Student Blogs & Vignettes

Lissette Parades

ABOUT MY RESEARCH

My name is Lissette, and I’m a Fulbright fellow from Chile currently in my first year as a PhD student working in Dr. Chris Stallings’ Fish Ecology Lab at USF CMS. Growing up near the ocean sparked my curiosity about how marine organisms begin their lives and the "superpowers" they develop to survive. These questions from my childhood have guided my passion for larval ecology, particularly ichthyoplankton. This crucial component is impacted by human activity, with its distribution and abundance affected by coastal development and geographical connectivity.

As a PhD student, my goal is to understand how early larval stages of marine organisms survive in coastal ecosystems, focusing on the factors influencing their populations, communities, connectivity, and dynamics. By applying these insights, I aim to address challenges related to coastal development and contribute to the management and conservation of marine ecosystems. I am also committed to scientific outreach, promoting access to knowledge about these fascinating organisms and their vital role in the oceans.

Why USF CMS?

As an international student, I was looking for an exciting place to live and work, and the CMS offers this and much more. Researchers at CMS are recognized for their work in marine science, and the numerous opportunities available through connections with agencies and institutions, along with strong networking between researchers and outreach education, make it an ideal environment. The CMS community is incredibly welcoming, with a great atmosphere for work and collaboration, which is especially important when you're from another country. These is why I’m so excited to start a new path on these side of the world!