IRL Symposium
Thank You for a Successful 2026 Symposium
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Indian River Lagoon Symposium, hosted by Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. The symposium brought together researchers, students, environmental professionals, community leaders, and lagoon advocates for a dynamic day of scientific exchange, collaboration, and learning focused on the health and future of the Indian River Lagoon.
We are deeply grateful to the many individuals who made this year’s event such a success. Thank you to our attendees, presenters, volunteers, and staff, whose enthusiasm, dedication, and expertise created a vibrant and engaging symposium. Your contributions continue to strengthen the scientific community working to better understand and protect the Indian River Lagoon.
We also extend a special thank you to the more than 1,000 individuals who joined the symposium through our YouTube livestream. , Your participation helped expand access to the event and allowed researchers, students, and community members from around the region and beyond to engage with the important work being presented.
Congratulations to the 2026 Award Winners
Each year, the symposium recognizes outstanding student research and science communication. We are proud to congratulate the following award recipients for their exceptional presentations and contributions.
Outstanding Student Presentation Awards
Outstanding Student Presentation Award – Best Digital Poster
Giuliana Vomero Fernandez
– Florida Atlantic University
The Discovery Floating Classroom: Educating Future Scientists and Environmental Leaders
The Leroy Creswell Best Student Poster Award
Jordyn Delikat
– University of Central Florida
Shards in the System: Tracing Basalt Through the Oyster Crassostrea virginica
Outstanding Student Presentation Award – 3-Minute Oral Presentation
Katherine Harris
– University of Central Florida
Multi-Stressor Decline of Oyster Density in Mosquito Lagoon: Heat, Brown Tide, and Mangrove Refuge
Outstanding Student Presentation Award – 10-Minute Oral Presentation
Jonathan Terzado
– Florida Atlantic University
High-Resolution Electrochemical Profiling Reveals Disparate Levels of Sediment Sulfate Reduction Between
the North and South Forks of the St. Lucie Estuary
IRLNEP Promising Scientist Award
Sharanya Natarajan
– Edgewood Jr/Sr High School
An Integrated Detection and Delivery System to Abate Contaminants in Water Bodies
Dennis Hanisak Storyteller Award
Cecilia Hampton
– Florida Atlantic University
Habitat Use During Foraging and Other Behaviors by Whitespotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari) in the
Indian River Lagoon, Revealed by Novel Biologging Technologies
People’s Choice Awards
People’s Choice Award – Best Student Poster Presentation
Janie Reavis
– Arizona State University
From Turtle Trials to Marine Applications: A Controlled Facility for Testing Wildlife Behavior
People’s Choice Award – Best Student Poster Presentation
Jordyn Delikat
– University of Central Florida
Shards in the System: Tracing Basalt Through the Oyster Crassostrea virginica
People’s Choice Award – Best Student 3-Minute Oral Presentation
Katherine Harris
– University of Central Florida
Multi-Stressor Decline of Oyster Density in Mosquito Lagoon: Heat, Brown Tide, and Mangrove Refuge
People’s Choice Award – Best Student 10-Minute Oral Presentation
Tara Blanchard
– University of Central Florida
Don’t Go Breaking Apart: How Habitat Fragmentation Affects Oyster Reef Biodiversity
Looking Ahead to Next Year
Planning is already underway for the next Indian River Lagoon Symposium, , and we look forward to welcoming the community back for another inspiring gathering of science, collaboration, and innovation. Attendees are encouraged to stay tuned for announcements about next year’s symposium, , including dates, times, theme details, abstract submission opportunities, and ways to get involved.
If you are interested in volunteering or supporting future symposium efforts, we welcome your participation and look forward to working together to continue advancing research and stewardship of the Indian River Lagoon.
Thank you again for helping make the 2026 symposium such a memorable and impactful event.
Opportunities to Participate
Explore ways to get involved, whether as a presenter, attendee, sponsor, or judge.
About the IRL Symposium
Learn about the mission, history, and purpose of the Indian River Lagoon Symposium.
Learn More About the Venue
Plan your visit to FAU Harbor Branch and explore the Indian River Lagoon.
Contact Us
Have questions? Please email irlsymposium@fau.edu