Mentorship | Coralreefecology

Past

Krista Laforest - I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a BS in Marine Biology and a BA in Psychology. I am currently pursuing my MS in Marine Science at Nova Southeastern University, focusing on the effects of environmental stressors on coral spawning. As the 2021 Our World Underwater Scholarship Society AAUS Mitchell Scientific Diving Intern, I am assisting Josh with his dissertation work studying the effects of parrotfish movement, territoriality, and foraging behavior on coral reefs. During this time, I will also be conducting research on the foraging patterns and territoriality of the foureye butterflyfish, Chaetodon capistratus.

Lena Kury - Lena is an undergraduate at FSU majoring in Biology with a focus in Marine Biology. She joined UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program) during her freshman year and started working in Dr. McCoy’s lab. She is interested in studying coral reefs, particularly the role of cyanobacterial mats, and fish interactions on the ecosystem. As a Research Assistant, she has analyzed images of cyanobacterial mats using ImageJ, QGIS, and CoralNet to identify mat cover. After becoming an AAUS Scientific Diver, she traveled to Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands during the Summer of 2021 to assist with Josh Manning’s PhD research on parrotfish foraging and ecology.

Former

Joh'Nyra Bryant - I am a graduating senior that aspires to become a Physician Assistant. Aside from medicine, I have always had a passion for the sciences and helping out Joshua Manning with his research allows me to do something that I enjoy. I honestly regret not getting into research sooner, but I am beyond grateful for the opportunity!

Jessica Henson - My name is Jessica Henson and I am a Sophomore majoring in Biochemistry. After graduating FSU, I plan on attending a Pharmacy school to become a Pharmacist. I am involved in Florida State’s Undergraduate Research Program, and have an interest in Marine Biology research. I am currently aiding in research on the role of parrotfish behavior in coral reef communities. This relates to my interests of marine biology by exploring the aquatic side of science.

Braeden Koechle - I am a sophomore majoring Pre-Clinical Professions within the Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences program. After graduation from FSU, I plan to attend medical school somewhere in the state of Florida to become an ophthalmologist. I am involved in Florida State’s Undergraduate Research Program with a keen interest in marine biology as well as your usual pre-med sciences. Currently, I am helping with researching the role of parrotfish behavior in benthic coral reef communities. This helps me focus on other subjects and further knowledge on a subject I really enjoy that isn’t part of a normal pre-med routine.

Joseph Portillo

Isabelle Basden

Michelle Dziewit

Briana Clark