Dr. María del Pilar Blanco Parra holds a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences and Limnology from UNAM (Mexico). Her research focuses on the biology, ecology, and conservation of fish, with a particular emphasis on elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). Her work integrates diverse approaches including age and growth studies, trophic ecology, population genetics, telemetry, and fisheries management. She has conducted research in highly biodiverse marine and freshwater ecosystems such as the Colombian Amazon, Gulf of California, Mexican Caribbean, Galápagos Islands, and the Arabian Gulf.​ Over the past decade, Dr. Blanco Parra has been involved with national and international oceanographic campaigns (UNAM, NOAA) and served as a Research Fellow for the Mexican government, based at the University of Quintana Roo. There, she led a long-term project titled “Implementing Monitoring Strategies for Priority Aquatic Megafauna Conservation in the Mexican Caribbean.” She has been a member of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group since 2019 and joined FGCU in February 2025.​

Students, if you are interested in removing litter and debris from our SWFL beaches and waterways to support Keep Lee County Beautiful, sign up for this service-learning opportunity below! All volunteers must register for a location at https://bit.ly/KLCB_Events!   Students who complete this event gain skills inCritical Thinking/Problem Solving, Teamwork/Collaboration, Leadership. This aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals:Sustainable Cities and Communities (11), Life Below Water (14), Life on Land (15). This aligns with the following Academic Majors: Marine Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, Public Health, Health Science  

Start your semester off right at Eagle Link-up—a fun and informative kickoff event designed to help you connect, engage, and make the most of your FGCU experience! Join RAs Meagan, Marina, and Steven for a night of games, good vibes, and FREE PIZZA as you get introduced to Eagle Link, FGCU’s official campus event hub. Whether you’re looking for club meetings, campus events, or leadership opportunities, Eagle Link is where it all happens—so learning how to navigate it is a must! We’ll show you how to access and explore Eagle Link, so you’ll never miss an exciting event or opportunity on campus again. ✨ What to Expect: Free pizza, food & drinks Awesome prizes Interactive games Hands-on Eagle Link demo Chill vibes and new connections Whether you're brand new to FGCU or just looking to get more involved this year, this event is your perfect first step. Come hungry and leave ready to take on campus life!

The  offering a semester-long opportunity for FGCU Students to earn service-learning hours by supporting students enrolled in Intermediate Algebra (MAT1033), Statistics (STA1013), or Statistics (STA2023) through weekly virtual tutoring sessions. Key Details: Flexible Scheduling: Candidates may choose the course, day, and time for their tutorial sessions. Mathematics Proficiency Required: A solid understanding of the relevant course material is essential. Weekly Commitment: Tutors will conduct one virtual session per week. Session Recording: All sessions must be recorded and submitted weekly to the instructor to qualify for service hours. This is a meaningful way to support fellow students while strengthening your own skills and contributing to the academic community. To Apply: Please email eawad@fgcu.edu with the following information: 1) A brief summary of your mathematics background 2) A list of mathematics courses you have completed, including the grades earned 3) Your weekly availability for tutoring sessions 4) The specific course you are interested in tutoring (MAT1033, STA1013, or STA2023)   Students who complete this event gain skills inCritical Thinking/Problem Solving, Digital Technology, Leadership. This aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goal: Quality Education (4).

This event is a makeup session for the training required for all current Registered Sport Club Officers and specifically mandatory for club Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Treasurers. At training Sport Club Officers will learn about FGCU policies and procedures to help their operations. Additionally, Officers will get connected with campus resources and other clubs.

The Calusa Nature Center will have several crafts, games, hiking adventures, and so much more that FGCU Students can assist with to earn service-learning hours. Pie eating contests, egg races, contests, a pumpkin patch, and face painting are just a few examples of activities that the Nature Center will need YOUR help with for their 2-day Friendly Forest event!   If you are interested in this opportunity, please sign up for one or both days below to help the Calusa Nature Center run this event! Sign up here for Saturday 9/20/2025: https://dash.pointapp.org/events/390751 Sign up here for Sunday 9/21/2025: https://dash.pointapp.org/events/390752 Email volunteer@calusanature.org if you have any questions or trouble with signing up!   Students who complete this event gain skills in Teamwork/Collaboration, Leadership, Professionalism/Work Ethic. This aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals:Good Health and Well-being (3), Quality Education (4), Climate Action (13), Life on Land (15). This aligns with the following Academic Majors: Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Child and Youth Studies, Art, Digital Media Design