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University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research University

Researchers partner with local high schoolers to study the effects of COVID-19 on air quality

Interdisciplinary researchers at USF’s St. Petersburg campus are investigating the pandemic’s effect on air quality in communities across Florida. Using an assortment of data, the researchers will team with Duke Energy and local high schoolers to examine key environmental impacts brought about by the coronavirus lockdown, aiming to better understand the health and socioeconomic consequences of changes in air quality.

September 28, 2020Research

NOAA image of a hurricane

Study investigates hurricane evacuations in the era of COVID-19

The 2020 hurricane season is breaking records with 23 named storms, and more are projected to develop over the next few weeks.

September 21, 2020Research

University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research University

Mercury concentrations in Yukon River fish could surpass EPA Criterion by 2050 due to thawing permafrost

The concentration of mercury in fish in Alaska’s Yukon River may exceed EPA mercury criterion by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions are not constrained, according to a new scientific research paper co-authored by a professor at the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus.

September 16, 2020Research

Fisheating Creek is one of the many Florida waterways governed by the Clean Water Act.

Environmental Scientists: New Federal Rule is a Watershed Moment for U.S. Water Quality

USF School of Geosciences Director Mark Rains is among group of leading water scientists who decry a new federal rule removing protection of some vital streams and wetlands.

August 13, 2020Research

The Monte Conca cave system

USF researchers find human-driven pollution alters the environment even underground

The Monte Conca cave system on the island of Sicily is a vast system of springs and pools, sitting below a nature preserve. It might be presumed to be one of the few places untouched by human-driven pollution.

May 7, 2020Research

University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research University

USF senior set to graduate after overcoming obstacles including homelessness

As the University of South Florida community prepares for another graduation, one student is sharing his harrowing experience about how he overcame the unthinkable while on his journey to receive his degree.

May 7, 2020Alumni News

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling addressed the issue of whether a federal permit was needed to discharge wastewater off the west side of the Island of Maui because it was contaminating a coral reef. USF School of Geosciences Chair Mark Rains joined colleagues in advocating for environmental protections.

U.S. Supreme Court Sides with Environmentalists, Scientists in Clean Water Act Ruling

Last year, USF School of Geosciences Chair Mark Rains was part of a group of scientific experts who filed a legal brief in a crucial U.S. Supreme Court Case challenging the Clean Water Act’s ability to stem pollution flowing through ground water into oceans, lakes and rivers.

April 24, 2020Research

Two students in front of USF St.Pete pier

Students Adjusting, Learning ‘New Normal’ during Coronavirus Epidemic

Students are adjusting to new routines, learning how to learn remotely and finding unique ways to stay connected with family and friends while remaining healthy during these challenging times. We reached out to several USF St. Petersburg students, read about Jadzia Duarte – senior majoring in environmental science and policy experience.

April 1, 2020Alumni News

University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research University

AT&T Awards USF St. Petersburg a Climate Resiliency Grant for Crowdsourced Community Project

USF St. Petersburg was one of just five universities in the southeastern U.S. to be awarded an AT&T Climate Resiliency Community Challenge grant. The University’s Initiative on Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (iCAR) is receiving $50,000 for a project that will leverage citizen engagement and crowdsourced data to identify climate vulnerabilities in local communities.

February 27, 2020Research

University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research University

Student Competition to Encourage Energy Reduction in Residence Hall

Nicolas Gonzalez is energy wise. He wants his peers to take the stairs instead of the elevator and turn lights off when they leave the room. To encourage sustainable habits, Gonzalez, an environmental science and policy senior at USF St. Petersburg, has created a competition that will see residents of Pelican Hall, formerly known as Residence Hall One, compete to see which floor can use the least amount of energy over a three-week span.

February 20, 2020Alumni News

Oyster on sandbed

Colossal Oysters Have Disappeared from Florida’s Most ‘Pristine’ Coastlines

Hundreds of years ago, colossal oysters were commonplace across much of Florida’s northern Gulf Coast. Today, those oysters have disappeared, leaving behind a new generation roughly a third smaller – a massive decline that continues to have both economic and environmental impacts.

February 5, 2020Research

About Department News

A collection of articles showcasing the latest achievements, scholarly contributions, and exciting updates from our accomplished students, faculty, and staff. Stay informed and inspired as we celebrate the dynamic accomplishments within our Geoscience community.