Exploring Viral Diversity in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in Florida's Springs

Summary

This study focused in assessing the viral diversity of the aquatic vegetation in four freshwater springs in Florida: Volusia Blue, Ichetucknee and Manatee springs. 

Unfortunately, due to the increase of anthropogenic activity in the aquifer, the health of the springs has been decaying. Aquatic vegetation are first responders to these effects and thus serve as important indicators to assess the health of the springs. It is imperative to understand the role of viruses in these organisms, because they provide important ecosystem services to the springs such as habitat for wildlife and nutrient cycling. 


This project was advised by Mya Breitbart, Ph.D. and Karyna Rosario, Ph.D.
Presentation given at the 38th Annual Graduate Student Symposium at USF CMS. Second Place Oral Presentation.
Copy of Poster AVW_NBL_final.pdf

This poster was presented at the Aquatic Viruses Meeting 9 in 2018 and at The Genomics of Global and Planetary Health Symposium at USF College of Public Health Global and Planetary Health Strategic Area Tampa, FL. The project findings have also been presented orally at 38th Annual Graduate Student Symposium at USF-CMS and the 2019 Ecological Society of America (ESA) and United States Society for Ecological Economics (USSEE) Joint Meeting at Louisville, KY (Click here to access abstract)

Sloan Scholar

Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Fall 2017-Spring 2020

Awards under this project: 2019

Best Poster presentation, USF College of Public Health Genomics of Global and Planetary Health            
2nd Place Oral Presentation, USF College of Marine Science Graduate Student Symposium
Alumni Conference Mentor Travel Award, ESA SEEDS program