Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) is an institutional partner in the Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems II (CCME II). Through this partnership, B-CU contributes to the mission to train a new generation of U.S. citizen scientists in STEM disciplines that address critical challenges in marine and coastal communities. The center is funded by the Office of Education at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Dr. Hyun “J” Cho, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Integrated Environmental Science, serves as the institutional principal investigator. She is supported by B-CU faculty and staff, including Dr. Brandon Vernier and Ms. Kelly San Antonio, who contribute to student success and educational development.
Center highlights at B-CU include:
- Multiple B-CU students presented research at the 11th Biennial Education and Science Forum in Princess Anne, Maryland. Research topics included promoting healthy oceans, environmental intelligence, a weather-ready nation, and resilient coastal communities and economies.
- CCME II affiliated faculty, staff, and students presented research at major conferences, including the American Geophysical Union Conference (December 2024), the Indian River Lagoon Symposium, the Florida Society of Geographers Annual Meeting, and the Central Florida GIS Workshop.
- B-CU students Samantha Houser and Josie Fountain received first and third place awards, respectively, at the NOAA Biennial Education and Science Forum for their research presentations.
- B-CU faculty and staff traveled to the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory to strengthen NOAA-aligned research efforts and expand collaborative opportunities.
- Imani Ford completed her Master’s degree in Integrated Environmental Science and was featured for her NOAA Experiential Research and Training Opportunities (NERTO) internship at the Office for Coastal Management (OCM) in Silver Spring, Maryland.
- Through a NOAA Planet Stewards Award, B-CU developed and offered a marine debris course that was extended to partner institutions.
- CCME II affiliated faculty and staff published research in journals such as Remote Sensing, Ecological Restoration, Water, Sustainability, Gulf and Caribbean Research, and the Remote Sensing Handbook.
- B-CU research faculty member Kelly San Antonio delivered a 10-week GIS training program to NOAA CCME II scholars.
The NOAA CCME II award provides broad benefits to the B-CU community by enhancing student research opportunities through funding for theses, internships, and national conference participation. It also supports community-based learning and outreach initiatives, including Planet Stewards marine debris programs and Living Seawall workshops that actively engage local municipalities and residents.
Faculty benefit from professional development opportunities, expanded research capacity in geospatial and satellite-based coastal resilience, and the ability to leverage additional funding. The award has also contributed to building a national pipeline of STEM talent, increasing graduate enrollment and applications.
These efforts strengthen B-CU’s leadership in environmental intelligence, coastal resilience, and place-based conservation—key areas that align with state priorities related to resilient community adaptation, harmful algal bloom research, and workforce development.
Photo Highlights:
CCME II affiliated staff member Kelly San Antonio and B-CU scholars Imani Ford, Samantha Houser, Jackson Evans, and Josie Fountain at the NOAA Biennial Education and Science Forum in Princess Anne, Maryland.
CCME II scholar Samantha Houser presenting her research poster at the NOAA Biennial Education and Science Forum, where she received first-place honors. Josie Fountain also received a top poster presentation award.
B-CU faculty, staff, and students alongside members of the CCME II network at the Center-wide Core Competency Course in Corpus Christi, Texas.