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WELCOMES & WARM WISHES

WELCOME TO OUR NEW FACULTY MEMBERS

DR. KELLY BALMANT

Dr. Kelly Balmant joined the School in 2020 as a Research Assistant Professor in Forest Genomics, Physiology and Molecular Biology. She previously worked as a Postdoctoral Associate at the FFGS doing research on genomics and molecular biology of wood development.

Dr. Balmant's current research focuses on using genomics and molecular biology to better understand physiological processes in trees, such as wood development in response to abiotic stresses. She is also involved on the NitFix project, which aims to co-opt the mechanism of nitrogen fixation into bioenergy crops such as poplar.

DR. ANNA BRASWELL

Dr. Anna Braswell is a coastal macrosystem ecologist, interested in the connections between upland, marine and human systems. Prior to joining the School, Anna was a research associate at Earth Lab, University of Colorado Boulder where she worked with Zillow data to better understand the vulnerability of the coastal communities.

Dr. Braswell's research program focuses on the formation, persistence and degradation of coastal ecosystems. She uses a variety of approaches to understand these complex socio-environmental systems, including geospatial data analysis and collection of empirical field data. Linking ecological, geomorphic and demographic data, her interdisciplinary research seeks to understand coastal ecosystems within a macroscale ecology framework.

Dr. Braswell's current research topics include: understanding legacy effects of humans on coastal marsh geomorphology and biogeochemistry, historical development of coastal towns and communities, the effects of disturbance on coastal marshes, and coastal vulnerability to sea level rise. She is interested in working with stakeholders and managers to create tools and produce knowledge to better manage and understand coastal watersheds and ecosystems.

DR. ANDREW CARLSON

Dr. Andrew Carlson and his students and partners explore fisheries as ecosystems, human systems, and coupled human-natural systems. The Carlson Lab mission is to conduct collaborative research that informs fisheries management and conservation while preparing students for professional success. From sport fish to imperiled species, the lab studies fishes and their habitats to develop strategies for sustaining fish production and biodiversity, particularly amid stressors such as land-use change, species invasion, and groundwater withdrawal.

The lab also studies other aquatic organisms, human systems, and coupled human-natural systems to design aquatic resource management approaches that incorporate perspectives of diverse user groups.

DR. ZACHARY SIDERS

Dr. Zach Siders is a quantitative ecologist innovating ecological inference tools and their application. His research takes an integrative approach to model building, seeking to coalesce natural history information, ecological patterns and theory, big data, and stakeholder involvement. These tools are purposefully generalizable for application across socio-ecological systems and are applied to promote resilient conservation and management strategies.

Focusing on quantitative applications rather than particular systems, Dr. Siders' research ranges from experimental ponds to the pelagic ocean and from local to international but marine megafauna perennially feature as a topic. Recent research is in support of an Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management initiative by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council, and stakeholders in the north central Pacific. He is especially interested in the science of modeling, Bayesian statistics, and developing model literacy and communication.

& NEW STAFF MEMBERS

From L:R | Colton Hasson, LAKEWATCH Laboratory Technician I; Dylan Rigsby, Research Coordinator II; Kellie Robbins, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Admin; Joseph Tarnecki, Research Coordinator II (Not pictured: Jean Lockwood, Biological Scientist II; Julienne Nesmith, Research Coordinator III)

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR'S RETIREES

DR. GRENVILLE BARNES

Dr. Grenville “Barney” Barnes joined the Geomatics Program at UF in 1993 and became a member of the School when the program was transferred in 2004. His primary research efforts over the years have involved modernization of land tenure systems in developing countries, leading to improved living conditions for their citizens.

Dr. Barnes and his wife, Dr. Fiona Barnes (a faculty member in the Warrington College of Business), plan to stay in Gainesville. Barney will maintain his connection with the School as he enjoys his well-deserved retirement. He also plans to continue his efforts in assisting developing countries with their land tenure systems.

LARRY TOLBERT

Larry Tolbert retired this Spring after more than 20 years of service as the facilities manager at the Millhopper Fisheries Campus.

Larry was behind-the-scenes on almost all aspects of the campus. From field assistance for research, to laboratory/office setup and maintenance, to general facilities maintenance, Larry did it all. He was on call 24/7 and was crucial in keeping the property and all research materials safe during hurricanes.