Biological Sciences Professional Development Series

In partnership with the School of Environmental, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS) with generous support from the WLW-ECOS Fund.

Join us for a highly interactive hybrid course with participants from FAU, UNAM, and UABC!

Introduction to Oxidative Stress in Aquatic Organisms: a hybrid course

Discover the fascinating world of oxidative stress in aquatic life! This comprehensive course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory experience to explore  Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidant systems in aquatic organisms. Grasp fundamental concepts of oxidative stress in aquatic organisms. All graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and researchers are welcome. 

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Gabriela Rodríguez-Fuentes, ECOS Professor in Residence, visiting from the National Autonomous University of Mexico Rodríguez-Fuentes is an ecotoxicologist—a scientist who researches the effects of toxic substances on the environment —who studies stress caused by various factors, including chemical, physical and biological stressors.

Learn more about Dr. Rodríguez-Fuentes

FORMAT

Online lectures and in-person lab practice

DATES AND TIME

Mondays | Sept. 15 – October 13, 2025 | 2:00-3:30PM

In-person half-day lab(s) will take place in the first week of January 2026; dates to be determined

COURSE SCHEDULE

  • Sept. 15 - Reactive Oxygen Species and Cellular Processes
  • Sept. 22 - Antioxidant System in Aquatic Organisms
  • Sept. 29 - ROS signaling and oxidative stress
  • Oct. 6 - Methods for Detecting Oxidative Stress
  • Oct. 13 -Data Analysis and Interpretation Workshop

The in-person half-day lab will be scheduled between January 7-9, 2026.  Date(s) to be confirmed.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

  • ROS & Cellular Processes: understand reactive oxygen species and their crucial role in cellular metabolism and environmental responses
  • Antioxidant Systems: explore enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense mechanisms that protect aquatic organisms
  • Laboratory Techniques: master key analytical methods for detecting and measuring oxidative stress biomarkers
  • Data Analysis: learn to interpret results and understand their ecological significance

LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

  • Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity measurement
  • Catalase (CAT) enzyme quantification
  • Total Glutathione (GSH) assessment
  • Glutathione S-transferase (GST) analysis
  • Carbonylated Proteins (CP) detection
  • Lipid Hydroperoxides (LPO) quantification

APPLICATION AND IMPACT

  • Environmental monitoring and assessment of aquatic ecosystems
  • Pollution mitigation strategy development
  • Advanced research in marine and freshwater biology
  • Biomarker analysis for ecosystem health evaluation

REGISTER HERE BY SEPTEMBER 12, 2025

Course contact | grodriguez@fau.edu

Biology Professional Development Series contact | wildmana@fau.edu