Leading Researchers
Active Projects
Michael Borbolla
PhD Student
Social-Ecological Impacts of Peafowl in Coconut Grove
Indian Peafowl are emblematic of the Coconut Grove community despite being non-native. We work on quantifying their population dynamics and community sentiments to provide recommendations for management.
Social Research Methods in Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park relies heavily on recreational fishing surveys when monitoring fish population dynamics within their park. However, their methodologies have remained unchanged for nearly 50 years. I examine presumed correlations that are regularly cited in annual reports to see if data supports them.
Urban Fishing Along the Miami River
Existing management plans along the Miami River promote commercial and residential development, but little attention is paid to local fishing communities. This study uncovers the stories and practices of locals who depend on the Miami River to remedy food insecurity, emotional health, and social wellbeing.
Ecotoxicology of Consumed Fish of the Miami River
Given that subsistence fishing is a prevalent practice among study participants along the Miami River, there is need to quantify the risks brought on with fish consumption. My study focuses on quantifying PFAS levels in the tissues of like Gray Snapper, Crevalle Jack, and Striped Mullet.
Lauren Emer
PhD Candidate
Urban river connections in Miami and beyond
The Little River is protected and maintained by various offices, organizations, and community groups throughout Miami-Dade County. This research aims to identify all the groups that 'steward' the Little River—whether through conservation, management, education, transformation, advocacy, or monitoring—along with determining where they are active and what their current efforts focus on.
Elizabeth Anderson
Principal Investigator
Miami River Stories
The Miami River connects communities across Miami and is linked in complex ways to the city’s history. A small part of the Miami River’s history has been documented in books and videos, but much of that history still remains in the memories of the people who’ve lived and worked along its banks. A collaborative effort between researchers from Florida International University (FIU) and community partners hopes to connect with people across Miami to: explore diverse histories; understand residents’ environmental concerns; and document community-based knowledge about the Miami River.
