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Texas State Aquarium Endowed Scholarship In Biodiversity and Conservation Science
The Texas State Aquarium established this scholarship to support graduate students following in the footsteps of the late Dr. John “Wes” Tunnell, Jr. by conducting biodiversity and/or conservation science research in the Gulf of Mexico or Caribbean Sea. Dr. Tunnell was a longtime friend and advisor to the Aquarium, having aided in the Aquarium’s early planning phases in 1978 and subsequent expansions throughout the next four decades. Through his teachings and mentorship, he inspired many Aquarium staff members and volunteers to pursue careers in marine science.
MARIANA C. LEÓN‐PÉREZ M.S.
Ph.D. Coastal and Marine System Science
HOMETOWN: Boquerón, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico RESEARCH GROUP: Geospatial Sciences DISSERTATION: Massive Arrivals of Pelagic Sargassum: Vulnerability of Social-Ecological Systems and Management Implications in Puerto Rico GRADUATION DATE: Spring 2023
I have always wanted to contribute to the solution of environmental problems I saw in my home island of Puerto Rico and throughout the region. Through my research at HRI, I have been able to follow the social-ecological system approach by looking at the impacts of Sargassum influxes on coastal and marine habitats, their impacts on coastal communities’ economies and well-being, and the legal and policy aspects involving the mitigation of these events. I can’t believe I’m about to finish my doctoral degree in the Spring of 2023, and this achievement would have not been possible without the support I have received throughout my career from scholarships like the Texas State Aquarium Endowed Scholarship. I’m immensely grateful for their support and I promise I will keep up the good work and continue the production of social-ecological knowledge and science-driven solutions for environmental and social problems in our region.
MOLLY MCBRIDE
M.S. Marine Biology
HOMETOWN: Cherry Hill, New Jersey RESEARCH GROUP: Coastal Ecosystem Processes THESIS: Influence of Colorado River discharge variability on phytoplankton communities in Matagorda Bay, Texas GRADUATION DATE: Summer 2022
I always wanted to use science to help people and animals, and HRI afforded me that opportunity. Estuarine harmful algal blooms hurt not only our coastal ecosystems, but also affect the health and livelihood of the local community. Through my research at HRI, I was able to observe harmful algal species and other phytoplankton in Matagorda Bay, enjoying many beautiful days on the water collecting samples. Decreased riverine inflow was proposed as a possible influence on the phytoplankton community of Matagorda Bay and it was incredibly fulfilling to investigate this, as I analyzed data that informs future management decisions. My Texas State Aquarium Endowed Scholarship in Biodiversity and Conservation Science supported my contribution of critical information about Matagorda Bay's ecosystem and phytoplankton in light of potential further decreased inflow due to climate change or increased water demand. I am incredibly grateful to have received this funding to support my life’s goal of helping others through research.
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