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Contact: Matt Johnson, 786-335-3679 HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – Kristian Rogers, an intern at Biscayne National Park, was awarded a Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation scholarship for his graduate work at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Kristian is testing the efficiency of a recently developed lionfish trap as a method of lionfish management in the park. Scholarship funds are being used to test and improve the design of the trap. Kristian is finishing up a Master's of Professional Science degree with a focus in tropical marine ecosystem management, at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School. He received a Bachelor's of Science in Marine and Freshwater Biology degree from the University of Texas. Kristian's research focuses on the management of the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish. The park's proactive response to the lionfish invasion is a key factor in keeping lionfish populations from reaching epidemic levels. Kristian is working in the park through July. "Making the decision to come work at Biscayne National Park was an easy one to make since I was planning on focusing on lionfish management," said Kristian. "This internship has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career so far and I am proud to have the privilege to work with so many talented individuals on a daily basis." Up to seven Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding Florida students. The awards support students who are conducting research related to the biology, ecology, habitat or management of fish in Florida's marine environment. Each student receives $5,000 to support their academic program. The scholarships are funded by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and administered by the Florida Sea Grant College Program. For more information about Biscayne National Park, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/bisc, or follow the park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/biscaynenps, or Twitter at www.twitter.com/biscaynenps. -NPS- About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015