Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences

Project Summary

Threats from coastal erosion drive the need for effective and sustainable protection methods. Interlocking concrete reef blocks dissipate wave energy while also supporting habitat restoration. Current deployment methods are inefficient and require significant human interaction. A compact hydraulic lifting system should enable increased safety, control, and efficiency. Evaluate whether this system improves deployment performance compared to eyehooks and maintain scalability for larger applications.

Project Summary

Current Capture aimed to design, develop, and test a prototype of a hydropower turbine that is scalable and deployable. The design considers the harsh ocean environment, corrosion in the material selection, efficiency in the blade choice, and structural positioning in the housing extremities. Two NACA foil composite blades were designed and manufactured to perform an experiment and analyze the velocities and RPMs.

Project Objective

Design and manufacture a towable hydrokinetic turbine prototype. Test to identify the best NACA foil for harnessing current energy

Project Summary

This project investigates whether key stress and immune gene families are shared across aquaculture and wild fish species. By analyzing genes such as HSP70, HSP90, SODs, GSTs, and MHC Class I and II, we found that core stress genes are consistent across all species, while immune genes vary but are present in all. These results suggest that many fish may have the genetic capacity to succeed in aquaculture.

Project Objective

To determine whether core stress and immune genes are conserved across aquaculture fish species and whether this shared genomic basis supports broader viability for aquaculture.

Manufacturing Design Methods

Genomic data from multiple fish species were complied using FishBase and analyzed using R. Gene families related to stress response and immune function were compared across aquaculture and wild species.

Analysis

Core stress genes were consistently present across all species, while immune genes showed some variation in copy number but were present in every species. No major differences were found between aquaculture and wild fish in these gene families.

Future Works

Conduct controlled experiments to test whether species with similar gene profiles show similar responses to stress by measuring gene expression, survival rates, and physiological indicators.

Acknowledgement

We thank our faculty advisor, Dr. Turnigan, and the Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences at Florida Institute of Technology for their guidance and support.

Project Summary

Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are vital keystone predators that help regulate the health of marine ecosystems, and some of the largest and most wide-ranging fishes in the ocean. Elasmobranch identification is difficult due to morphological similarities between species, and the high risk of encountering cryptics. These are evolutionarily distinct, but physically identical to more common taxa, and can only be identified using genetics. Misidentification is a major obstacle to shark science, especially considering new data showing that 70% of all elasmobranchs have been lost in the past 50 years, and many sharks are now shifting ranges in response to global warming. Because of this, there is increasing urgency to pair ecological, trophic, and other types of studies on sharks with genetic identification. Unlike traditional bony fishes, elasmobranch skeletons are comprised of cartilage and soft tissue that degrades relatively quickly, but contains DNA that can be used for genetic identification. Little work has been done on sequencing DNA from preserved jaw cartilage, but some research has shown that it is possible to do, depending on their age. For this study, we sequenced DNA from 28 dried, preserved shark jaws that are part of an ongoing study on stable isotopes and trophic ecology, in collaboration with the Minorities in Shark Science’s ICONIC Oceans Project.

Project Summary

Nurse Sharks, Ginglymostona cirratum, are slow-growing, long lived elasmobranchs found in tropical and subtropical Atlantic coastal ecosystems. Due to their life history traits, they are vulnerable to population decline and are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. A recent study comparing populations in Biscayne Bay, Florida and Bimini, Bahamas found an unexpected pattern. The nurse sharks of the more temperate Biscayne Bay exhibited faster growth rates and smaller adult sizes, contradicting trends where warmer more productive waters support faster growth. Data on growth rates are important to conservation, making it vital to understand the course of species differences. Prior studies have found no genetic differences between the two ranges. We propose a different genetic technique that will produce a DNA fingerprint of each individual. Using this level of identification allows for testing of more fine scale disparities between the populations to detect the drivers of their differing growth rates. Although they are commonly found in Southern Florida and the Keys they remain understudied. Nurse sharks are threatened by anthropogenic challenges, making it important for natural resource managers to have as much information as possible to make effective decisions to protect this species.

Project Summary

N.A.U.T.I.L.U.S. is looking to eliminate synthetic filtration and feeding methods used in common practice within the aquaculture industry. Current studies show that a large sum of money goes towards feeding and filtration of aquaculture systems. Eliminating this cost would boost geo-economic outputs as well as reduce waste generated by these facilities.

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank our wonderful advisor Dr. Ralph Turingan, who always inspires us to go above and beyond.

Project Summary

Populations of people moving to the coasts of the United States have increased exponentially. To account for these increases, a large spike in urban construction has commenced. Increased urbanization comes with additional costs including pollution, deforestation, carbon, and microplastics. A sharp increase in microplastic levels has been seen throughout multiple environments and organisms in recent years. Microplastic distributions and concentrations are relatively unknown along Eastern Florida beaches especially in relation to population increase and coastal development. Locally throughout Brevard County there are multiple types of beaches that vary by human activity and neighboring urbanization. This study looks at previously completed research to create a detailed methodology to apply specifically to Brevard County. Proposed procedures for sampling methods, sampling analysis, and spatial analysis were created. With proposed methodology in place to collect microplastic levels throughout Brevard County, we are one step closer to understanding the anthropogenic impact that is occurring. In the future, applying these techniques will offer opportunities for citizen science and volunteers to get involved and educated on these important issues.

Project Summary

Eutrophication is a major issue in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). In this project, the goal was to study Ulva lactuca, a fast-growing macroalgae, and to assess its nutrient uptake capabilities and growth rate. Results show that nutrient removal is possible through Ulva lactuca. The next steps would be to find the effectiveness of this algae as a fertilizer. Hypothetically, this algae could be harvested from the IRL and used as fertilizer, efficiently removing nutrients while also reusing them.

Project Summary

Commercial fish feed represents over half of all production costs in the aquaculture industry, restricting farm profitability across global markets. Breweries compound this resource challenge by generating roughly three gallons of high-strength wastewater for every gallon of beer produced, with much of that volume discarded as spent yeast that depletes oxygen levels in receiving waterways. This project addresses both constraints by converting brewery waste into a viable feed supplement, testing whether spent brewer's yeast can reduce aquaculture input costs while diverting pollutants from marine systems. The processing phase began with collecting several gallons of spent yeast from Intracoastal Brewing Company. Thin layers were spread across silicon trays and dehydrated at 140°F for eight hours, yielding a stable dry product suitable for long-term storage. The dried yeast was ground and mixed with commercial Zeigler SI shrimp feed at three concentration levels: 10%, 20%, and 30% yeast by weight, with a 0% control treatment using only commercial feed. Each mixture was pelletized and distributed across randomized replicate tanks, with four to five shrimp of similar size and age assigned to each treatment group. Salinity, temperature, lighting, and aeration remained constant throughout the trial period. Behavioral observations during feeding revealed a clear preference pattern tied to yeast concentration. Shrimp in the 0% control tanks actively avoided their feed, spitting out pellets or moving to other areas of the tank to graze on algae forming on rocks. All control feed remained uneaten and required manual removal. The 10% treatment showed marginal improvement, with shrimp consuming roughly half the provided feed but exhibiting low activity levels. Tanks receiving 20% and 30% yeast concentrations displayed markedly different responses. Shrimp in these groups moved rapidly toward food introduction points and consumed pellets quickly. Visual activity levels in the higher yeast treatments exceeded those in the control by a substantial margin, with control shrimp growing lethargic as the trial progressed. These results point to spent brewer's yeast as both palatable and potentially necessary for maintaining feeding behavior in shrimp aquaculture systems. The fact that control shrimp rejected standard commercial feed entirely suggests the yeast provides a nutrient or flavor profile absent from conventional formulations. Pompano kept in a nearby tank also found the yeast-supplemented feed palatable, indicating possible applications beyond shrimp production. The cost implications carry real weight: breweries currently treat spent yeast as waste, making it available at no charge to aquaculture operations willing to process and incorporate it.

Project Objective

Convert spent brewer's yeast into a nutrient-dense feed supplement through dehydration and pelletization, then evaluate shrimp feeding behavior, palatability, and survival rates across varying yeast concentration levels compared to commercial feed alone.

Manufacturing Design Methods

Collected spent yeast was spread in thin layers on silicon trays and dehydrated at 140°F for eight hours. The dried product was ground and stored in airtight containers before being weighed and mixed with commercial shrimp feed at 10%, 20%, and 30% ratios by weight. Mixed feed was processed into uniform pellets and distributed to randomized treatment tanks for comparative feeding trials.

Analysis

Shrimp in higher yeast concentration treatments (20% and 30%) demonstrated increased feeding activity and pellet consumption compared to control groups. Control tanks exhibited food rejection behaviors and lethargy, while 10% treatments showed intermediate responses. The consistent preference for yeast-supplemented feed across the trial period suggests both palatability and potential nutritional necessity.

Future Works

Extended feeding trials using alternative commercial feed bases would test whether the observed preference patterns hold across different formulations. Increasing yeast ratios beyond 30% may prove feasible given the strong behavioral responses at higher concentrations. Trials incorporating pompano and other species could expand the range of aquaculture systems benefiting from brewery waste diversion. Long-term growth and health metrics would establish whether palatability gains translate to improved production outcomes.

Acknowledgement

Intracoastal Brewing Company, Saltwater Cowboy, Felix Gabriel, Abe Stephens, Sam Pringle, Mara Skadden, Ashley Herbkersman, Ethan Rupp, Jayden Zhang, Lauren Magnuson, Eliana Wilson, V Marion

Project Summary

Excessive atmospheric CO₂ drives ocean acidification, lowering seawater pH and carbonate ion availability, which impairs calcification in corals, mollusks, and many plankton—threatening reef structure, biodiversity, and food webs. This project helps address 3 major concerns of today’s society: Climate Change (Remove Excess CO2) Food Security (Aquaculture), and Ecosystem Restoration and Resilience (Carbon Sequestration).

Project Objective

The goal of this research is to explore the potential of marine algae or seaweeds in reducing carbon dioxide in the oceans.

Manufacturing Design Methods

Seaweed was weighed and grown in two tanks. Control Tank received ambient air; Treatment Tank received compressed CO2 and ambient air. Sensors and data recorders were placed in each tank to monitor CO2 and O2 concentrations in the culture tanks. After a culture period of three weeks, seaweed was weighed for biomass measurements.

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank the FIT Provost Office and NOAA for purchasing the sensors and data-recorders.

Project Summary

This project was about designing and building a wearable cooling cap to help with migraines. The idea was to make something better than ice packs, since those don’t stay cold very long and have to be replaced a lot. The cap uses thermoelectric Peltier modules in the front to cool the head, while heat is pushed away using heat sinks, fans, and tubing that sends the warm air to the back of the neck.

Project Summary

This project compares Waste-to-Energy (WtE) and Gas-to-Energy (GtE) systems to evaluate their suitability for supporting long-term sustainability goals at Florida Tech. WtE systems generate electricity by converting solid waste, reducing reliance on landfills, while GtE systems rely on natural gas to produce reliable, efficient energy. Methods included site visits to operational WtE and GtE facilities, during which observations and staff discussions were conducted, as well as consultations with environmental agencies, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Tech Sustainability Council, and the City of Melbourne. Geographic mapping was also used to assess facility locations and transportation logistics. Results indicate that GtE systems offer consistent energy production with simpler implementation and faster processing. While WtE aligns well with campus waste streams, there are challenges with odor, storage, and transport, as waste must accumulate before being moved off-site. Implementing WtE would require new infrastructure. GtE leverages what the region already has, making it the preferred, doable, and sustainable solution for Florida Tech.

Project Objective

Objectives: ● Compared the environmental impacts of WtE and GtE systems locally ● Determined which system best supports Florida Tech’s sustainability goals. ● Evaluated the feasibility and scalability of each system for Florida Tech. Manufacturing / Design Methods: Methods: ● Conducted site visits to WtE and GtE facilities, including travel to locations, photographic documentation, operational tours, and discussions with facility staff to understand system design, efficiency, and environmental controls. ● Consulted with regional experts through discussions with representatives from the City of Melbourne, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and South Broward County Resource Recovery to gather operational and policy insights.

Analysis

GtE leverages what the region already has, making it the preferred, doable, and sustainable solution for Florida Tech. ● GtE is the more practical and scalable option due to existing infrastructure, regional support, and lower logistical complexity. ● GtE benefits from established systems in Brevard County, supported by legislation and implemented through private entities like Brevard Energy LLC under a DBOOM model, eliminating capital costs for the university. ● GtE aligns with existing research at Florida Tech, whereas WtE lacks sufficient campus data to support immediate implementation⁴. While WtE aligns well with campus waste streams, there’s challenges with odor, storage, and transport, as waste must accumulate before being moved off-site. Implementing WtE would require new infrastructure. Future Works:

Acknowledgement

Acknowledgements: City of Melbourne (Megan Ruben), Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Brevard County Solid Waste Management Department (Kevin D. Smith), and Director of Campus Dining at Florida Tech (Evan Olsen)

Project Summary

On October 6, 2024, the National Hurricane Center classified Hurricane Milton as a major hurricane on a direct path toward Florida’s west coast (NHC, 2024). Before landfall, Milton produced approximately 126 tornado warnings and 46 confirmed tornadoes (Erdman, 2024). One of the most destructive was an EF3 tornado that impacted Fort Pierce, Florida, on October 9, 2024, between 20:59 and 21:30 UTC (4:59–5:30 p.m. EDT). The tornado tracked through St. Lucie County with estimated peak winds of 136–165 mph, destroying homes and infrastructure, downing power lines, and killing six people. This tornado was associated with the outer rainbands of Hurricane Milton prior to landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, and illustrates the tornadic potential of tropical cyclones in Florida. This project verified the accuracy of ERA5 reanalysis by comparing it with ASOS data from Fort Pierce (station FPR; 27.4467°N, 80.3256°W) archived by Iowa State University at 21:00 UTC. Wind and temperature data were analyzed for 2024 and for October specifically. Temperature was included because it presents gradual variability and is easier to correlate, while wind is essential for detecting shear, changes more abruptly, and is critical for tornadic processes. Results show ERA5 wind data correlated 17.5% with ASOS data annually, improving to 39.6% in October. Temperature correlation was stronger at 76.3%. A Skew-T generated with ERA5 indicated favorable tornado conditions, but key details were inaccurate. Although the NWS warned of tornado potential along Florida’s east and southeast coasts, exact locations were not resolved. ERA5’s coarse spatial and temporal resolution limits its ability to represent localized tornadic environments. This case highlights that severe thunderstorm and tornado analyses using ERA5 must be approached with caution, as inaccuracies can impact both research and forecast reliability.

Project Summary

Created a code to take in weather balloon data and determine the risk of a microburst occurring for any given day.

Project Summary

This study aims to understand the atmospheric effects on the extratropical transition of Hurricane Sandy.

Project Summary

Research case study on a gigantic jet event that occurred off the coast of Puerto Rico on 9/17/2025.

Project Summary

This project investigates the impacts of hurricane forcing on tidal inlet hydrodynamics using Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) data collected at Sebastian Inlet, Florida. Velocity measurements from Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole (2022) were analyzed across pre-, during-, and post-storm periods to assess changes in depth-averaged flow and residual circulation. Results show that hurricane conditions significantly increased flow velocities and produced a lagged peak response occurring after the storm. Residual circulation remained elevated beyond the storm period, indicating a delayed recovery to baseline conditions. These findings highlight the sensitivity of tidal inlet systems to extreme atmospheric forcing and their role in coastal exchange processes.

Project Objective

- Quantify changes in depth-averaged velocity and residual circulation during hurricane events - Compare inlet flow behavior before, during, and after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole (2022) - Evaluate the timing and characteristics of post-storm recovery

Manufacturing Design Methods

Velocity data collected using a bottom-mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) at Sebastian Inlet, Florida, were quality-controlled and processed in MATLAB. A 24-hour low-pass Butterworth filter was applied to remove tidal signals and isolate residual currents. Depth-averaged velocities were compared across pre-, during-, and post-storm periods. with recover defined as a return to pre-storm conditions sustained for at last 24 hours.

Analysis

- Hurricane forcing significantly increased flow velocities - Peak flow occurred post-storm, indicating a lagged response - Residual circulation remained elevated after the storm - Delayed recovery to baseline conditions were observed - Storm conditions produced greater variability in flow behavior

Future Works

Spectra analysis and inclusion of wind and water level forcing

Acknowledgement

Dr. Zarillo and Ben Crews for their guidance and support from provided ADCP datasets.

Project Summary

Introduction Seagrass Beds are a vital component of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). They support biodiversity and improve water quality, yet they have experienced significant declines in recent years. Multiple restoration efforts have attempted to replant seagrass in the lagoon and have experienced varying levels of success. Sediment characteristics such as grain size, pH, and nutrient/sulfide concentrations can influence seagrass health and growth, but the relative importance is unclear. This study investigated the relationship between sediment characteristics and the performance of the seagrass Halodule wrightii across multiple different types of sediments found within the IRL in order to identify ideal sediments/locations for more targeted seagrass restoration efforts. Methods H. wrightii was planted in 24 tanks in sediments collected from six different sites in the IRL (Fig 1). Two sets of sediments were collected from sites 12 and 41 from both inside and outside the seagrass beds. There were 3 replicates per each site for a total of 8 treatments. Tanks were monitored weekly to assess growth metrics: blade count, shoot count, and mortality. Sulfide, pH, nutrients and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) were also measured at intervals of 2 weeks as part of the monitoring process. Conclusion Site 91 in Mosquito Lagoon is the best candidate for growing seagrass. Both the above ground and the below ground biomass were the highest at the end of the experiment. This site had the highest iron content and the highest silt+clay%. Site 04 had the highest mortality, the lowest organic matter, silt+clay%, and the highest porewater pH. High iron, high silt+clay%, and low hydrogen sulfide contributed towards seagrass success. Acknowledgments We would like to thank Delanie Hallock, Ben Crews and Bruce Wayne for their help with field collection, and for their tireless efforts to complete laboratory analyses

Project Summary

This project studied the if the maximum photosynthetic efficiency of Photosystem II (PSII) of sargassum species was impacted by the presence of encrusting bryozoans. When encrusted with epiphytic organisms, some algae species have been documented to be able to increase their photosynthetic efficiency, though most algae display reduced efficiency. The results of this project data show that the maximum efficiency of PSII was reduced in bryozoan-encrusted algae.

Manufacturing Design Methods

Data collection shorthand was used to track the specific locations, organisms, and fronds that data was taken from. Specimens were collected no longer than three hours after high-tide, and were kept at 15oC overnight. Within 24 hours of collection, they were taken to the lab and inspected for the presence of bryozoans. (Here, “presence of bryozoans” is defined as encrusting bryozoans being present on both sides of the widest part of the frond.) Sargassum fronds were scraped gently with a scalpel regardless of the presence of bryozoans, and then were placed in sectioned ocean water in complete darkness and refrigerated for 20 minutes. Then, a Junior PAM Fluorometer was used to measure their PSII quantum yield and fluorescence. The results were recorded and the specimens were discarded.

Analysis

Average base fluorescence level (Fo) is extremely similar in specimens with and without bryozoan cover. This is expected; because both groups were dark-acclimated, they should have similar base fluorescence values. Average maximum fluorescence level (Fm) is different, with the Bryozoans Absent group having a higher fluorescence yield. This directly impacts the Quantum Efficiency of Photosystem II (Fv/Fm), where Fv is the difference between Fo and Fm. This data shows that S. fluitans’s photosynthetic efficiency is likely negatively impacted by the presence of epiphytic organisms such as bryozoans, unlike other algae species. Therefore, the mariculture of Sargassum species would likely not benefit from initial stunting growth methods, or by the presence of epiphytic organisms at initial growth stages.

Acknowledgement

Citations mentioned within introduction: Cancino, J. M., Mufioz, J., Mufioz, M., Orellana, M. C. (1987). Effects of the bryozoan Membranipora tuberculata (Bosc.) on the photosynthesis and growth of Gelidium rex Santelices et Abbott,. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 113(2), 105-112. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-0981(87)90158-4 Khan, Tehsin Ullah & Du, Guoying & Khan, Sohaib & Che, Shuai & Ahmed, A & Khurshid, A. (2021). Epiphytic effects of Licmophora paradoxa on pigments of Pyropia yezoensis. Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences. 779-786. Muñoz, Jorge & Cancino, Juan & Molina, MarÍa. (1991). Effect of Encrusting Bryozoans on the Physiology of Their Algal Substratum. Journal of The Marine Biological Association of The United Kingdom - J MAR BIOL ASSN UK. 71. 10.1017/S0025315400053522. Special thanks to the graduate students of the Hunsucker LINK lab, including Michelle Krumholz, Geligne Franklin, and Tenzin Yeshi for their guidance with the research process and their generosity with the usage of lab tools, time, and space.