The Water School at FGCU

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The Water School at FGCU

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Support The Water School during Give Day 2026: https://donate.fgcu.edu/g/water-school-give-day-2026

FGCU's Water School = interdisciplinary solutions to enviro and water issues + watershed ecosystems.

09/04/2026

Congratulations to Our Graduate Researchers! 💚💙

The Water School is proud to celebrate Kenzie Pruitt and Cooper Blay on successfully defending their master's theses! 👏

🐟 Kenzie Pruitt examined how fish populations at Kimberly’s Reef have developed since its deployment and investigated how pesticides in coastal waters may impact local fish communities.

🌿 Cooper Blay conducted interdisciplinary research combining remote sensing and integrated environmental management, exploring how spatial analysis can better inform regional mangrove conservation strategies.

Both projects address important questions facing Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems and showcase the meaningful research being conducted by our graduate students.

🔎 What research are you working on? We want to hear from our students! Tell us about your research in the comments.

🎓 Interested in continuing your research journey? Visit fgcu.edu/thewaterschool to explore The Water School’s academic programs and learn more about graduate school opportunities at FGCU.

08/31/2026

Alumni Spotlight: Paola Rivera 🎓

We recently ran into Paola Rivera, The Water School alumni, at the Southwest Florida Water & Wastewater Expo.

Paola, FGCU Class of 2023, worked as a student assistant for The Water School, where she helped bring science to students through a live video segment for Lee County Schools focused on plant and animal adaptations. 🌱🦎

Today, Paola is putting her education to work as an Environmental Consultant with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 🌎

We’d love to hear from more TWS alumni! Share your story in the comments and let us know where your journey has taken you.

07/31/2026

🦴 Fun with Fossils at the Local Library 📚

Dr. Harry Maisch gave an all-ages presentation about fossils at the South County Regional Library in Estero, FL. As part of Lee County’s summer reading program "Unearth a Story," Dr. Maisch gave a talk entitled Fun with Fossils: Fossils and Fossil Preservation.

Community outreach like this reflects The Water School at FGCU's commitment to sharing knowledge beyond the classroom, connecting science with the community, and inspiring curiosity in learners of all ages.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of discovery!

07/27/2026

☀️🌊 Summer Camp Adventures at Vester Field Station!

Our Vester Marine Science Summer Camp campers had an unforgettable experience exploring the wonders of Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems! From the classroom to the field, every day was filled with discovery, hands-on learning, and plenty of fun.

📸 Swipe through to see some of our favorite moments from camp

07/20/2026

🌊 Student Spotlight: Joey Evangelista

This summer, Joey Evangelista turned classroom knowledge into real-world conservation through Dr. Matt Ware's Sea Turtle Nesting Internship.

Working on Cayo Costa and Don Pedro Island State Parks, Joey conducted early-morning sea turtle nesting surveys, helping monitor and protect some of Florida's most iconic marine species. One of the biggest highlights of the summer was documenting the first leatherback sea turtle nesting activity on Cayo Costa in six years! 🐢

"Finding leatherback nests was incredible," Joey shared. "Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtles in the world."

In addition to monitoring sea turtles, Joey has gained hands-on experience in invasive species removal, coastal resource management, and conservation research, building the skills and professional

👏 Congratulations, Joey, on an incredible summer!

06/19/2026

🌊🌱 Can clams help restore seagrass in Estero Bay? The Water School is helping find out!

Faculty researchers Dr.James Douglass and Dr. Melissa May are part of a new project investigating how clams and seagrass may work together to improve water quality and strengthen coastal ecosystems in Estero Bay.

📰 Read the full story: https://www.gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/estero-bay-clam-seagrass-species-water-research-fgcu/71463019

05/22/2026

🚤🌊 Exploring Research in Action at Vester Field Station!

Recently, The Water School employees from main campus visited FGCU Vester Field Station to learn more about the important research, monitoring, and community engagement happening along Southwest Florida’s coast.

During the visit, the group got an inside look at the work being conducted at Vester and even headed out on the water to visit sampling sites firsthand. From water quality monitoring to coastal ecosystem research, the experience highlighted how Vester serves as a living laboratory for students, faculty, and researchers. 🌱🔬

05/18/2026

🎓 Congratulations TWS Graduates! 💚💙

We want to celebrate the hard work, resilience, and accomplishments of our newest graduates from The Water School at FGCU!

From field research and internships to community engagement and hands-on learning experiences, these students have dedicated themselves to understanding and protecting the water, ecosystems, and communities that make Southwest Florida so unique. 🌎💧

We are proud of everything you’ve achieved and excited to see the impact you will make. Congratulations, Class of 2026! ✨

05/11/2026

🎙️ New episodes of Your University: The FGCU Podcast are highlighting the incredible stories, research, and creativity happening at The Water School!

In one episode, Dr. Win Everham, Professor and Program Coordinator for Ecology & Environmental Studies, shares how sound is being used to track ecosystem recovery in Southwest Florida. The conversation explores citizen science, environmental stewardship, and the important role our community plays in restoration efforts.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.fgcu.edu/your-university/podcast/episode-1-win-everham

Another episode features Macy Noll, a dual-degree Art and Biology student and The Water School team member, who shares her journey from a ceramics class to installing clay sculptures on Kimberly’s Reef and conducting two years of underwater research. The episode highlights the intersection of art and science, and the power of creativity in environmental education. 🎨🌎

🎧 Listen here: https://www.fgcu.edu/your-university/podcast/episode-5-macy-noll

Take a listen and discover the people and ideas shaping the future of environmental research, education, and community engagement at FGCU. 💚💙

05/08/2026

🌊 Only a few spots left for Vester Summer Camp 2026! ✨

Give your child a hands-on marine science experience they’ll never forget at the Vester Marine Science Summer Camp!

Campers will explore Southwest Florida’s coastal environment through:
🔬 Classroom, lab & field learning
🚤 Daily boat outings & beach trips
🦀 Biology, chemistry, geology & ecology activities
🎓 Mentorship from FGCU students

📅 Session 1: June 8–12
📅 Session 2: June 22–26

👥 Open to incoming 6th–8th graders
💲 Cost: $300

🔗 Register here: https://www.fgcu.edu/thewaterschool/student-research-opportunities/marine-science-summer-camp

Address

11098 FGCU Boulevard N
Fort Myers, FL
33965

Website

https://www.fgcu.edu/thewaterschool/

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