January 23, 2003
Contact:
Jennifer Meriam, Director (954) 262-5355
Mike Laderman, Associate Director, (954) 262-5354
Mara Kiffin, Coordinator, (954) 262-5350
NSU, Collaborative Center of Excellence in Environmental Sciences Begins Staffing Initiatives in Davie
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL— Nova Southeastern University announces the appointment of Dr. Frank Mazzotti, associate professor at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, as an adjunct faculty member with NSU’s Oceanographic Center. “This is the first step in the establishment of a collaborative faculty within the new Center of Excellence in Environmental Sciences in Davie,” said Dr. Richard Dodge, dean of NSU’s Oceanographic Center.
The Center will be a result of a unique collaboration among NSU, UF, and Florida Atlantic University to promote and develop environmental research and education. Critical studies will help to ensure the most efficient and productive restoration of the Everglades.
The consortium envisions forming a joint environmental science academic and research program as the basis for the Center of Excellence in Environmental Sciences. The Center will be a major opportunity for federal agencies, including the US Geological Survey, involved in everglades studies and restoration to take advantage of university expertise, facilities, and collaborative programs.
Mazzotti has a distinguished history of outstanding research and education in ecological sciences throughout Florida, Latin America, and the Caribbean. "I look forward to a long collaboration with NSU and consortium scientists as we develop this Center of Excellence to help provide key science research and outreach support for the South Florida Restoration Initiative,” Mazzotti stated. “My first graduate student has been accepted at NSU’s Oceanographic Center. In collaboration with US Geological Survey scientists, we are going to be evaluating the effects of comprehensive everglades restoration projects on the ecology of southwest Florida”.
Although Mazzotti is internationally known for his work on crocodiles and alligators, he recently has focused on landscape ecological evaluations of Everglades restoration. “We cannot manage water well enough to make up for an unsustainable landscape in South Florida,” he said. “Humans as part of the environment must be integrated into our future.”
Recently Mazzotti has taken his expertise abroad. He advises governmental and non-governmental organizations in Mexico, Belize, and Jamaica on ecosystem management and endangered species conservation.
The new Center for Excellence in Environmental Sciences will be located in Davie. The new academic village proposed by NSU will be the headquarters for the center with research and teaching facilities located on the NSU, UF, and FAU campuses.
