Student Blogs & Vignettes

Devin Coffey

ABOUT MY RESEARCH

I developed a passion for paleoceanography during college and engaged in this research during my undergraduate studies at the University of Maine (UMaine). I am interested in the geochemical processes in the ocean over long time scales. At UMaine, my research focused on geochemical analysis during the Holocene and deglaciation near the Gulf of Maine, studying subsurface waters traveling along the Scotian Slope as they enter the Gulf of Maine via the Northeast Channel. My study centered on a sediment core from the Scotian Slope, which provided insights into past environmental conditions through the geochemical composition of calcium carbonate shells preserved in the core.

I continued my paleoclimate studies at Texas A&M University through the OCEANUS Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship funded by the National Science Foundation. During this internship, I researched the Holocene period in the Gulf of Mexico, similar to my work at UMaine for the Gulf of Maine. I investigated the paleolimnology of a sinkhole lake dating from 20,000 to 50,000 years ago, using cores from a Bahamian blue hole. I was also fortunate to be aboard the R/V Western Flyer during its first research cruise in the Gulf of Mexico, where we aimed to determine if the sediment cores preserved a prehistoric record of hurricane activity from Tampa Bay to the Fort Myers region.

WHY USF CMS?

I am excited to continue my studies in graduate school by pursuing a PhD in geological oceanography with Dr. Amelia Shevenell. I look forward to working with larger geologic timescales to better understand how past climate and ocean conditions have shaped the world we live in today. Ultimately, I hope my paleoceanographic research will help address current ocean and climate issues.

I knew USF was the right choice for me after attending a recruitment event during the spring of my senior year as an undergraduate. I was warmly welcomed and fell in love with both USF and the St. Petersburg community. USF stood out due to its excellent research opportunities and its environment centered around the ocean. Additionally, receiving the USF Presidential Doctoral Fellowship is a significant factor in my decision, as it supports growth in both professional and interpersonal skills. This fellowship is particularly important to me because scientific communication is a key interest. USF offers connections with outstanding faculty as well as local government organizations and agencies, which is valuable for conducting geological oceanographic research.