Brought to you by The Water School Seminar Speaker Committee Harry Maisch, Stefan Carpenter, Dhruv Bhatt, and Vanaja Kankarla. Dr. Matt Ware is an ecologist investigating the interaction of coastal change and animal behavior, population dynamics, and conservation management using in situ, remote, and computational methods. The main goal of his work is to find better ways for us to balance the human use and continued function of coastal ecosystems. To do so, he has worked on a wide array of coastal conservation issues, ranging from coral reef restoration in the Florida Keys to sea turtle habitat suitability in North Carolina, often integrating students, citizen science NGOs, and state and federal management partners. Out in the field, he is an FAA-qualified drone pilot, PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer, DAN instructor, and avid photographer. Dr. Ware uses these skills in his outreach to the public with respect to critical conservation issues. In particular, his photographs have been published in outlets such as National Geographic, been on display at the British Natural History Museum, and been honored in the international Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. ​ Laura O’Connell is an Assistant Professor of Carbonate Sedimentology in the Marine and Earth Science Department at Florida Gulf Coast University. Like The Water School, she is interdisciplinary; she started her education as a double major in geology and marine science and a minor in biology at the University of Miami. She then went to graduate school at Queen’s University in Canada where she investigated ancient and modern rocks and sediments in Australia and their links to environmental and climatic changes. Her scientific research focuses on the intersections between marine biology, ecology, and geology to better understand marine seafloor communities and how they have changed through time. She also investigates sediment production by organisms, from the structures of reefs to the genesis of carbonate muds. Her research and field experiences have taken her around the world including to Australia, Alaska, and Panama and she is excited to continue her research and field teaching at FGCU. She has experience teaching at many college levels and loves getting students excited about geology and marine systems in the classroom and in the field. She looks forward to bringing her well-rounded expertise in teaching and research to students at FGCU and also in helping to grow the Environmental Geology program. When she was an undergraduate at the University of Miami, The Water School at FGCU was just getting started and Laura wanted to be a part of it. She was thrilled when this job was posted, and she started at her position at FGCU in spring of 2024. ​ Hosted by: The Water School Additional Information can be found at: https://getinvolved.fgcu.edu/event/11654226

Curious about the cosmos? Ever dream about traveling through deep space? The Astronomy and Astrophysics Club is for you! Stop by our table in front of the Library Lawn and learn about the AAC! Get to know our officers, ask questions, and preview our upcoming meetings! Hosted by: Astronomy and Astrophysics Club Additional Information can be found at: https://getinvolved.fgcu.edu/event/11810144

Hitch a ride on our famous yellow golf cart! If you are on main campus, we will pick you up and give you a ride to your destination within the main perimeter of campus. On your way to class or back to your room, we will ask you trivia questions related to health and wellness! The first 20 passengers will receive $5 Eagle Dollars on their Eagle Account within 1-3 business days, which can be used for student printers, laundry facilities, vending machines, dining locations. Passengers must sign a form in order to receive the $5 in their Eagle Account. Hosted by: University Recreation and Wellness Additional Information can be found at: https://getinvolved.fgcu.edu/event/11810000

There are so many books in the stacks on the upper floors. How do you even find the right one? Our student ambassadors have you covered. See how easy it is to look up a title, understand the call number, and find it on the shelf. All workshops last 15 minutes or less, and all students who attend will have a chance to win swag. Get smart about the library and check it out! Hosted by: University Library Additional Information can be found at: https://getinvolved.fgcu.edu/event/11725308

Come out to Waterfront where staff will teach you how to Paddleboard! Please wear a bathing suit/clothing you don't mind getting wet and bring water. Register at recstore.fgcu.edu or the FGCU Go app. Hosted by: University Recreation and Wellness Additional Information can be found at: https://getinvolved.fgcu.edu/event/11366594

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A TWO-DAY EVENT! PLEASE ENSURE YOU ATTEND BOTH DAYS OR YOU WILL MISS OUT ON CONTENT.- Monday, November 10th: 3-5PM- Wednesday, November 12th: 3-5PM Goal:Equip learners with enough understanding to confidently use and critically evaluate AI tools.Level:BasicTarget Audience:Students, Staff, and Faculty from FGCU. IMPORTANT NOTE: Topics are sequenced, please have the asynchronous portions completed by the start date of the synchronous events (November 10th). Class Structure: This program is administered through Canvas. Please be patient as you will be granted access to the classroom as soon as possible. Be sure to check your email for your invitation to the Canvas Classroom. Topics: Asynchronous 1. A Brief History of AI 2. What is AI and Its Many Branches 3. How Machines Learn 4. Generative AI & LLMs Synchronous            November 10 (3-5 PM)                5. Fundamentals of Prompt Engineering 6. Context Engineering            November 12 (3-5 PM)                7. Foundational Models and Tools                8. Sample Use Cases Hosted by: Dendritic Institute Additional Information can be found at: https://getinvolved.fgcu.edu/event/11781456