Student Blogs & Vignettes

Olivia Blondheim

 

ABOUT MY RESEARCH

Mangroves and salt marshes are intertidal plant communities that provide important ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and water filtration. Typically, mangrove growth ranges are limited to tropical and subtropical latitudes, but a warming climate is causing mangroves to expand into regions previously dominated by salt marshes. My research focuses on the poleward expansion of mangroves into salt marsh habitats and the effect it will have on species assemblages and energy transfer.

When I am not in the field or the lab, I enjoy using my research to help drive policy, education, and advocacy. I volunteer with EarthEcho International, a non-profit organization founded on the belief that youth have the power to change the planet. As a member of the Board of Directors, I advocate for young ocean leaders as they engage local communities to better protect their water resources.

Why USF CMS?

I was first introduced to USF’s College of Marine Science through the Ocean Policy course offered every other year. Seeing how mentorship and collaboration were valued by everyone I met at the CMS made me want to be a part of this incredibly supportive community. I also joined the CMS because of its proximity to such diverse marine ecosystems, ranging from mangroves and salt marshes to coral reefs.