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Jessica Gephart is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Science at American University. She received her PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia and was a postdoctoral fellow at the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC). Her research focuses on the feedbacks between increasingly globalized food systems and the environment, with an emphasis on seafood systems. Much of her work involves collaborations with interdisciplinary and international teams, including at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, the Stockholm Resilience Centre, the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Collectively, her work aims to identify opportunities to improve sustainability and resilience within the increasingly globalized food system. |
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Kelvin Gorospe is a data scientist at American University’s Seafood Globalization Lab. He received his PhD from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Rhode Island. He also worked for several years as a reef fish ecologist at NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center in Honolulu, HI and served as chief scientist of several research cruises. His experience as a government scientist made a lasting impression on him, sparking his interests in open and reproducible data science and ecosystem-based management. Kelvin has led multiple analyses working with a variety of different data sets, including genetic, ecological, and oceanographic data and is increasingly exploring the human (e.g., socio-economic, health, international trade) dimensions of marine conservation and management. He sees great potential in the power of big data and collaborative teamwork to answer global environmental questions. |
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Undergraduate Student Researchers
We welcome undergraduate researchers interested in projects related to seafood trade, environmental shock impacts on seafood, and sustainable food systems. Examples of current undergraduate research projects can be found below. If you are interested in getting involved with our lab group, please email Dr. Gephart with your current CV/resume and a brief description of your research interests.
Anna Ross is a rising junior at American University studying Political Science and Environmental Science. Anna’s background as a native Floridian inspired her commitment to the preservation of marine ecosystems and she is interested in exploring the ways in which the environment and instruments of public policy interact. Through her independent study, she works to analyze the impact of prolonged harmful algal bloom (HAB) events on Florida’s fisheries, paying specific attention to commercial operations and species impacted within the state.
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Jesse Cross is an Environmental Science Major at American University from New Jersey. Jesse is currently one of the Lead Sustainable Materials Management Interns for American University's Zero Waste Office and is interested in the connection between human consumption habits and the environment. Jesse's current work focuses on analyzing the carbon footprint of American University's compost management program using the EPA's WARM Model. |
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Graduate students and postdocs
American University has a Masters program in Environmental Science. Please reach out with a brief summary of your research interests and your CV if you are interested in working with me.
American University has a Masters program in Environmental Science. Please reach out with a brief summary of your research interests and your CV if you are interested in working with me.
Student and postdoc resources
Forms
The lab's semester goals form can be downloaded here.
Independent study form can be downloaded here.
Undergraduate funding
Undergraduate Research Assistants: Faculty may apply for funding to hire undergraduate research assistants during the academic year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and awards are granted for up to 10 hours of assistance per week.
Summer Scholars Program: Students can apply for funding for in-depth research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor through the Summer Scholars and Artists Program. This program allows students to apply for up to $4,000 for eight weeks of summer research. More information about this summer research grant program can be found here.
Rolling Undergraduate Research Support: Students may apply for research and research-related funding on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. Funding may support:
Postdoctoral funding
Smith Fellowship
L'Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship
Forms
The lab's semester goals form can be downloaded here.
Independent study form can be downloaded here.
Undergraduate funding
Undergraduate Research Assistants: Faculty may apply for funding to hire undergraduate research assistants during the academic year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and awards are granted for up to 10 hours of assistance per week.
Summer Scholars Program: Students can apply for funding for in-depth research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor through the Summer Scholars and Artists Program. This program allows students to apply for up to $4,000 for eight weeks of summer research. More information about this summer research grant program can be found here.
Rolling Undergraduate Research Support: Students may apply for research and research-related funding on a rolling basis throughout the academic year. Funding may support:
- Academic conference attendance in the student’s discipline (preference will be given to students who will present at the conference)
- Travel related to research activity or academic conferences
- Equipment or materials related to research activities (equipment will be returned to the AU Honors Program for future lending where appropriate)
- Software or other technology directly related to a research project
- Nominal payments to interview subjects (with IRB approval)
- Academic poster printing
- Books and other publications needed for research
Postdoctoral funding
Smith Fellowship
L'Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship
