Current Pirates
Tracey Schafer
Research Scientist Tracey completed her masters and PhD from the soil, water, and ecosystem sciences department at the University of Florida in aquatic biogeochemistry. During her degrees, she studied the impacts of hurricanes on dissolved organic matter across brackish and freshwater environments. She then moved onto a postdoc in the Osborne lab where she managed a project examining biogeochemical restoration success of restored wetlands. Additionally, she had a large role in a benthic mapping project of Lake Okeechobee. Currently, she is primarily researching internal nutrient cycling in the Upper St. John’s River Basin to help determine sources eutrophication and algal blooms. However, she is also working on a large variety of projects involving greenhouse gas sampling, soil mapping in the Everglades, and many other aquatic biogeochemical projects. |
Taryn Chaya
Graduate Student Taryn is currently pursuing her PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology through the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Her dissertation research focuses on characterizing the soil and water quality of mosquito impoundments in the Indian River Lagoon, with the aim being to determine the nutrient removing potential of varying hydrologic regimes in these systems. Taryn first joined the Osborne Lab in 2019 to complete her M.S. degree in Soil and Water Sciences, where she studied how urbanization affects water quality along the aquatic continuum of the Matanzas River. In the interim between her graduate degrees, she lived in southwest Colorado to work as a Water Quality Specialist for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. In her free time, Taryn enjoys movies and games in the fantasy genre, crocheting, and hiking! |
Lexis Massey
Graduate Student Lexis Massey is a masters student at the University of Florida pursuing a degree in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences. She resides in the Osborne lab where she is working as a chemist and studying Equilibrium Phosphorus Concentration of soils from ranches with a history of biosolids application. |
Taylor Burgess
Intern Taylor Burgess, a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, recently graduated with highest honors (summa cum laude) from the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Management. During his honors thesis, he concentrated on examining how the northern migration of mangroves impacted primary productivity, litter decomposition, and secondary consumption in the salt marshes of Northeast Florida. Currently, Taylor is continuing his graduate studies through UF's Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences. Outside of his academic pursuits, he finds joy in exploring Florida's natural springs through scuba diving and tending to his unique collection of rare plants. |
Conor Macdonnell
Postdoctoral Research Associate Conor MacDonnell is a marine ecologist with a focus in seagrasses, an important ecosystem for both our charismatic megafauna and our coastal communities. He received his B.S. from William and Mary, his M.S. at FGCU, studying the roles of mangroves in methane production and water quality improvement, and his Ph.D. in soil and water sciences at the University of Florida, studying the effectiveness of multiple seagrass restoration techniques in various subtropical environments in Florida. Conor's current research interests include improving the effectiveness and efficiency of seagrass restoration, with an emphasis on incorporating public outreach and awareness. He recently directed an award-winning documentary short, Emerald Sanctuary, revealing the importance of seagrasses to the environment and culture of coastal Florida. |
Norman Kolsch
Clam Restoration
Cory Redwine
Clam Restoration
Clam Restoration
Cory Redwine
Clam Restoration
Sean Westley
Research Technician Sean has formal training in the core sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics). His work has allowed him to travel and reside in many areas from mountainous regions to flat beaches. Sean has worked in fresh and marine ecosystems. He has worked in aquaculture, wetland creation, wetland restoration, wetland mapping, and various fish tagging and tracking research. Sean sees a need to parallel ecosystem biogeochemical processes and habitat uses to improve and create a more holistic approach to conservation and restoration science. |