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James M. Sullivan, Ph.D., executive director of FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, will kick off the 2026 Ocean Science Lecture Series with an introduction to Florida’s new Office of Ocean Economy.
Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute announced the lineup for its annual “John & Barbara Ferrera Ocean Science Lecture Series.” All lectures begin at 4 p.m. at FAU Harbor Branch, Johnson Marine Education Center Auditorium, 5600 U.S. 1 North, Fort Pierce.
These free public education events provide a forum for the community to learn about the most recent discoveries and innovations at FAU Harbor Branch and around the world directly from the scientists and engineers who make them. Each lecture is followed by a question-and-answer session and a meet-and-greet with the speaker.
“This year’s Ocean Science Lecture Series will showcase the breadth of marine science research underway at Florida Atlantic,” said James M. Sullivan, Ph.D., executive director of FAU Harbor Branch. “The work our research faculty and scientists do every day has a genuine impact on our ocean economy and our future.”
The 2026 lecture series schedule is as follows:
- Jan. 14, “An Introduction to Florida’s Office of Ocean Economy,” presented by James M. Sullivan, Ph.D.
- Jan. 21, “Florida’s Sea Turtles and Our Changing Climate,” presented by Jeanette Wyneken, Ph.D.
- Jan. 28, “Into the Blue: Exploring Ocean Submarine Springs Offshore of West Florida,” presented by Jordon Beckler, Ph.D.
- Feb. 4, “Discovery of Anti-Cancer Drugs from the Sea,” presented by Esther Guzmán, Ph.D.
- Feb. 11, “The Science of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt,” presented by Brian Lapointe, Ph.D.
- Feb. 18, “Our Story: The Queen Conch Lab,” presented by Megan Davis, Ph.D.
- Feb. 25, “From Classroom to Coastline: Preparing the Next Wave of Ocean Leaders,” presented by Gabby McHenry, Ph.D.
- March 4, “Plague Hunters: The Race to Find the Cause of the World’s First Pandemic,” presented by Greg O’Corry-Crowe, Ph.D.
- March 11, “Ocean Optics: Shedding Light on the Ocean Around Us,” presented by Wayne Slade, Ph.D.
- March 18, graduate student lecture, “Cell Imaging to Reveal the Hidden World of Plankton,” presented by Stephanie Schreiber and Olivia Ruchti.
- March 25, “Breaking Ground with Underwater Sound,” presented by Matt Ajemian, Ph.D.
Attendance is free and open to the public; however advanced registration is required. This one-time registration provides a pass for the entire season. All lectures are also streamed live on the FAU Harbor Branch website, and recordings of previous events are available in the online archive.
To register or for more information, visit fau.edu/hboi/osls.
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