Orlando Cordero oversees the remote sensing tools and geospatial activities for the center’s projects. He gathers vast amounts of data accurately, quickly and cost-effectively using a variety of tools and resources in his work, such as terrestrial LiDAR and unmanned aerial systems.
“A day in the field is great because I get to work with cutting-edge equipment and always have a great support team with me.”
Areas of expertise:
- Remote sensing
- Geospatial data processing and management
- Geospatial equipment
Stacey Dolan keeps the CCS running smoothly on a day-to-day basis by managing projects including Florida’s Digital Twin, supporting our leadership team and coordinating special events. Her childhood summers at Mass Audubon’s Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary sparked her deep connection to nature.
Areas of expertise:
- Ecology
- Research coordination
Ron Fick, Ph.D., leverages remotely sensed data to better understand water quality conditions and mitigate issues like red tide. He co-developed the septic to sewer conversion optimizer tool, which supports managers in saving time and money to convert from septic to sewer systems, and is an avid Gators fan.
Areas of expertise:
- Remote sensing
- Artificial intelligence / machine learning
- Red tide
Program: Optimizing water quality solutions, Florida’s Digital Twin
Jose Gonzalez Ondina, Ph.D., runs programs that simulate the behavior of the ocean. He co-developed Sailfish, an artificial intelligence (AI) model that will forecast water conditions 1,000 times faster than current models and empower communities with climate predictions.
Ondina means “water nymph” and “small wave” in Spanish — fitting for his work.
Areas of expertise:
- Artificial intelligence
- Numerical modeling
- Computational fluid dynamics
Programs: Florida Digital Twin, Forecasting coastal hazards
Tricia Kyzar, Ph.D., creates maps and analyzes its data for environmental and urban planning policy. She co-developed the septic to sewer optimizer tool and the land conservation tool to help prioritize conservation and septic-to-sewer projects.
She enjoys kayaking and hiking to appreciate the nature she works to protect.
Areas of expertise:
- Geographic information systems
- Septic systems
- Spatial analysis
Programs: Florida Digital Twin, Optimizing water quality solutions
Jorge Armando Laurel Castillo, Ph.D., collects and analyzes data on ocean-river interactions in the Peace River, Florida, and their effects on the estuary’s water quality. This was key to identifying changes in the river’s water quality and strategies for improvement.
“I find it important to see how we can contribute to society and make a better place to live.”
Areas of expertise:
- Environmental fluid dynamics
- Transport processes
- Computational fluid dynamics
Program: Forecasting coastal hazards
Marine ecologist Beatriz Marin-Diaz, Ph.D., leads monitoring and experimental field research using nature-based solutions at Tyndall Air Force Base, which will mitigate habitat loss and increase the base’s resilience against future climate and extreme weather events.
She is also an artist and often features waves in her paintings.
Areas of expertise:
- Nature-based solutions
- Coastal processes
- Ecosystem restoration
Program: Nature-based solutions
Joe Morton, Ph.D., conducts experiments to increase the speed and efficacy of coastal dune restoration projects, which strengthens our coast’s natural defense to protect communities from storms and erosion. These Insights equip managers with data-driven guidance for beach nourishment and restoration.
“I can be sure when I come into work every day that the research I am producing is going to be translated into meaningful policy that will affect people’s lives.’
Areas of expertise:
- Community ecology
- Dune restoration
Program: Nature-based solutions
Patrick Norby is part of the coastal research support unit who are critical to data collection and the production of high-quality science. He co-coordinates projects, supports logistics, maintains instruments, manages data and oversees some of our research labs. His work helps form and fuel the center’s groundbreaking research.
“I feel lucky to be part of the crew that goes out into the field, gets muddy and rained on, because it’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Areas of expertise:
- Boat operations
- Instrument maintenance
- Logistical support
- Data sampling
Enrique Orozco Lopez, Ph.D., leverages artificial intelligence to better predict harmful algal blooms, salinity and water quality to support Caloosahatchee River water managers in delivering freshwater while minimizing the negative impacts of nutrient loads from horticultural activities.
“The most exciting part of working with the CCS is figuring out how to solve complex environmental problems by using state-of-the-art technologies.”
Areas of expertise:
- Artificial intelligence/machine learning
- Time series analysis
- Contaminant fate and transport
Program: Optimizing water quality solutions
As a field technician in the coastal research support unit, Charli Pezoldt co-coordinates project logistics, maintains instruments and manages field data for numerous experiments and projects. Charli ensures the smooth and safe execution of research initiatives across Florida.
“When I get to go out and work with different people in the field and see what research is being done in such a close and personal way, it drives me to help in any way.”
Areas of expertise:
- Boat operations and scientific diving
- Instrument maintenance
Megan manages the center’s Coastal Edges e-newsletter, social media accounts and website, and supports event planning. Through her storytelling, she makes the center‘s research more accessible to a diverse audience.
“I like working at the CCS because in addition to all the brilliant people I get to work with, it’s a source of optimism for our future.”
Areas of expertise:
- Digital media
- Content creation
- Event planning
Sharlynn Sweeney, Ph.D., manages and coordinates a wide variety of CCS projects and events. She oversees the tracking of CCS publications, personnel and assets, ensuring successful execution of initiatives from inception to completion.
“The CCS stands out in that we are focused on producing actionable insights and tools.”
Areas of expertise:
- Project management
- Research coordination
- Event planning
A biologist by training, Todd Van Natta oversees the center’s coastal field research, leading field operations for multiple projects in various locations throughout Florida and Southeastern USA. This fieldwork powers hands-on training that the center offers to students.
“When I’m underwater, I’m at peace and I can’t imagine any other place I’d rather be.”
Areas of expertise:
- Boating and scientific diving operations
- Equipment maintenance
- Team leader