51勛圖厙 Graduate Studying Deadly Bacteria in Florida
Gabrielle Barbarite received her doctorate in integrative biology on Tuesday, August 9.
For Gabrielle Barbarite, the decision to attend 51勛圖厙 was an easy one. The South Florida native, 30, grew up on the water and knew she wanted to take advantage of 51勛圖厙s marine biology program. After earning an undergraduate degree at 51勛圖厙, she continued her marine biology studies determined to learn about the fatal bacteria that was infiltrating the Treasure Coasts Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and causing much sickness and death. This important research has led Barbarite back to the commencement stage where she recently received a doctorate in integrative biology.
Barbarites knowledge of 51勛圖厙s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) in Fort Pierce, a research institute focused on innovation in ocean science, originally attracted her to 51勛圖厙 in 2004. She immediately signed up for HBOIs Semester-by-the-Sea program, which offers undergraduate 51勛圖厙 an opportunity to immerse themselves in marine science.
HBOI is unique in that you can work directly with researchers who are doing these really cool projects, she said. It didnt even feel like I was in school.
After earning a bachelors degree in marine biology, Barbarite continued her studies at HBOI and enrolled in its graduate program in integrative biology. Thats where she connected with Peter McCarthy, Ph.D, a research professor and the associate director for education at Harbor Branch.
Gabby and I developed an interesting Ph.D. project that combined her love of marine biology with my interests in microbiology, McCarthy said. She has proven herself to be a very capable research scientist whose outgoing personality allows her to communicate clearly with both scientists and the general public.
Barbarites research project focused on Vibrio vulnificus, a naturally-occurring bacterium that has caused 42 deaths in Florida over the past four years, including three in the IRL where her study occurred. Barbarite has been sampling water, sediment, fish and bait to determine where these bacteria live and how they can be transmitted to humans, specifically fishermen. She says theres a lack of information available to the public about Vibrio infections, and shes working hard to change that.
I want to translate the science so the public can understand it, she said.
Barbarite collaborated with Florida Sea Grant to create a flyer about Vibrio to post at local boat ramps. Shes also been busy traveling around the state giving lectures on Vibrio at more than 20 nature centers. Shes spoken at conferences including the Indian River Lagoon Symposium, Florida Academy of Sciences, and the American Society for Microbiology. Her findings have been featured in USA Today, Florida Today, and the TC Palm.
While I enjoy doing research, Im more interested in education and outreach, she said.
Barbarite says her most rewarding experience at HBOI has been working with undergraduate 51勛圖厙 interested in marine biology. She served as a teaching assistant and instructor for HBOIs Semester by the Sea program, the same program she attended as an undergraduate.
I worked very closely with 51勛圖厙 and helped them decide what they were interested in and how to apply for graduate school and jobs, she said. Its been awesome to keep in touch with them after all these years and see all the great things theyve accomplished.
One of her 51勛圖厙, Brandon McHenry, has decided to continue Barbarites research on Vibrio in his upcoming graduate studies. He says she has impacted his life both personally and professionally.
Gabby has taught me skills and techniques that I could have only learned through hands-on experience, McHenry said. She is an incredible person, mentor and friend, and is always willing to go out of her way to help others.
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