FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Johnson Marine Education Center Auditorium

The John & Barbara Ferrera Ocean Science Lecture Series provides a forum for the community to learn about the important research underway at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, and around the world.



This free series is available to the public, both in-person and virtually. Lectures are held on Wednesdays at 4 pm in the FAU Harbor Branch Johnson Marine Education Center Auditorium followed by a meet and greet with the speaker. Presentations will also be livestreamed and recorded.



Advanced registration is required. Please visit www.fau.edu/hboi/osls to reserve your spot and view lecture recordings. Please call the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center at 772-242-2293 for more information.



2025 John & Barbara Ferrera Ocean Science Lecture Series:





January 8

"FAU Harbor Branch: Celebrating Our Accomplishments and Looking Ahead"

Jim Sullivan, Ph.D.



January 15

"An update on the FAU Harbor Branch Stranding and Population Assessment Team and their Work with Marine Mammals in Southeast Florida"

Steve Burton



January 22

"Algal Blooms in Southern Florida: Current Trends and Future Directions"

Malcolm McFarland, Ph.D.



January 29

"Exploration of Deep-Water Habitats off Puerto Rico for Biotechnology Potential"

Esther Guzman, Ph.D.



February 5

"Striving for Sustainable Seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon"

Rachel Brewton, Ph.D.



February 12

"Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change: Combating misinformation about the ocean, weather, and climate change . . . and having a little fun"

Ellen Prager, Ph.D. and Dave Jones, Guest Lecture



February 19

"Unveiling the Hidden Role of Parasites in Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration"

Mike McCoy, Ph.D.



February 26

"Seeds aren’t Only for Plants - Fish Farms Need Seedstock Too"

Paul Wills, Ph.D.



March 5

"Coral Reef Connectivity and Conservation in a Changing Climate"

Ryan Eckert and Allison Klein, Graduate Student Lecture



March 12

"Exploring the Rich Natural Products Chemistry of Florida's Coastal Waters"

Amy Wright, Ph.D.



March 19

"Ink-redible Investigations: What Sea Slugs, Cuttlefish, Whales, and Sharks all have in common"

Lauren Simonitis, Ph.D., Guest Lecture



March 26

"Blue Energy in a Blue Economy"

Gabe Alsenas

Lecture