The Ocean Science Lecture Series will run Jan. 8 through March 26, 2025 at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and stream live online.

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.

 “The Ocean Science Lecture Series is our opportunity to share breakthroughs in oceanography and marine science and engineering directly with our community,”  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 future.”

The 2025 lecture series schedule is as follows:

• Jan. 8, “FAU Harbor Branch: Celebrating Our Accomplishments and Looking Ahead,” presented by James M. Sullivan, Ph.D.
• Jan. 15, “An Update on the FAU Harbor Branch Stranding and Population Assessment Team and Their Work with Marine Mammals in Southeast Florida,” presented by Steve Burton.
• Jan. 22, “Algal Blooms in Southern Florida: Current Trends and Future Directions,” presented by Malcolm McFarland, Ph.D.
• Jan. 29, “Exploration of Deep-water Habitats Off Puerto Rico for Biotechnology Potential,” presented by Esther Guzmán, Ph.D.
• Feb. 5, “Striving for Sustainable Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon,” presented by Rachel Brewton, Ph.D.
• Feb. 12, guest lecture, “Megalodons, Mermaids and Climate Change: Combating Misinformation About the Ocean, Weather and Climate Change … and Having a Little Fun,” presented by Ellen Prager, Ph.D. and Dave Jones.
• Feb. 19, “Unveiling the Hidden Role of Parasites in Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration,” presented by Mike McCoy, Ph.D.
• Feb. 26, “Seeds Aren’t Only for Plants – Fish Farms Need Seedstock Too,” presented by Paul Wills, Ph.D.
• March 5, “Coral Reef Connectivity and Conservation in a Changing Climate,” presented by Ryan Eckert and Allison Klein.
• March 12, “Exploring the Rich Natural Products Chemistry of Florida’s Coastal Waters,” presented by Amy Wright, Ph.D.
• March 19, guest lecture, “Ink-redible Investigations: What Sea Slugs, Cuttlefish, Whales and Sharks All Have in Common,” presented by Lauren Simonitis, Ph.D.
• March 26, “Blue Energy in a Blue Economy,” presented by Gabriel Alsenas.

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.

-FAU-