Bulls by the Bay with Colleen Cherry
Season 2, Episode 11, Sep 15, 12:50 AM
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USF scientists build on Deepwater Horizon research with new project targeting pollutants in Tampa Bay and beyond
Scientists at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science are conducting a five-year study called the Tampa Bay Surveillance project to identify and map pollutants—both well-known and emerging—in Tampa Bay. Led by marine researcher Steve Murawski,
the project uses techniques such as “barnacle racks”—devices that allow barnacles to colonize and grow over time— to sample oysters, fish, water, sediment, and stormwater to trace how contaminants
like PFAS, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and herbicides behave in Florida’s largest estuary.
The concept for this work began in 2010 following the Deep Water Horizon disaster, the largest marine oil spill in history. Murawski and his collaborators studied the spill’s environmental effects, learning about the impact of those contaminants and acquiring
highly specialized equipment to study them. With funding from NOAA and several Sea Grant programs, the new project aims not only to chart where pollutants are concentrated but also to help determine their sources—whether from stormwater runoff, industrial
discharge, municipal wastewater, or other origins. The hope is that by identifying hot spots and pollutant pathways, decision-makers can better protect water quality, marine life, and the Bay’s economic value for fisheries and tourism.
Scientists at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science are conducting a five-year study called the Tampa Bay Surveillance project to identify and map pollutants—both well-known and emerging—in Tampa Bay. Led by marine researcher Steve Murawski,
the project uses techniques such as “barnacle racks”—devices that allow barnacles to colonize and grow over time— to sample oysters, fish, water, sediment, and stormwater to trace how contaminants
like PFAS, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and herbicides behave in Florida’s largest estuary.
The concept for this work began in 2010 following the Deep Water Horizon disaster, the largest marine oil spill in history. Murawski and his collaborators studied the spill’s environmental effects, learning about the impact of those contaminants and acquiring
highly specialized equipment to study them. With funding from NOAA and several Sea Grant programs, the new project aims not only to chart where pollutants are concentrated but also to help determine their sources—whether from stormwater runoff, industrial
discharge, municipal wastewater, or other origins. The hope is that by identifying hot spots and pollutant pathways, decision-makers can better protect water quality, marine life, and the Bay’s economic value for fisheries and tourism.
New role to expand support and resources for commuter and off-campus students
USF St. Petersburg is stepping up efforts this fall to support its commuter and off-campus students. Recognizing that most students don’t live on campus —even though the residence halls are full—the university has just created a new position: Coordinator for
Commuter and Off-Campus Housing. Kaylee Ayres has been hired to fill this role and will serve as a dedicated advocate for students who travel to campus or live offsite.
In addition to the new coordinator, the campus is launching several programs aimed at fostering greater engagement for this population. Planned initiatives include a commuter lounge with amenities, off-campus housing fairs to help students navigate renting
locally, flexible dining plans, and an online hub with resources tailored to these students. Ayres will also be conducting one-on-one conversations to understand challenges firsthand and ensure students are aware of the support available.
https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/news/2025/new-role-to-expand-support-and-resources-for-commuter-and-off-campus-students.aspx
From campus roots to community voice: alum’s journey into documentary filmmaking
Andrew Lee, a 2004 USF St. Petersburg graduate and founder of Roundhouse Creative, recently screened
Razed — a documentary giving voice to former residents of the Gas Plant District – at USF St. Pete in collaboration with our student newspaper the Crow’s Nest. The film grew out of a project begun in 2020, when his company was hired to record stories
from displaced residents of the once vibrant neighborhood. Those early interviews led Lee, who co-directed the documentary, to dig deeper into the history and emotional legacy of the community.
Lee’s journey into filmmaking began while he studied in the inaugural class of USF’s Graphic Arts program, where he discovered storytelling through video and design. After making a feature documentary called
Easy Street with a local production company—recognized on Netflix and in several film festivals—he founded Roundhouse Creative in 2007. The
Razed screening drew over a hundred people to share in the stories that have shaped local history and identity.
https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/news/2025/from-campus-roots-to-community-voice-alums-journey-into-documentary-filmmaking.aspx