Seaweed Research

This page will have available research positions, most recent research topics, fun seaweed news and relevant publications. If you have any research ideas that might involve seaweed, let's brainstorm to see if the lab is the right fit for you!

Open Lab Positions

Gracilaria Cultivation

POSITION: CLOSED

Our lab is developing scalable methods to cultivate Gracilaria, a native red seaweed with commercial value and ecological benefits. This project focuses on improving biomass yield through controlled cultivation experiments, evaluating how factors such as light intensity, nutrient enrichment, and water flow dynamics influence growth performance.

We are also conducting a life cycle analysis (LCA) to assess the environmental sustainability of Gracilaria cultivation under different system designs. This includes evaluating energy inputs, resource use efficiency, and carbon and nitrogen sequestration potential, with the goal of identifying pathways to low-impact, climate-smart aquaculture.

This applied research supports efforts to build a regional seaweed industry in Florida, promote nutrient bioextraction, and explore the potential of Gracilaria in bioplastic production, biofertilizers, and animal feed. Students gain hands-on experience in tank system maintenance, experimental design, and sustainability assessment while contributing to real-world aquaculture solutions.

Seaweed Identification and Biodiversity Monitoring

POSITION: CLOSED

Our lab is supporting regional efforts to document and identify macroalgal diversity along Florida’s Gulf Coast. This project aims to build a reference library of native and invasive seaweed species through field collections, morphological analysis, and molecular barcoding.

We are working to:

Conduct seasonal surveys across various coastal habitats
Use morphological keys and DNA barcoding (e.g., rbcL, COI) for accurate species identification
Document habitat preferences and distribution patterns of key species, including those relevant to aquaculture and bioindicator use
Create a digital field guide to aid in identification by researchers, students, and local stakeholders

This project contributes to the foundational knowledge needed to support sustainable aquaculture, ecosystem monitoring, and restoration planning. Students participate in fieldwork, sample preparation, microscopy, and molecular techniques, gaining valuable experience in marine biodiversity research and taxonomic documentation.