MEREDITH FERDIE
Florida International University
Department of Biological Sciences
University Park, OE 167
Miami, FL 33199
Phone: (305) 348-1556
EDUCATION:
Florida International University, Miami, FL
M.S. Program in Biology; 1999-present
University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL
B.S. in Biology, 1998; magna cum laude
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Marine coastal ecology; seagrass, mangrove and coral reef ecosystems; benthic ecology; population and community biology; biogeochemistry, nutrient cycling in tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems; effects of cultural eutrophication on nearshore coastal systems; aquaculture/fisheries and water quality in developing countries; aquatic environmental monitoring and assessment; conservation biology.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Teaching Assistant; Florida International University (1999 - 2000)
Courses: Human Biology, Introduction to Marine Biology
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant; University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL (1998)
Course: Ecology
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:
Graduate Research Assistant; Florida International University (1999-Present)
Investigation: Seagrass Ecosystem Monitoring in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Underwater sampling with quadrat and transect method; underwater photography; elemental nutrient analysis of plant and sediment samples; processing of primary production and demographic measurements. (Supervisor: J.W. Fourqurean)
Marine Science Intern; Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Alabama (1999)
Investigation: Effects of nutrient enrichment and large predator removal on seagrass nursery habitats in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Seagrass and faunal sampling, primary production measurements, water column sampling, maintenance of field enclosures. (Supervisor: K.Heck)
Field Assistant; Cocha Cashu Biological Field Station, Manu National Park, Amazon Basin, Peru (1999)
Investigation: Habitat selection, community ecology and population dynamics of small tropical mammals in a heterogeneous landscape. Live trapping; handling and identification of rodents, opossum and bat species; radio telemetry; bat mist netting; infrared triggered cameras
Biological Technician; University of Florida, Milton, FL (1998)
Collection of vegetation and environmental data for a dune restoration and recovery study on Santa Rosa Island; greenhouse maintenance.
Tropical Rainforest Ecology Course; La Suerte Biological Field Station, Costa Rica (1998)
One month course with emphasis on field techniques and independent research in tropical ecosystems. Exposure to mist netting, bird banding, mark-recapture, pitfall traps, and transects.
Volunteer Lab Assistant; Department of Environmental Protection, Pensacola, FL (1998)
Seagrass propagation; scallop re-population; water quality monitoring; barrier island restoration.
Naturalist; Yankee Fleet Tortugas Safaris, Key West, FL (1996)
Naturalist and guide aboard a 100' passenger vessel with ferry service to the Dry Tortugas National Park
Provide interpretative presentations with emphasis on bird refuges, sooty and brown noddy nesting, sea turtles and coral reef ecology; lead reef snorkel tours and assist boat mates.
HONORS, AWARDS AND GRANTS
FIU 2000 Tropical Biology Research ($2,000) and Travel Award ($500)
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Golden Key National Honor Society
Presidents List (Spring 1998)
Deans List (Spring, Summer and Fall 1997; Fall 1998)
University of West Florida Academic Scholarship; Biology Department (Spring and Fall 1998)
Dade County College Assistance Program Scholarship (1997-1998)
PRESENTATIONS
"Response of benthic macrophyte community to nutrient enrichment in the Upper Florida Keys"
FIU Tropical Biology Symposium 2000, Poster
SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Certified PADI open water scuba; AAUS scientific diver, CPR and first aide
In-situ identification of seagrasses and macroalgae.
Underwater photography
Trimble PRO-XR (GPS), Laser level (elevations)
Small boat operation
ArcView 3, WordPerfect Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, SPSS, POPULUS
MEMBERSHIPS
Estuarine Research Federation 1999-2001
SEERS 2000-2001