Distinguished Marine Scientist Holds Seminar

On Oct. 26, 2007, Edie Widder, Ph.D., of the Ocean Research and Conservation Association, Inc., captivated a packed audience of faculty and students at the Oceanographic Center with an extraordinary presentation on her research into marine bioluminescence -- the production of light by creatures in the ocean -- and the technology used to study it.

Widder showed videos of the amazing luminous displays of deep-sea fishes, shrimps, jellies and microorganisms, unknown squid and giant sharks attracted to deep-sea cameras, and the high-tech instruments that she has helped design and deploy. She even brought a container of living microscopic algae that, when she shook it, gave off a ghostly greenish glow that demonstrated the luminous power of these creatures. Widder answered questions from the audience and enjoyed a buffet dinner with students and faculty.

In September 2006, Widder was awarded a prestigious John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Her talk was the first in the Distinguished Marine Scientist Seminar Series that represents the Oceanographic Center's contribution to NSU's Quality Enhancement Program.