Dr. Conor MacDonnell is a marine ecologist with a focus in seagrasses, an important ecosystem for both our charismatic megafauna and our coastal communities. He received his B.S. from William and Mary, his M.S. at FGCU, studying the roles of mangroves in methane production and water quality improvement, and his Ph.D. in soil and water sciences at the University of Florida, studying the effectiveness of multiple seagrass restoration techniques in various subtropical environments in Florida. Conor's current research interests include improving the effectiveness and efficiency of seagrass restoration, with an emphasis on incorporating public outreach and awareness.
Email address: cmacdonnell@floridaocean.org
Nathaniel Winn is a research associate interested in seagrass ecology, water quality, and nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems. Nathaniel received his B.S. at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL, where he studied tidal dynamics of porewater nutrients in subterranean estuaries. He received his M.S. from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, where he studied the internal oxygen dynamics and rhizosphere oxidation in tropical seagrass species in Florida Bay. His background also includes using GIS and remote sensing to monitor water quality and harmful algal blooms (HABs) within estuaries and along the coast. Nathaniel oversees our FLOWSS and FOSTER programs, working with citizen scientists to monitor the water quality and facilitate seagrass restoration projects in the Indian River Lagoon. His current research focuses on seagrass restoration and improving water quality.
Email: nwinn@floridaocean.org
Nicholas Curto is a Research Technician interested in expanding knowledge in marine ecology. He received a B.S. from the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing his M.S. degree from Unity College. Nick has spent time in conservation, research, and operations, with a focus on ocean and sea turtle conservation. His current research interests involve focusing on oysters, seagrasses, and mangroves and understanding the role they play ecologically in our backyard.
Email: ncurto@floridaocean.org
In 2024 Nick participated in a project on Oyster Spat Monitoring in the Southern Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie Estuary: 2020-2024 . You can learn more about his project at the links below.
