Student Blogs & Vignettes

Luis D. Lizcano Sandoval

About my research

My research focuses on the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network Pole to Pole in the Americas (MBON P2P) coastal biodiversity efforts. The work is in the framework of the AMeriGEOSS initiative. The research will seek to both address patterns of biodiversity and also relations with environmental variables such as Sea Surface Temperature, Chlorophyll-a, Photosynthetically Available Radiation, and Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient at 490 nm, among other parameters. Most of the environmental data will be obtained from NASA remote sensing products such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS – Terra and Aqua), Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS), Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), and higher resolution sensors such as Landsat and various Sentinel missions. Biodiversity data is obtained from the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS), an open-access platform for sharing this kind of data. Changes in biodiversity will be assessed at different spatio-temporal scales. The goal is to develop regional analyses to support decision-makers to improve the implementation of management plans in the Americas following specific data collection and management standards. This research will have an important capacity building and organization component to support the MBON P2P project. 

Why USFCMS?

The College of Marine Science is a strong college doing high-quality research on different aspects of the oceans: Biology, Geology, Physics, and Chemistry. This interdisciplinary research called my attention. Moreover, it is located at a very strategic place in Florida that allows to develop research in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, or Florida Keys; from shallow to deep waters; and from coastal to benthic marine ecosystems. So, this a good place to learn different aspects of marine sciences and strengthen our knowledge.