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Project Summary
Project Summary
Historically, research on upside-down jellies has focused on their life history and their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae. However, the majority of such studies have been in laboratory conditions. In contrast, there is much less information about their field ecology. Recently, a couple of studies have tapped into their potential as bioindicators of nutrient pollution since their symbionts thrive on the nutrient availability. Also, high population densities of upside-down jellies have been linked with human activity in nearshore environments.
Historically, research on upside-down jellies has focused on their life history and their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae. However, the majority of such studies have been in laboratory conditions. In contrast, there is much less information about their field ecology. Recently, a couple of studies have tapped into their potential as bioindicators of nutrient pollution since their symbionts thrive on the nutrient availability. Also, high population densities of upside-down jellies have been linked with human activity in nearshore environments.
Hence, the overarching question of my project is: can upside-down jellies be used as bioindicators of nutrient pollution or other social disturbances in coastal ecosystems? This project is the missing piece in the upside-down jellies puzzle. The results of this project will allow a better understanding of how these unique jellies live in their natural habitat. Potentially, upside-down jellies can be useful for coastal zone management practices as a low-cost bioindicator.
Hence, the overarching question of my project is: can upside-down jellies be used as bioindicators of nutrient pollution or other social disturbances in coastal ecosystems? This project is the missing piece in the upside-down jellies puzzle. The results of this project will allow a better understanding of how these unique jellies live in their natural habitat. Potentially, upside-down jellies can be useful for coastal zone management practices as a low-cost bioindicator.
Margaret A. Davidson Fellowship 2022-24
Margaret A. Davidson Fellowship 2022-24
On August 2022, I was awarded the NOAA Margaret A. Davidson Fellowship to fund my dissertation project at the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR). To learn more about this amazing fellowship program, click here
This video won the Egret Award for Best Scenery at the 2022 National Estuarine Research Reserve System and Association (NERRS/NERRA) meeting in Seattle, WA.
Publications
Publications
2026
Field Settlement Trap Designs for Cassiopea spp. Polyp Recruitment: A Preliminary Study. Limnology & Oceanography Methods. Authors: N.B. López-Figueroa, P. Hallock, E.W. Stoner, C. Ames, J.Y. Véga Pérez, W. Guzmán Echevarría, L.M. Luna Pirela, M. Muñoz-Hincapié, L.M. Roger, M. Maloney, K. Buckley & A. Morandini.
Characterization of Marine Fauna Assemblages in the Presence of Upside-Down Jellyfish (Genus Cassiopea) at Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR), Puerto Rico. Diversity. Authors: J.Y. Véga-Pérez, N.B. López-Figueroa, S.P. Di Geronimo, R.D. Morejón Arrojo, E.W. Stoner.
2024
A Scientometrics-Enhanced Review of the Genus Cassiopea. Bulletin of Marine Science. Authors: N.B. Lopez-Figueroa, E.W. Stoner, P. Hallock.
2023
Upside-down jellyfish as bioindicators of anthropogenic disturbances in coastal ecosystems, Nature Tools of Trade. Author: N.B. López-Figueroa
Puerto Rico Cassiopea Research Team
Puerto Rico Cassiopea Research Team
Project Advisors
Project Advisors
Pamela Hallock, Ph.D.
Pamela Hallock, Ph.D.
PI and Faculty Advisor
Professor at USF College of Marine Science
Milton Muñoz Hincapié, M.Sc.
Milton Muñoz Hincapié, M.Sc.
Fellowship Mentor
Stewardship Coordinator at Jobos Bay NERR
Angel Dieppa, M.Sc.
Angel Dieppa, M.Sc.
Fellowship Co-mentor
Research Coordinator at Jobos Bay NERR
Luis Ortiz
Luis Ortiz
Local Citizen Scientist
Chief Boat Operator at Jobos Bay NERR
Research Assistants
Research Assistants
Project title:
Assessment of marine macrophytes in areas of upside-down jellyfish blooms (Genus Cassiopea) at Jobos Bay NERR
2022-2025
Project tile:
Effects of pelagic Sargassum accumulations in areas of upside- down jellyfish blooms (Genus Cassiopea) at Jobos Bay NERR
2022-2024
Project title:
Characterization of macrofauna associated to upside-down jellyfish blooms (Genus Cassiopea) at Jobos Bay NERR
2022-2025
Collaborators
Collaborators
Sebastian DiGeronimo, M.Sc.
Sebastian DiGeronimo, M.Sc.
Institute of Marine Remote Sensing (IMaRS)
USF College of Marine Science
Data Analyst
Michael J. Schram, Ph.D.
Michael J. Schram, Ph.D.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Fish Ecology Lab
USF College of Marine Science
Statistics Consultant
Angelique Rosa Marin, Ph.D. Candidate
Angelique Rosa Marin, Ph.D. Candidate
Foraminifera and Cassiopea Research Laboratories (ForCRLs),
USF College of Marine Science
Foraminifera Specialist
Honors & Awards
Honors & Awards
*under this project
*under this project
Dorothy L. Morgan Scholarship in Marine Science
Dorothy L. Morgan Scholarship in Marine Science
Women In Leadership and Philanthropy
University of South Florida
Fall 2020-Spring 2025
Mcknight Dissertation Fellowship
Mcknight Dissertation Fellowship
Florida Education Fund
2024-2025
Field Research Award
Field Research Award
South Florida Explorer's ClubSpring 2021
Norman Blake Memorial Fellowship
Norman Blake Memorial Fellowship
USF College of Marine Science Endowed FellowshipFall 2021- Spring 2022
Vembu Subramarian Marine Science Advisory Committee (MSAC) Award
Vembu Subramarian Marine Science Advisory Committee (MSAC) Award
Spring 2022
Best Presentation
Best Presentation
Category: Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Fellows
Conference: 2023 International Cassiopea Workshop in Key Largo, FL.
May 2023
MAD Fellow Award: Mentoring
MAD Fellow Award: Mentoring
March 2023
Nominated by: Chris Katallinas, MAD Fellowship Learning Coordinator
MAD Fellow Award: Networking
MAD Fellow Award: Networking
October 2023
Nominated by: Milton Muñoz Hincapié, Fellowship Mentor at JBNERR
Travel Awards
Travel Awards
2024- SACNAS Conference Travel Award2023- International Conference Student Travel Award, University of South Florida2023- ASLO Multicultural Program Travel Award, Hampton University & National Science Foundation2022- Alumni Conference Mentor Travel Award, ESA SEEDS program
Philanthropy
Philanthropy
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
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