On this fascinating episode of Innovation in the 'Burg, Alison is joined in the studio by Laura Engleby, Marine Mammal Branch Chief for NOAA Fisheries. Engleby shares recent discoveries about the extremely rare Gulf Coast Bryde's whale. The newly discovered subspecies made headlines this year when one washed up in Everglades National Park, becoming the first type species of its kind. Engleby shares how she and her team worked to bring the giant whale's body north and eventually to the Smithsonian. She shares the story behind landing her dream job, and talks about the female scientists who inspire her work.
The St. Petersburg Ocean Team is the premier consortium for marine science and related research, education and entrepreneurship in the Southeast. The Team is comprised of over 20 complementary firms, government entities, and institutions that are located near one another, many in the St. Pete Innovation District, that draw advantages from their proximity as well as the similarities between their workforce and vendor needs.
April’s Tech X-change was a hit, thanks to an engaging presentation from Digital Twin Marine. Shoutout to all the Eckerd College students who joined us! The audience was curious and interactive, asking great questions and eager to try out the virtual reality headset.
The District extends a warm congratulations to Natalia López Figueroa on earning her doctorate in Biological Oceanography from the University of South Florida. Natalia has made significant contributions to her community, particularly through her role as Chair of the Junior Scientist Program at the St. Pete Science Festival. We look forward to seeing her continued success.