2015.

Brooke Denkert. Committee member for M.S. thesis titled “Copepod populations from the Caloosahatchee River Estuary”. Graduated Summer, 2015.

2013 Shelia O’Dea. Committee member for University of South Florida M.S. thesis titled “Occurrence, Diversity, and Toxicity of Pseudo-nitzschia in West Florida Coastal Waters”. Graduated Spring, 2013.

Emily Porter. Major professor for M.A. thesis titled “Ocean Ecosystem Protection & Marine Life Sustainability”. Graduated Summer, 2013.


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2012 Megan Andresen. Committee member for M.S. thesis titled “Factors Influencing Spatial and Temporal Variation in Phytoplankton Productivity within the Caloosahatchee Estuary, Southwest Florida”. Graduated Fall, 2012.

Rheannon Ketover. Committee member for M.S. thesis titled “Sources and Characterization of Dissolved Organic Matter in Southern Estero Bay, Florida”. Graduated Fall, 2012.

2011 Andrew Griffith. Committee member for M.S. thesis titled “Bioaccumulation and depuration of brevetoxins in the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and the Northern Quahog (= hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria)”. Graduated Fall, 2011.

Katie McFarland. Committee member for M.S. thesis titled “Effect of salinity on the physiological responses of the non-native green mussel, Perna viridis, and the native oyster, Crassostrea virginica”. Graduated Summer, 2011.

Jennifer Thera. Committee member for M.S. thesis titled “Trophic Transfer of Mercury in a Coastal Food Web of the Gulf of Mexico”. Graduated Summer, 2011.

2010 Jennifer Delaney. Committee member for University of South Florida M.S. thesis titled “Molecular Detection of the Toxic Marine Diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries”. Graduated Fall, 2010.

Kara Osada. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “Relationship of zooplankton emergence, manta ray abundance and SCUBA diver usage Kona, Hawaii”. Graduated Summer, 2010.

Darla White. Major professor for M.S. thesis titled “Ciguatoxin in Hawaiian Archipelago fishes: toxicity identified by N2a assay”. Graduated Summer, 2010.

Current Research Interests:

diatom/dinoflagellate taxonomy phytoplankton ecology

harmful algal blooms food web dynamics

eutrophication climate change

hurricane sedimentation ciguatera

red tide cyanobacteria blooms

Journal Manuscript Reviews:

Acta Botanica Mexicana BMJ Case Reports

Botanica Marina Chemical Toxicology

Deep Sea Research Diatom Research

Ecotoxicology Environmental Health Perspectives

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Environmental Microbiology Reports


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Environmental Pollution Estuaries and Coasts

Estuarine and Coastal Shelf Science Gulf and Caribbean Research

Harmful Algae Hydrobiologia

Journal of Phycology Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE J. Exp. Marine Biology and Ecology Limnology and Oceanography

Marine Ecology Progress Series Marine Environmental Research

Marine Geology Marine Pollution Bulletin

Oceanography Pacific Science

Phycologia PLoS One

Revista de Biologia Tropical Sensors

Toxicon Wetlands Ecology and Management

Proposal Panels/Reviews:

NOAA ECOHAB Louisiana Board of Regents

Louisiana Sea Grant (multiple reviews) Louisiana Centers for Excellence

Maryland Sea Grant (multiple reviews) National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

NOAA MERHAB (multiple panels) New York Sea Grant

NIEHS (multiple panels) NSF Graduate Fellowships

Severo Ochoa Centers of Excellence Texas Sea Grant

USGS NIWR

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