{"id":847,"date":"2021-01-27T22:02:43","date_gmt":"2021-01-27T22:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/?page_id=847"},"modified":"2026-03-11T20:01:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T20:01:51","slug":"team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/team\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Our Team<\/span><\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” disabled_on=”on|on|off%22″ _builder_version=”4.16″ max_width=”120px” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_intensity_slide=”30%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Projects Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”2672px” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”4px||110px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Principal Investigators<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Steven Murawski, PhD” position=”PI” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Picture1-269×300.png” module_id=”murawski” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii_image=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Murawski has over 45 years of experience as a marine scientist and science administrator. He had a 35-year career at NOAA last serving as the Chief Scientist of NMFS where he oversaw a staff of 2,500, a $420 million per year budget, and the operations of 11 research vessels. Since coming to the University of South Florida, Steve has been PI on >$45 million in grants including the Center for Integrative Modeling and Analysis of Gulf Ecosystems (C-IMAGE), and the Continental Shelf Characterization, Assessment and Mapping Project (C-SCAMP).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Steven Murawski, PhD<\/strong>
Investigator Principal (PI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

El Doctor Murawski tiene m\u00e1s de 45 a\u00f1os de experiencia como cient\u00edfico mar\u00edtimo. Tuvo una carrera de 35 a\u00f1os con la Oficina Nacional de Administraci\u00f3n Oce\u00e1nica y Atmosf\u00e9rica (NOAA) como Director Cient\u00edfico del Servicio Nacional de Pesquer\u00edas Marinas (NMFS), donde estuvo a cargo de un equipo de 2500 personas, un presupuesto de $420 millones de d\u00f3lares por a\u00f1o, y las operaciones de 11 buques de investigaci\u00f3n. Despu\u00e9s de unirse a la Universidad del Sur de la Florida (USF), Steve ha sido investigador principal de proyectos con subsidios de m\u00e1s de $45 millones, incluyendo el Centro de Modelaje y An\u00e1lisis Integrativo de los Ecosistemas del Golfo (C-IMAGE) y el Proyecto de Mapeo, Evaluaci\u00f3n y Caracterizaci\u00f3n de la Placa Continental (C-SCAMP).<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Tim Dixon, PhD” position=”Co-PI” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/tdixon-e1611782310804.jpg” module_id=”dixon” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Tim Dixon is the Principal Investigator on the SUBGEO project, the NSF-funded program to develop and deploy geodetic spar buoys. Dixon is a Distinguished University Professor in the School of Geosciences, USF, and has 35 years experience in marine and terrestrial geodesy, including satellite radar altimetry, GPS\/GNSS, and surface and satellite based radar interferometry. <\/span>Dixon oversees enhancements to the geodetic spar buoy project and also leads ongoing work looking at new approaches to precision sea level measurement and testing GPS-GNSS systems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Tim Dixon, PhD<\/strong>
Coinvestigador Principal (Co-PI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tim Dixon es el investigador principal del Proyecto SUBGEO, un programa financiado por la Fundaci\u00f3n Nacional de Ciencias (NSF) para desarrollar y desplegar boyas geod\u00e9sicas de tipo \u201cspar\u201d al mar. Dixon es un \u201cProfesor Distinguido Universitario\u201d de la Escuela de Geociencias, USF, y tiene 35 a\u00f1os de experiencia en geodesia mar\u00edtima y terrestre, incluyendo altimetr\u00eda radar satelital, GPS\/GNSS, e interferometr\u00eda satelital y de superficie.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Cheryl Hapke, PhD” position=”Co-PI” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/hapke-e1611782994150.jpg” module_id=”hapke” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Hapke is a coastal geologist with over 25 years of experience in studies of coastal geomorphology, coastal change hazards, and application of state-of-the-art mapping techniques, both field and remote-sensing based. She had a 22-year career at the USGS, serving as a senior research geologist overseeing national-scale projects including a $4.2 million dollar effort to conduct extensive multi-year mapping after Hurricane Sandy along the NY coastline. Cheryl served as the director of the USGS St Petersburg Coastal Science Center before coming to USF-CMS.\u00a0Dr. Hapke is also the lead organizer for the Florida Coastal Mapping Program (FCMaP).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Cheryl Hapke, PhD<\/strong>
Coinvestigadora Principal (Co-PI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hapke es ge\u00f3loga costera con m\u00e1s de 25 a\u00f1os de experiencia en estudios de geomorfolog\u00eda costera, peligros de cambio costeros, y aplicaci\u00f3n de t\u00e9cnicas cartogr\u00e1ficas de alta generaci\u00f3n, basados tanto en el campo como en la teledetecci\u00f3n. Tuvo una carrera de 22 a\u00f1os con el Servicio Geol\u00f3gico de Estados Unidos (USGS), desempe\u00f1\u00e1ndose como ge\u00f3loga investigadora senior supervisando proyectos a nivel nacional, incluyendo un esfuerzo de $4.2 millones de d\u00f3lares para llevar a cabo un extenso mapeo de varios a\u00f1os despu\u00e9s del hurac\u00e1n Sandy a lo largo de la costa de Nueva York. Cheryl fue directora del Centro de Ciencias Costeras de San Petersburgo del USGS, antes de unirse a USF-CMS (Centro de Ciencias Marinas de USF).<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Chad Lembke, M.M.E.” position=”Co-PI” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/chad_2-scaled-e1611782920909.jpg” module_id=”lembke” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Mr. Lembke is a Research Faculty member who has been responsible for various mechanical and systems engineering projects for USF-CMS. Since 1998, Lembke has been involved in prototype engineering, fabrication, and utilization of dozens of sensors, instruments, and platforms designed for use in the oceanographic environment, including coastal profiling floats, ROVs, AUVs, buoys, underwater mass spectrometers, and other chemical and biological sensors. More recently his focus has been the utilization of underwater gliders, towed video, and shipboard sonar systems in collaboration with scientists to these technologies in tandem to enhance fisheries stock assessment data collection.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Chad Lembke, M.M.E.<\/strong>
Coinvestigador Principal (Co-PI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

El Sr. Lembke es miembro de la Facultad de Investigaci\u00f3n y ha sido responsable de varios proyectos de ingenier\u00eda mec\u00e1nica y de sistemas para USF-CMS. Desde 1998, Lembke ha estado involucrado en la ingenier\u00eda de prototipos, fabricaci\u00f3n y utilizaci\u00f3n de docenas de sensores, instrumentos y plataformas dise\u00f1adas para su uso en el entorno oceanogr\u00e1fico, incluyendo flotadores de perfil costero, ROVs, AUVs, boyas, espectr\u00f3metros de masas submarinos y otros sensores qu\u00edmicos y biol\u00f3gicos. Recientemente, su enfoque ha sido la utilizaci\u00f3n de planeadores submarinos, video remolcado y sistemas de sonar a bordo de barcos en colaboraci\u00f3n con cient\u00edficos para utilizar estas tecnolog\u00edas en conjunto y mejorar la recolecci\u00f3n de datos para la evaluaci\u00f3n de existencias de peces<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Yonggang Liu, PhD” position=”Co-PI” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Yonggang_Liu-e1611783161176.jpg” module_id=”liu” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_bottom_image=”10px” border_color_bottom_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Dr. Yonggang Liu has 20 years research experience in ocean circulation on the West Florida Shelf, Gulf of Mexico, using both in-situ observations and numerical models. He is interested in applying physical oceanography to marine environmental issues, such as oil spill tracking and red tide predictions. He also develops and applies novel data analysis methods in meteorology and oceanography. For the COMIT project, he will run the suite of nested models and assist Dr. Weisberg with all aspects of the ocean circulation applications.<\/p>\n

Dr. Yonggang Liu\u2019s Research Webpage<\/a><\/p>\n

Dr. Yonggang Liu on Google Scholar<\/a><\/p>\n

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Yonggang Liu, PhD<\/strong>
Coinvestigador Principal (Co-PI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

El Dr. Yonggang Liu tiene 20 a\u00f1os de experiencia en investigaci\u00f3n de circulaci\u00f3n oce\u00e1nica en la Plataforma Oeste de Florida y el Golfo de M\u00e9xico, utilizando tanto observaciones in-situ como modelos num\u00e9ricos. Est\u00e1 interesado en aplicar la oceanograf\u00eda f\u00edsica a cuestiones medioambientales marinas, como el seguimiento de derrames de petr\u00f3leo y las predicciones de marea roja (Red Tide). Tambi\u00e9n desarrolla y aplica m\u00e9todos novedosos de an\u00e1lisis de datos en meteorolog\u00eda y oceanograf\u00eda. Para el proyecto COMIT, ejecutar\u00e1 el conjunto de modelos anidados y asistir\u00e1 al Dr. Weisberg en todos los aspectos de las aplicaciones de circulaci\u00f3n oce\u00e1nica.<\/p>\n

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[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Mark Luther, PhD” position=”Co-PI” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/luther-e1611783004315.png” module_id=”luther” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Luther has >45 years of experience in marine science and currently directs the Center for Maritime and Port Studies. He has worked with NOAA\/NOS and others in real-time ocean observing systems since 1991 and has served as Director of Operations for the Tampa Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System since 1995. Mark was involved in initial planning and implementation of the US Integrated Ocean Observing System. He now works closely with the Tampa Port Authority, the Tampa Bay Pilots, and US Coast Guard on environmental issues affecting and affected by maritime transportation operations and infrastructure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mark Luther, PhD<\/strong>
Coinvestigador Principal (Co-PI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Luther cuenta con m\u00e1s de 45 a\u00f1os de experiencia en ciencias marinas y actualmente dirige el Centro de Estudios Mar\u00edtimos y Portuarios. Ha trabajado con NOAA\/NOS y otros en sistemas de observaci\u00f3n oce\u00e1nica en tiempo real desde 1991, y se ha desempe\u00f1ado como Director de Operaciones del Sistema F\u00edsico-Oceanogr\u00e1fico en Tiempo Real de la Bah\u00eda de Tampa desde 1995. Mark estuvo involucrado en la planificaci\u00f3n e implementaci\u00f3n inicial del Sistema Integrado de Observaci\u00f3n Oce\u00e1nica de Estados Unidos. Ahora trabaja estrechamente con la Autoridad Portuaria de Tampa, los Pilotos de la Bah\u00eda de Tampa y la Guardia Costera de EE. UU. en cuestiones medioambientales que afectan y son afectadas por las operaciones e infraestructuras del transporte mar\u00edtimo.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”David Naar, PhD” position=”Co-PI” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Naar-David-2017-e1611782935587.jpg” module_id=”naar” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

David Naar has 41 years of experience in seafloor mapping. His work began at UC Santa Barbara in 1979 with side-scan mapping projects, followed by multibeam mapping in 1982. Since then, Naar has used many different acoustic single beam and multibeam sonars at frequencies ranging from 3.5 to 400 kHz. Naar joined the USF-CMS in 1990 where he began using multibeam sonar for many ONR, NOAA, NSF, USGS seafloor mapping investigations, benthic habitat studies, as well as bathymetry verifications for several hyperspectral, optical, and AUV side-scan programs. These activities served as education and training of Marine Science MS and PhD graduate students. David is now the Associate Dean overseeing Academic Programs for USF CMS.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

David Naar, PhD<\/strong>
Coinvestigador Principal (Co-PI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

David Naar tiene 41 a\u00f1os de experiencia en mapeo del fondo marino. Su trabajo comenz\u00f3 en la Universidad de California en Santa B\u00e1rbara en 1979 con proyectos de mapeo de barrido lateral, seguido por mapeo de multihaz en 1982. Desde entonces, Naar ha utilizado diferentes ecosondas ac\u00fasticas de haz \u00fanico y multihaz a frecuencias que van de 3.5 a 400 kHz. Naar se uni\u00f3 a USF-CMS en 1990, donde comenz\u00f3 a usar sonar multihaz para numerosas investigaciones de mapeo del fondo marino para ONR, NOAA, NSF y USGS, estudios de h\u00e1bitats bent\u00f3nicos, as\u00ed como verificaciones de batimetr\u00eda para varios programas hiperespectrales, \u00f3pticos y de barrido lateral de AUVs. Estas actividades sirvieron para la educaci\u00f3n y formaci\u00f3n de estudiantes de posgrado en Ciencias Marinas (MS y PhD). David ahora es el Decano Asociado que supervisa los programas acad\u00e9micos de USF-CMS.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Stephan O’Brien, PhD” position=”Co-PI” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/biography_pic_obriens.jpeg” module_id=”obrien” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all_image=”24px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Dr. Stephan O\u2019Brien’s portfolio focuses on sediment and particulate matter transport pathways as well as seabed mapping. He utilizes numerical models, remote sensing, and marine instrumentation to study the adverse effects of environmental conditions such as cold fronts on coastal erosion. His research provides insight into the transport of sediments along the seabed from the nearshore region to the continental shelf. Other interests include generating geomorphology maps using multibeam data to assist in marine conservation efforts and environmental surveys.<\/p>\n

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Stephan O\u2019Brien, PhD<\/strong>
Coinvestigadora Principal (Co-PI)<\/strong><\/p>\n

El portafolio del Dr. Stephan O\u2019Brien se centra en las v\u00edas de transporte de sedimentos y part\u00edculas, as\u00ed como en el mapeo del fondo marino. \u00c9l utiliza modelos num\u00e9ricos, teledetecci\u00f3n, e instrumentaci\u00f3n marina para estudiar los efectos adversos de las condiciones ambientales, como los frentes fr\u00edos en la erosi\u00f3n costera. Su investigaci\u00f3n brinda informaci\u00f3n sobre el transporte de sedimentos a lo largo del fondo marino, desde la regi\u00f3n costera hasta la plataforma continental. Otros intereses incluyen la generaci\u00f3n de mapas de geomorfolog\u00eda usando datos multihaces para ayudar en los esfuerzos de conservaci\u00f3n marina e investigaci\u00f3n ambientales.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Administrative and Research Staff<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Jeff Donovan” position=”Sr. Systems Administrator” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Donovan-Jeff.jpg” module_id=”donovan” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mr. Donovan graduated from the University of Florida in 1985 with a degree in Computer Engineering. He has worked with the Ocean Circulation Lab (led by Dr. Weisberg) for 34 years serving as the system administrator, data manager, database administrator and programmer. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Ocean Circulation Lab. Mr. Donovan will manage all data collected by the lab, both real-time and delayed mode, from acquisition and quality control through archival and dissemination, which will be incorporated into COMIT\u2019s models.<\/p>\n

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Jeff Donovan<\/strong>
Administrador Senior de Sistemas<\/strong><\/p>\n

El Sr. Donovan se gradu\u00f3 de la Universidad de Florida en 1985 con un t\u00edtulo en Ingenier\u00eda Inform\u00e1tica. Ha trabajado con el Laboratorio de Circulaci\u00f3n Oce\u00e1nica (dirigido por el Dr. Weisberg) durante 34 a\u00f1os, desempe\u00f1\u00e1ndose como administrador de sistemas, gerente de datos, administrador de base de datos y programador. Es responsable de gestionar las operaciones diarias del Laboratorio de Circulaci\u00f3n Oce\u00e1nica, y se encargar\u00e1 de gestionar todos los datos recopilados por el laboratorio, tanto en tiempo real como en modo diferido, desde la adquisici\u00f3n y el control de calidad hasta el archivo y la difusi\u00f3n de datos, los cuales se incorporar\u00e1n a los modelos de COMIT.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Kristin Erickson” position=”FCMaP Coordinator” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/comit-staff_kristin-erickson.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Ms. Erickson joined the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) team in January 2023 as the Florida Coastal Mapping Program (FCMaP) Coordinator. As the FCMaP coordinator her involvement with COMIT was initiated due to the similar seafloor mapping missions and goals of the two programs. Her direct role in the FCMaP\/COMIT collaboration is assisting with the Crowdsourced Bathymetry (CSB) Program as Data Processor and GIS Data Publisher. Prior to joining the FCMaP\/COMIT team, Ms. Erickson obtained her MS degree from the College of William and Mary specializing in hydrothermal vent ecology. She has 25+ years\u2019 experience in the marine science field, and has worked with organizations such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Sherryl Gilbert, MS, MBA” position=”Assistant Director of Marine Research and Development” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/gilbert.jpg” module_id=”gilbert” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all_image=”30px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Ms. Gilbert has over 20 years of experience in large, complex oceanographic research programs. She most recently served as the Associate Director for the Center for the Integrated Modeling and Analysis of Gulf Ecosystems (C-IMAGE), a multi-national consortium of 18 institutions focused on evaluating the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico. Over the past 10 years, Ms. Gilbert has managed C-IMAGE\u2019s research and budget portfolio of $38 million. Before the Deepwater Horizon spill, Ms. Gilbert was the Gulf of Mexico Technical Director for the Alliance for Coastal Technologies, a NOAA-funded partnership of research institutions, resource managers, and private sector companies dedicated to fostering the development and adoption of effective and reliable sensors and platforms.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Sherryl Gilbert, MS, MBA<\/strong>
Gerente de Programa<\/strong><\/p>\n

La Sra. Gilbert cuenta con m\u00e1s de 20 a\u00f1os de experiencia en programas de investigaci\u00f3n oceanogr\u00e1fica grandes y complejos. Recientemente se desempe\u00f1\u00f3 como Directora Asociada del Centro para la Modelizaci\u00f3n y An\u00e1lisis Integrado de los Ecosistemas del Golfo (C-IMAGE), un consorcio multinacional de 18 instituciones enfocado en evaluar los impactos del derrame de petr\u00f3leo de Deepwater Horizon en el Golfo de M\u00e9xico. Durante los \u00faltimos 10 a\u00f1os, la Sra. Gilbert ha gestionado el portafolio de investigaci\u00f3n y presupuesto de C-IMAGE, valorado en $38 millones de d\u00f3lares. Antes del derrame de Deepwater Horizon, la Sra. Gilbert fue Directora T\u00e9cnica del Golfo de M\u00e9xico para la Alianza de Tecnolog\u00edas Costeras, una asociaci\u00f3n financiada por NOAA que incluye instituciones de investigaci\u00f3n, gestores de recursos y empresas del sector privado dedicadas a fomentar el desarrollo y adopci\u00f3n de sensores y plataformas efectivas y confiables.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Matthew Hommeyer” position=”Technical Operations Manager” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Hommeyer-Matthew-e1611782904221.jpg” module_id=”hommeyer” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Since joining the College of Marine Science in 2015, Mr. Hommeyer has been responsible for planning and execution of all marine survey operations on multiple projects in the Gulf of Mexico and the Bahamas funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Naval Research, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and private industry partners. His research interests are concentrated around the collection, processing, and visualization of hydrographic data. In his role as COMIT\u2019s Field & Technical Manager, Hommeyer leads the integration of uncrewed systems and other innovative marine survey technologies across multiple projects at the Center. Prior to his academic career, he spent fourteen years in the marine survey and environmental consulting industries, where he supported projects for the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Navy, and several port facilities.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Matthew Hommeyer<\/strong>
Gerente de Operaciones T\u00e9cnicas<\/strong><\/p>\n

Desde que Matthew se uni\u00f3 al Colegio de Ciencias Marinas en 2015, ha sido responsable de planificar y ejecutar todas las operaciones de estudio marino en m\u00faltiples proyectos en el Golfo de M\u00e9xico y las Bahamas, financiados por la Administraci\u00f3n Nacional Oce\u00e1nica y Atmosf\u00e9rica (NOAA), la Oficina de Investigaci\u00f3n Naval, la Fundaci\u00f3n Nacional de Peces y Vida Silvestre, y socios de la industria privada. Sus intereses de investigaci\u00f3n se centran en la recolecci\u00f3n, procesamiento y visualizaci\u00f3n de datos hidrogr\u00e1ficos. En su papel como Gerente T\u00e9cnico y de Campo de COMIT, Hommeyer lidera la integraci\u00f3n de sistemas no tripulados y otras tecnolog\u00edas innovadoras de estudio marino en m\u00faltiples proyectos de COMIT. Antes de su carrera acad\u00e9mica, pas\u00f3 catorce a\u00f1os en industrias de investigaci\u00f3n mar\u00edtima y consultor\u00eda ambiental, donde apoy\u00f3 proyectos para el Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ej\u00e9rcito de los Estados Unidos (US Army Corps of Engineers), la Marina de los Estados Unidos (US Navy) y varias instalaciones portuarias.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Liesl Hotaling, MS” position=”Multimedia Product Manager” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Liesl_TKheadshot-e1611334510582.jpg” module_id=”hotaling” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all_image=”24px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Ms. Hotaling has over 20 years of experience specializing in real time data education and hands-on STEM educational projects supporting environmental observing networks. She holds a B.S. in Marine Science, a M.A.T. in Science Teaching, and a M.S. in Maritime Systems (ocean engineering). She serves as the Vice President for Communication for the Marine Technology Society, and serves as the Project Manager of the Student Enabled Network of Sensors for the Environment using Innovative Technology (SENSE IT). For the COMIT project, she oversees the development of the Deep Soundings podcast series.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Liesl Hotaling, MS<\/strong>
Gerente de Productos Multimedia<\/strong><\/p>\n

La Sra. Hotaling tiene m\u00e1s de 20 a\u00f1os de experiencia especializada en educaci\u00f3n de datos en tiempo real y proyectos educativos pr\u00e1cticos de STEM que respaldan redes de observaci\u00f3n ambiental. Posee una licenciatura en Ciencias Marinas, una maestr\u00eda en Ense\u00f1anza de Ciencias, y una maestr\u00eda en Sistemas Mar\u00edtimos (ingenier\u00eda oce\u00e1nica). Se desempe\u00f1a como Vicepresidenta de Comunicaci\u00f3n para la Sociedad de Tecnolog\u00eda Marina, y es la Gerente de Proyecto de la Red de Sensores Habilitados por Estudiantes para el Medio Ambiente utilizando Tecnolog\u00eda Innovadora (SENSE IT). Para el proyecto COMIT, ella supervisa el desarrollo de la serie de podcasts Deep Soundings.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Jin Ikeda, PhD” position=”Postdoctoral Researcher” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/dr_jin_ikeda_comit-rotated.jpg” module_id=”john” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”dr_jin_ikeda_comit” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Dr. Jin Ikeda is a numerical modeler at the Ocean Circulation Lab (OCL), specializing in coastal dynamics and ecological responses at the land\u2013sea margin, particularly in response to sea-level rise. He has studied hydrodynamics and morphodynamics for over a decade. His current work examines beach erosions and overtopping along West Florida barrier islands during major hurricanes. Jin is also developing digital twin approaches that integrate numerical models with remote sensing and field observations to improve understanding and forecasting of ocean and coastal processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Sebin John, PhD” position=”Postdoctoral Researcher” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/sebin-e1687898304342.jpeg” module_id=”john” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Dr. John is a postdoc with the Ocean Circulation Lab (OCL). He holds a doctorate in Physics (Interdisciplinary in Marine Science) and worked on the FVCOM model of the lake and estuarine system in south India. He has over eight years of experience in the field of coastal and estuarine processes. He is well-versed in numerical modeling (FVCOM and WRF), model visualization (4D), and machine learning (TensorFlow). Prior to joining the OCL, he was a project scientist at the India Meteorological Department, New Delhi. His primary focus at USF is on operational support for the West Florida coastal ocean model in ocean circulation lab, utilizing the FVCOM model. In addition to the WFCOM, he is actively involved in developing a biological model tailored to the unique ecosystem of the West Florida Shelf. He is also working on the NOAA-funded project with the Unified Forecast System (UFS) -NOAA Coastal Application Team for the high resolution FVCOM model for the New York Harbor.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Sebin John, PhD<\/strong>
Investigador Postdoctoral<\/strong><\/p>\n

El Dr. John es un postdoctorado en el Laboratorio de Circulaci\u00f3n Oce\u00e1nica (OCL). Tiene un doctorado en F\u00edsica (Interdisciplinario en Ciencias Marinas) y trabaj\u00f3 en el Modelo Oce\u00e1nico Comunitario de Vol\u00famenes Finitos (FVCOM) del sistema de lagos y estuarios en el sur de la India. Cuenta con m\u00e1s de ocho a\u00f1os de experiencia en el campo de los procesos costeros y estuarinos. Tiene amplios conocimientos en modelado num\u00e9rico (FVCOM y WRF), visualizaci\u00f3n de modelos (4D) y aprendizaje autom\u00e1tico (TensorFlow). Antes de unirse al OCL, fue cient\u00edfico de proyectos en el Departamento Meteorol\u00f3gico de la India en Nueva Delhi. Su enfoque principal en USF es brindar apoyo operacional al modelo oce\u00e1nico costero de Florida Occidental en el laboratorio de circulaci\u00f3n oce\u00e1nica, utilizando el modelo FVCOM. Adem\u00e1s de WFCOM, est\u00e1 activamente involucrado en el desarrollo de un modelo biol\u00f3gico adaptado al ecosistema \u00fanico de la plataforma de Florida Occidental. Tambi\u00e9n est\u00e1 trabajando en el proyecto financiado por NOAA con el Sistema de Pron\u00f3stico Unificado (UFS) \u2013 Equipo de Aplicaciones Costeras de NOAA para el modelo FVCOM de alta resoluci\u00f3n para el puerto de Nueva York.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Jason Law” position=”Physical Oceanographer & Mooring Technician” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Jlaw-profile-picture-USF-background-e1611783108414.jpg” module_id=”law” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mr. Law is a physical oceanographer engaged in ocean circulation studies as part of the Ocean Circulation Lab under the direction of Dr. Weisberg. Additionally, Mr. Law has 2 decades of experience in design and deployment of real-time observing systems in the coastal ocean. His primary duties for the COMIT project are in coordinating physical oceanographic field work.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Jason Law<\/strong>
Ocean\u00f3grafo F\u00edsico y T\u00e9cnico de Anclajes<\/strong><\/p>\n

El Sr. Law es un ocean\u00f3grafo f\u00edsico que participa en estudios de circulaci\u00f3n oce\u00e1nica como parte del Laboratorio de Circulaci\u00f3n Oce\u00e1nica bajo la direcci\u00f3n del Dr. Weisberg. Adem\u00e1s, el Sr. Law tiene dos d\u00e9cadas de experiencia en el dise\u00f1o e implementaci\u00f3n de sistemas de observaci\u00f3n en tiempo real en el oc\u00e9ano costero. Sus principales responsabilidades en el proyecto COMIT son coordinar los trabajos de campo oceanogr\u00e1fico f\u00edsico.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Steven Meyers, PhD” position=”Coastal Physical Oceanographer” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/SMeyers-headshot-e1611783133313.jpg” module_id=”myers” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Dr. Steven Meyers is the Chief Scientist for the USF Center for Maritime and Port Studies. He is a physicist with extensive experience in coastal oceanography and data analytics. He will investigate the use of COMIT research findings by the maritime industry to improve operational safety and efficiency.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Steven Myers, PhD<\/strong>
Ocean\u00f3grafo F\u00edsico Costero<\/strong><\/p>\n

El Dr. Steven Myers es el jefe cient\u00edfico del Centro de Estudios Mar\u00edtimos y Portuarios de la Universidad del Sur de Florida (USF). Es f\u00edsico con una amplia experiencia en oceanograf\u00eda costera y an\u00e1lisis de datos. Investigar\u00e1 el uso de los resultados de investigaci\u00f3n de COMIT por parte de la industria mar\u00edtima para mejorar la seguridad y eficiencia operativas.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Kaili Qiao, PhD” position=”Research Associate” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kaili-qiao-2024.jpg” module_id=”grasty” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Dr. Kaili Qiao works with the Ocean Circulation Lab (OCL), and she is responsible for maintaining the West Florida Costal Ocean Model (WFCOM) and the Tampa Bay Coastal Ocean Model (TBCOM) and keeping the model forecast products updated each day on OCL webpage. For the COMIT project, she will assist Dr. Yonggang Liu with the aspects of ocean circulation model output visualization and data analysis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Alex Silverman” position=”Electrical & Software Engineer” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/alex_new-e1611783151114.png” module_id=”silverman” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mr. Silverman has worked on several projects at USF over the last decade including operating and integrating Teledyne-Webb Slocum underwater gliders, designing remote sensor data collection units, serving as lead software engineer for the C-BASS towed camera, and operating and evaluating a neural network based computer vision systems to assess fisheries stock on the West Florida Shelf. On COMIT, Mr. Silverman assists in the Center\u2019s database and data storage management, AI development, and provides technical expertise for the UxSs and geodetic operations.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_toggle title=”En Espa\u00f1ol” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Alex Silverman<\/strong>
Ingeniero El\u00e9ctrico y de Software<\/strong><\/p>\n

El Sr. Silverman ha trabajado en varios proyectos en la USF durante la \u00faltima d\u00e9cada, incluyendo operar e integrar planeadores submarinos Teledyne-Webb Slocum, dise\u00f1ar unidades de recopilaci\u00f3n de datos de sensores remotos, desempe\u00f1arse como ingeniero principal de software para la c\u00e1mara remolcada C-BASS, y operar y evaluar sistemas de visi\u00f3n por computadora basados en redes neuronales para evaluar las poblaciones pesqueras en la plataforma de Florida Occidental. En COMIT, el Sr. Silverman asiste en la gesti\u00f3n de la base de datos y almacenamiento de datos del Centro, desarrollo de Inteligencia Artificial, y brinda experiencia t\u00e9cnica para las operaciones de sistemas no tripulados y geod\u00e9sicas.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Jacob Stock” position=”Ocean Mapping Engineer” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/COMIT_Headshot.jpg” module_id=”vistocci” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Mr. Stock brings over a decade of experience working with sonar systems to the College of Marine Science. At COMIT, his job entails supporting students and faculty on projects related to sonar data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. Previously, he served as a sonar technician in the U.S. Navy, operating and maintaining sonar systems on Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers. Following his military service, he joined the Benthic and Acoustic Mapping (BEAMS) Program at the College of Charleston. There, he researched the New England Seamount chain using backscatter to help identify deep-sea coral habitats. During this time, he also worked as a teaching assistant, aiding students with multibeam data processing software, and participated in several NOAA contract hydrographic surveys.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Roxann Vistocci” position=”Program Planner Analyst” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Roxann-Headshot-scaled.jpg” image_url_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_id=”vistocci” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}” image_url__hover_enabled=”off|desktop”]<\/p>\n

Ms. Vistocci brings over 15 years of diverse experience to COMIT, spanning field-based ecology, education, and business administration. She has contributed to wildlife research with the University of Montana, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the NSF-funded National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) in Florida and Georgia. Her background in education includes teaching roles in New York City, Seattle, and Telluride, as well as work as an interpretive naturalist on Little St. Simons Island, Georgia, and in San Luis de Monteverde, Costa Rica. In addition, she owned and operated a small business in Colorado before joining the College of Marine Science by way of USF\u2019s College of Education. Ms. Vistocci is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at USF\u2019s School of Public Affairs.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”Haibo Xu, PhD” position=”Postdoctoral Researcher” image_url=”https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/haibo-xu-2024.jpg” module_id=”vistocci” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Dr. Haibo Xu is a physical oceanographer specializing in coastal dynamics. With over eight years of experience, he has dedicated himself to understanding ocean modeling, particularly with the Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM). Currently serving as a postdoctoral researcher at the Ocean Circulation Lab (OCL), Dr. Xu focuses on refining our knowledge of coastal processes, especially in the Florida Shelf and PRVI regions. Additionally, he contributes as a co-Principal Investigator for a CARICOOS-funded project, aiming to address environmental challenges such as Sargassum inundation in the US Caribbean.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Traducciones por Katherin Abreus Rodriquez (Pasante en COMIT en la primavera de 2024).\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Spanish translations by Katherin Abreus Rodriguez (Intern at COMIT, Spring 2024).\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Alumni<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Jing Chen, PhD” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h4>\n

Post-Doc<\/h4>\n

Dr. Chen\u2019s research focuses on the estuarine and coastal processes. He is using the high-resolution Tampa Bay Coastal Ocean Model (TBCOM), which provides daily automated nowcasts and forecasts, to look how varied environmental factors affect the models under different situations. Applications of Chen\u2019s work include how Tampa Bay responds to hurricane storm surge, how modifications to wastewater treatment effluent may affect Hillsborough Bay, and how biogenic materials such as red tide cells may aggregate along fronts within the Bay. While tracking the 2018 K. brevis red tide, his TBCOM products were used by the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management in their weekly red tide briefings and by Pinellas County to help guide their dead fish clean-up operations.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Harrison Clark” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"harrison<\/h3>\n

Sr. Biological Scientist & Outreach Specialist<\/span><\/h4>\n

Mr. Clark received a degree in Marine and Atmospheric Science from the University of Miami in 2016, and has experience in fisheries research programs with a focus on habitat mapping and video-based stock assessment methods in the Gulf of Mexico. At USF, Mr. Clark provides support for multiple projects including C-BASS towed camera surveys and underwater glider operations. Within COMIT, he will help develop the Crowdsourced Bathymetry project and other outreach programs.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Jaden Crute ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"Jaden<\/span><\/p>\n

Mechanical Engineer<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Jaden<\/span>\u00a0was born and raised in South Florida, ultimately moving to Tampa to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Through an undergraduate advisor, they learned about the Marine Engineering field and quickly decided to explore it further. In January 2023,\u00a0<\/span>Jaden<\/span>\u00a0joined COMIT to work on refurbishing and building out an uncrewed surface vehicle known as TREVOR. They were tasked with working to get the vehicle back in working condition, and to a point where it could be controlled both remotely with a joystick controller and autonomously using waypoints. Moving forward, the goal is to explore mapping vehicle applications for the vehicle, such as the ability to gather bathymetric data using multibeam sensors and report back to create a visual model. A completely new 2.0 version of the vehicle is also in the works.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Alastair Graham, PhD” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"alastair<\/p>\n

Co-PI<\/h4>\n

Graham has 13 years of experience as a marine geophysicist with specialties in seafloor mapping and sub-surface geophysical survey, particularly in polar environments. He has participated in 9 major Antarctic ship-based field expeditions and had hands-on experience in mapping, processing, and interpreting datasets from manned (ROVs) and unmanned (AUVs) vehicles, in deep water and under-ice environments. He is currently a co-PI on the 5-year, $50 million NSF-funded International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC), working most recently alongside Swedish collaborators on geological interpretations of geophysical data collected with a state-of-the-art Kongsberg HUGIN AUV.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Sarah Grasty, MS” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”8px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Outreach & Education Manager<\/h4>\n

Ms. Grasty has 10 years of outreach and informal education experience and most recently held project management and scientific research roles with COMIT\u2019s predecessor, the Continental Shelf Characterization, Assessment and Mapping Project (C-SCAMP). She now manages COMIT\u2019s education and outreach efforts including website content, social media, quarterly newsletters, community outreach efforts. She\u2019s also the lead for COMIT\u2019s crowdsourced bathymetry program, Crowd the Bay. Ms. Grasty additionally co-founded USF CMS\u2019s Guardians of the Gulf outreach program with colleague, Kristen Kusek. Guardians provides fun, multisensory marine science and coastal resiliency programming geared towards underserved youth.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Kristopher Krasnosky, PhD” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"seniorSenior Research Associate<\/span><\/h4>\n

Dr. Krasnosky has over 10 years experience in mapping, modeling, remote sensing, and robotics. He has a doctorate in ocean mapping and 8 years of field experience aboard oceanographic vessels. Kris has developed many technologies such as machine-learning bathymetric modeling software, real time ROV\/AUV high-resolution mapping packages, and cutting edge mapping vessels. Through his graduate and academic career, he worked as a licensed captain on vessels in the Great Lakes, Hawaii, and Atlantic Coast.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Nicole Raineault, PhD” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"Nicole<\/span><\/p>\n

Co-PI<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Nicole Raineault is the Chief Scientist for the Florida Institute of Oceanography, home to the Florida Coastal Mapping Program (FCMaP) office. As a member of the FCMaP Science and Technical Advisory Council, she aids in the coordination of mapping efforts with the broader FIO consortium and FCMaP members, including COMIT. Prior to joining FIO\/USF, Dr. Raineault was the Chief Scientist and Vice President of Exploration and Science Operations with the Ocean Exploration Trust, the non-profit organization that owns and operates the ocean exploration vessel (E\/V) Nautilus, where she spent many years mapping the world\u2019s seafloor. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Delaware in geological sciences, earned a Master of Science in Oceanography from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from the University of Maine. Nicole also held a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Yunfang Sun, PhD” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h4>\n

Research Associate<\/h4>\n

Dr. Yunfang Sun is a physical oceanographer with over 10 years of experience in studies of computational fluid dynamics and ocean modeling, dynamics of coupled oceanic-atmospheric modeling, estuary and coastal ocean processes, and coupled physical-biological modeling. Dr. Sun is currently responsible for the new high-resolution WFCOM modeling.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Sieu-Cuong San, PhD” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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Post-Doc<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prior to joining the Ocean Circulation Lab (OCL), Dr. San worked on large-scale climate dynamics in the Pacific Ocean. He utilized observations and numerical models (the Community Earth System Model) to investigate the primary mechanisms of tropical climate variability from interannual to decadal timescales. At USF, Dr. San focuses on the implementation of a wave module into the existing nowcast\/forecast systems. He then uses the models to investigate wave-current interactions<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Robert Weisberg, PhD” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\"robert<\/span><\/h4>\n

Co-PI<\/span><\/h4>\n

Weisberg has 44 years of experience combining field operations with modeling to better understand ocean systems. He and his team operate the offshore and estuarine circulation aspects of the COMPS Program. This includes real-time observations from an array of moored buoys and daily, automated nowcast\/forecast circulation models for the continental shelf and estuaries of the eastern Gulf of Mexico, plus a very high resolution (20m) model for Tampa Bay. These models have been applied to hurricane storm surge and waves, transport of materials and biota (e.g. red tide tracking), and oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill. His models also include high-resolution bathymetry and coastal geomorphology.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our TeamPrincipal Investigators Murawski has over 45 years of experience as a marine scientist and science administrator. He had a 35-year career at NOAA last serving as the Chief Scientist of NMFS where he oversaw a staff of 2,500, a $420 million per year budget, and the operations of 11 research vessels. Since coming to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-847","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/847","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=847"}],"version-history":[{"count":95,"href":"https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/847\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3459,"href":"https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/847\/revisions\/3459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marine.usf.edu\/comit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=847"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}