I had a wonderful time presenting my research and meeting with so many passionate scientists at the Benthic Ecology Meeting in Miami! My poster investigates the potential use of benthic infauna as tools for habitat restoration in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida #BEM2023

Had a great time at #BEM2023 sharing my research on UV-A light as an antifoulant in marine vessel plumbing systems. SMS Benthic Ecology Lab

Last week at the Indian River Lagoon Symposium I presented research I have been conducting for the past year. My work in the Benthic Lab has transitioned to contributing to a long-term benthic infaunal monitoring project to inform the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

Check out some of the organisms Justin found in the field this past week!

Finished picking 5681 Fabricinuda worms from a 6 oz sample! These came from a healthy site in the middle of the Indian River Lagoon.

Research technician Sabrina Castellanos has been working on an independent project that focuses on sampling the communities of tiny invertebrates living within IRL seagrass beds. This research can provide baseline data useful for informing and tracking seagrass restoration.

Had a fun time talking to Justin and Jude about their work in taxonomy. I am lucky to work alongside them!

Marine Science in the Morning featured PI Holly Sweat speaking about her curation of the Indian River Lagoon Species Inventory. irlspecies.org/index.php For quarterly newsletter email: [email protected]

📢Job Alert!! We’re searching for postdoctoral fellows to conduct research on benthic invertebrates and fishes under NMNH’s new Ocean DNA Initiative. Please help us spread the word! See the link for more: trustcareers.si.edu/en/postings/79…

Had another successful Benthic Ecology Meeting presenting my work from the SMS Benthic Ecology Lab! #BEM24

Our lab had a great time attending and presenting at this year’s Benthic Ecology Meeting! It was an excellent opportunity to connect with our colleagues, meet new people, and learn about benthic ecology research!🦀🦞🐚🪱🪸 instagram.com/reel/C53fJzaxj…

Today, on World Day for Laboratory Animals, we recognize the role that benthic inverts play as forensic tools in the study of ecosystem health. Our lab appreciates them today and every day.

📢JOB OPENING! 📢 We are looking for a summer intern to work on-site in Ft. Pierce, FL for 8 weeks! The deadline to apply is May 17th!

Did you know there are crustaceans that parasitize crustaceans! The isopod Progebiophilus upogebiae spends its adult life in the gills of mudshrimp. As larvae, they enter the gills from under their host’s shell. They spend the rest of their lives feeding on their host’s blood!

Happy worm wednesday!🪱Check out this rare spoon worm (thalassematid echiuran) Justin found with an Alpheus christofferseni shrimp living in its burrow! The shrimp is an obligate associate of the worm and maintained body contact with the worm after collection.🦐

🎉Happy World Biodiversity Day!🎉 These infauna were found at one of our most diverse sites in the IRL. We sure don't get bored picking through this sample!

A member of our lab, Justin Scioli, recently published a paper on new species and records of the symbiotic shrimp genus Leptalpheus. Read more about it here! doi.org/10.11646/zoota…

📢Job Announcement!📢The SMS Benthic Ecology Laboratory is seeking an independent research contractor to support an investigation of infaunal invertebrate communities in the northern Indian River Lagoon (IRL) system. Apply here! naturalhistory.si.edu/research/smith…

GSI is hiring!🦪 static1.squarespace.com/static/61f87db…

📢JOB ALERT! The SMS Benthic Ecology Lab is looking to hire an independent research technician contractor. Interested in applying? Visit naturalhistory.si.edu/research/smith… to see the full job description. Applications should be sent to Holly Sweat ([email protected]) by 5pm on 2/21/25.