news & stories
Research and tech offer water-saving solutions to local farmers
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – The Floridian aquifer supplies millions of people with water that is depleting due to overextraction, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Who protects Florida’s wetlands when federal protections fade?
As the Sackett v. EPA ruling reshapes national wetland policy, UF experts David Kaplan, Ph.D., director of the Howard T. Odum Center for Wetlands, and Matthew Cohen, Ph.D., director of the UF Water Institute, explain how Florida’s existing laws protect its waters and wetlands better than most states, and why continued leadership is critical.
New decision-support tools bring foresight to Lake Okeechobee management
Water managers can now explore how lake conditions and water release strategies could affect Lake Okeechobee’s water quantity and quality, using two new web-based tools designed to support more proactive decision-making.
Health impacts of algal blooms now quantifiable
New research delivers the clearest evidence so far that exposure to Florida’s red tide drives measurable increases in acute respiratory and gastrointestinal illness
Florida’s red tide events tied to illness
Florida’s hospitals can expect an uptick in patients during red tide events, a new University of Florida Health study has found.
Exciting new horizons for graduates
In August, we proudly celebrated the graduation of two outstanding students: Yiyang Kang and Nick Chin. Congratulations to these inspiring young leaders and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
Celebrating graduate student success
We’re proud to celebrate the accomplishments of four exceptional students who recently defended their theses and dissertations.
Bringing red tide research to where it matters
“As we all live on or near the Indian River Lagoon, we’re directly affected by these issues,” said Walter Rentz, president of the Space Coast Gator Club. “The discussion about red tide was especially timely.”
UF water researchers develop prediction system for harmful algae
The slimy algae topping Florida’s waterways are more than just unsightly. They are often toxic to humans, animals and the environment.
Braving the swamp! Graduate students share the thrill of wetland science with kids
When children see photos of Alexis Jackson wading through muddy wetlands — swarmed by insects, enduring scorching heat and working alongside alligators and snakes — their first question is usually, “Why are you doing this?”
Researchers develop models to predict algal bloom risks a day ahead
María Menchú-Maldonado, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research scholar at North Carolina State University, and her team at North Carolina State University, University of Florida, University of South Florida, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation developed a forecasting framework that predicts the risk of algal blooms in the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary a day in advance.
Scientists study how the dance of underwater vegetation can support algae management
The sway of plants caused by the flow of water resembles a dance to graduate student Katie Schoenberger, who is researching how this movement can affect the growth and removal of algae in Florida’s springs.
Ph.D. students help future data and environmental scientists build new skills