Student Blogs & Vignettes

Catalina Rubiano

About my research

I am a master’s student in Dr. Alastair Graham’s Seafloor Exploration and Survey of Antarctic and Marine Environments (SESAME) group. My research focuses on understanding the sea level history of submerged paleoshorelines on the West Florida Shelf. Using a combination of surface and sub-surface imaging techniques, we will determine the geomorphic processes that led to the deposition and abandonment of shorelines along the Florida coast since the last glacial lowstand. Florida’s coastlines are especially vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise with its sprawling beach communities, so an informed understanding of how barrier shorelines respond to rapid sea level rise is useful for management and planning purposes.

Why USF CMS?

I chose CMS because not only did I see a high-quality marine science program, but I saw a supportive community in the surrounding St. Pete/Pinellas area that was dedicated to the calling of excellence in ocean science. With USGS, NOAA, and now the Maritime Defense and Technology Hub right down the street from me, I feel like my time at CMS is preparing me well for a career by providing opportunities for collaboration and networking right in our own backyard. Coming from New Orleans where vibrant community culture is a way of life, I new that St. Pete was going to give me something very similar – just with a beachy flair! Between exciting science, a vibrant community, and beautiful waterfront views, I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.