INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Ocean Science Lecture Series at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at FAU provides a forum for the community at large to learn about Harbor Branch’s most recent discoveries directly from the scientists who made them. Lectures are held in the auditorium of the Johnson Education Center on the Harbor Branch campus. Presentations are at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., followed by a meet-the-speaker reception. There is no charge to attend. For more information call (772) 242-2506.
Wednesday, February 2: Peter McCarthy – Microbes in Sponges: Who? What? Why? Where? When?
Many marine sponges host large populations of microorganisms, and Harbor Branch is working to define which microbes are present and whether they show biotechnological promise. Dr. McCarthy will highlight recent findings that give us insight into this fascinating system.
Wednesday, February 9: Megan Davis & Marty Riche – Know Your Seafood: Aquaculture Myth Busters
Ever wonder where your seafood comes from – the deep or shallow ocean, or from fish farm tanks or ponds? What about the health benefits of seafood? Learn how Harbor Branch and its partners are providing answers to questions about our wonderful world of seafood.
Wednesday, February 16: Brian Lapointe – Secrets of the Sargasso Sea
Over the past five centuries, the Sargasso Sea has been a subject of lively debate among explorers and scientists alike. This lecture will reveal some “secrets” surrounding this mysterious oceanic gyre, some dating back to the historic voyage of Christopher Columbus.
Wednesday, February 23: Sara Edge – Assessing Impacts from the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill on Marine Benthic Invertebrates: A Genomics Approach
This lecture will focus on an integrated assessment of coral responses to oil, dispersant, and disease using molecular diagnostic techniques. By observing changes in the expression of genes involved in particular functions, we can measure how well corals are able to recover from or adapt to a disturbance in their environment.