For 30 years, the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science has invited the greater-Miami community to its campus, or via online, to hear from some of the best leading experts in the field of science. That tradition continues starting in January 2025 with a new season of Sea Secrets lectures. Topics range from anti-cancer drugs from the sea to the science behind hurricane hunting.
“Our mission continues to grow and evolve as we look to the future,” said Roni Avissar, Ph.D., Dean of the Rosenstiel School. “Our scientists are exploring solutions to today’s challenges, as well as for the future. Throughout its 30-year history, the Sea Secrets lecture series has allowed us to share that exploration with the larger community. In 2025 we will once again showcase thought leaders from our school and across the nation who are tackling global concerns that affect us all.”
The five-lecture series begin January 14 with Catherine Macdonald, Ph.D. director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the Rosenstiel School. In her talk, Biology, Ecology, and Conservation of Sharks and Rays in South Florida, Macdonald will describe the program’s recent research and discuss the public’s perception toward sharks and marine conservation.
Sea Secrets was founded by Robert Ginsburg, a former professor in the Department of Marine Geosciences, who left a legacy at the school. His important research in sea-floor sediments and coral reefs included the discovery of a nearly 3-million-year-old ancient coral atoll in the Bahamas.
Ginsburg established the series to highlight the work of Rosenstiel’s outstanding faculty members. Over the years the series expanded to feature influential speakers from around the world, including author and journalist Jeff Goodell; National Geographic Explorer and filmmaker Andy Mann; paleoclimatologist, Maureen Raymo; Marcia McNutt, former director of the U.S. Geological Survey; ecologist and author Carl Safina, and many Rosenstiel School scientists at the forefront of discovery. Past lectures are available on the Sea Secrets playlist on YouTube.
From the beginning, the series aimed to communicate groundbreaking work in a way that was accessible to anyone in the greater community.
“It’s truly intended for a non-scientific audience,” said Sheryl Gold, a longtime supporter and executive director for the series. “We want to present people and topics that may not be on everyone’s radar in a way that is engaging and interesting.”
Sea Secrets is made possible through generous support from presenting sponsor Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd., and from The Shepard Broad Foundation, William J. Gallwey III, Sheryl Gold, KB Life Enhancement Forum, Key Biscayne Community Foundation, Joan McCaughan Family Foundation, Nicole and Myron Wang, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
The lectures are free and open to the public. Seating is limited for in-person attendance, and registration is requested. Lectures are also streamed live via Zoom. The public is invited to register through the Sea Secrets program link.
Sea Secrets lectures take place at the Rosenstiel School auditorium, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami. A light reception starts at 6:30p.m., and the program begins at 7:00p.m.
This year’s schedule includes:
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Biology, Ecology, and Conservation of Sharks and Rays in South Florida
Catherine Macdonald, Ph.D., Director of the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the Rosenstiel School
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Discovery of Anti-Cancer Drugs from the Sea
Ester Guzmán, Ph.D., Research Professor at the Marine Biomedical and Biotechnology Research, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Thriving with Fire: Changing Fire Regimes and Solutions for Enhancing Community Resilience
Michael Falkowski, Ph.D., Program Manager of the NASA Wildland Fire Program at NASA Headquarters
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Can (Should) We Cool the Planet by Changing the Atmosphere?
James Hurrell, Ph.D., Scott Presidential Chair of Environmental Science and Engineering Professor, Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Into the Eye: The Science Behind Hurricane Hunting
Jonathan Zawislak, Ph.D., Meteorologist and Flight Director at NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center
