The Ocean Science Lecture Series provides a forum for Harbor Branch's scientists to share their most recent discoveries with our neighboring communities.

Lectures are held in the auditorium of the Johnson Education Center on the Harbor Branch campus, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce. 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.

If you are interested in sponsoring a lecture, or if you have any questions about the Ocean Science Lecture Series, please contact Jill Sunderland at (772) 465-2400, ext. 506, or email at education@hboi.edu.

January 13: Dr. Amy Wright - Florida Biotech: HBOI's Role in the New "Life Sciences Cluster"

Florida has significantly invested in recruiting organizations and companies conducting Life Science research.  Dr. Wright will highlight recent HBOI findings in marine natural products discovery and how HBOI is working with other members of the Florida Life Science Cluster.

NEW! This lecture is now available in its entirety on Florida Atlantic University's YouTube Channel. Click here to view.

January 20: Dr. Shirley Pomponi - Drugs from the Sea: Sponges as Chemical Factories

Marine sponges are miniature chemical factories, producing thousands of chemicals with biomedical properties.  Why and how the sponges make these chemicals—and how they can be stimulated to produce them in the lab—is the topic of Dr. Pomponi's lecture.

NEW! This lecture is now available in its entirety on Florida Atlantic University's YouTube Channel. Click here to view.

January 27: Dr. Susan Laramore - Oysters Got the Blues: Emerging Bivalve Disease and Climate Variability

Oysters filter our water, provide homes for many other species and are just plain good to eat.  Dr. Laramore will discuss the importance of oyster reefs and the impact of climate change on oyster (and human) health.

NEW! This lecture is now available in its entirety on Florida Atlantic University's YouTube Channel. Click here to view.

February 3: Steve McCulloch - The Status of Marine Mammals in the IRL and a Stranding Center Reborn

Steve McCulloch will present an overview of population studies, life history, recent rescues, and the overall health of marine mammals in the Indian River Lagoon.  He will also discuss right whale research and Harbor Branch's new Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

February 10: Dr. Brian Lapointe - Reefs, Wreckers, and Shipwreckers in the Florida Keys

Once loathed by humans for their role in ship groundings, the coral reefs of the Florida Keys are in deep trouble today.  Dr. Lapointe will trace the history of human perspectives towards these biologically diverse and economically important ecosystems.

NEW! This lecture is now available in its entirety on Florida Atlantic University's YouTube Channel. Click here to view.

February 17: Dr. Joshua Voss - A Decade of Demise? Charting the Past, and Future, of Florida's Coral Reefs

Coral reefs have experienced dramatic and disturbing losses.  Some reefs may be recovering, and deeper corals may provide hope for the future.  Dr. Voss will discuss the recent history and potential future of Florida's coral reefs.

March 3: Dr. Tammy Frank - Ocean Exploration and Deep-sea Research: Trials, Tribulations and Discoveries

The deep sea is the largest habitat on earth with many opportunities for discovery and exploration.  Dr. Tamara Frank will discuss some recent discoveries made on her research expeditions, and share the challenges and excitement of research in the deep sea.

March 10: Dr. Paul Hargraves - The Life that Lives on Us

As a twist from our usual ocean-oriented talks, Dr. Hargraves will present a remarkable survey of the millions of mites, insects, fungi, bacteria, yeasts and algae that live happily on the skin of each and every one of us.

March 17: Dr. Dennis Hanisak - Algae? This Is a Color?

Although often maligned by humans, algae are critical primary producers on our planet, providing food and oxygen for many other organisms.  Dr. Hanisak will take a quick look at the amazing algae, including their diversity, beauty, and roles in nature.

March 24: Dr. Sara Edge - Using Ecological Genomics to Measure the Impacts of Global Climate Change on Reef Building Corals

Corals worldwide are impacted by a multitude of stressors, including the effects of global climate change.  Dr. Edge will investigate potential uses of new technology to forecast the future of our coral reefs.

To view last year's (2009) Ocean Science Lecture Series topics, CLICK HERE.