Dr. Manning teaches Phycology in the fall semester on Mondays and Wednesday 9-12 at the Biscayne Bay Campus. This course is an upper-division undergraduate lecture and laboratory (BOT 4404C) and it is cross-listed as a graduate lecture (BSC 5935) and workshop (BSC 6926). 

Dr. Schonna R. Manning is a phycologist working at the intersection of molecular biology and analytical chemistry whose research examines the dynamics of harmful algal blooms and proliferations. She is also interested in the immense potential of algae in biotechnology for carbon capture, remediation, and the synthesis of diverse bioproducts. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Manning oversees the BBC Water-Omics Facility for the Institute of Environment, an FIU preeminent program. She is committed to advancing algal sciences and works closely with colleagues across the globe in academia, local and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations. Dr. Manning serves on numerous editorial boards and contributes to the international scientific community through her service to the Phycological Society of America (past President) and the Algae Biomass Organization, including developing educational curricula for The Algae Foundation.

Kevin Pinto is a recent graduate of Florida International University, working as a research assistant under Dr. Schonna R. Manning. Kevin graduated in the spring of 2023 with a bachelor's in marine biology and intends to continue his studies as a graduate student in the coming year. Outside of the lab, Kevin enjoys teaching music as a guitar and bass instructor. 

Description coming soon!

Dr. Gabrielle Maciel is a Brazilian phycologist whose work is guided by a deep fascination with the microscopic world of diatoms. She holds a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú (2018), an M.Sc. in Botany from Universidade Federal do Paraná (2021), and a Ph.D. in Continental Aquatic Biology from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (2026), including a doctoral fellowship at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). In the Manning Lab, Dr. Maciel's work will focus on microalgae from Biscayne Bay, while also contributing to emerging projects in the lab. She will integrate taxonomy, ecology, and limnology to better understand how multiple environmental stressors shape microalgal communities and influence biodiversity patterns in aquatic ecosystems. Gabrielle is driven by curiosity, careful observation, and a commitment to collaborative science. Outside the lab, she finds inspiration in natural landscapes, remains enthusiastic about learning more about crafting, plant care, and watercoloring, and has a well-known affection for both diatoms and cats. 

I am a marine ecologist and I investigate relationships between water quality and algal communities and how these communities change through time. The water quality subjects I study include nutrient availability, salinity distribution, and the underwater light environment. The algal communities I study are quite diverse and encompass a broad range of size and habitats from microscopic phytoplankton to macroscopic seaweeds and seagrasses and include unique environments such as the skin of manatees, sea turtles and whales. Most of my research is conducted in the estuaries of South Florida but I also collaborate with international scientists to study algal communities across the globe. Current research projects include phytoplankton and water quality monitoring in the St. Lucie Estuary, seagrass and macroalgal dynamics in Everglades National Park, and the taxonomy of epizoic diatoms on marine vertebrates.

Kelly Jatib is an undergraduate student researcher at FIU double majoring in Biology and Marine Biology. She’s primarily interested in microbiology and mainly manages the culturing and isolation of algal strains for the lab. Her passion for tinier scale organisms was born from an admiration for larger-scale oceanic life and the global conditions surrounding them. She plans on graduating in the summer of 2025 and pursuing higher education in the future. In her free time, she enjoys graphic design and reading fantasy novels.

Md Jahin Khandakar is a Ph.D.-seeking student in Florida International University's (FIU) Biology program. His core scientific interests include Marine Biological Resources, Marine Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, and the Blue Economy. His current research focuses on the omics-based study of algae and microorganisms in the benthic and water–transitional zones of Biscayne Bay, with an emphasis on understanding microbial and algal communities in coastal ecosystems. Jahin holds a BSc and an MS in Oceanography from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. His previous research included the identification of pathogenic bacteria in the Karnaphuli River and investigations into the medicinal potential of algae from St. Martin’s Island, Bangladesh. Outside the lab, Jahin enjoys photography and exploring nature.

Carlos is an undergraduate researcher at FIU, currently pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry.  With a solid research background that spans microbiology, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences, Carlos has participated in various interdisciplinary projects since his first semester at FIU. He focuses on antimicrobial resistance research, exploring drug and protein delivery systems, as well as now has a strong passion for phycology research, which began after pursuing some plant fungal endophyte studies. He is currently exploring algal bioremediation processes and their applications in enhancing water quality. Outside of research, he enjoys going on nature walks or playing basketball. 

Reena Fernandes is an undergraduate researcher at FIU pursuing a bachelor’s in biology, specializing in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies. She’s primarily interested in coral ecology and deep-sea research, with her long-term goal of using algae to help rebuild coral reefs and remove harmful pollution from ocean waters. Outside of the lab, she enjoys baking and using her extensive background in aquaculture, horticulture, and animal sciences, which she's acquired from her many unexpected adventures in animal rescues.

Kevin Thompson is an undergraduate Marine Biology major at FIU and is local to Miami, Florida. He was inspired as a child reading books on sharks and penguins, and he hopes to one day work with Antarctic marine life. He was originally pursuing a Biology degree in Baltimore, Maryland, but wanted more spark, so he enrolled in the FIU Marine Biology program. Learning more about the world of algae sparked Kevin's attention, and he will explore how this small world affects our daily lives.

Fabiana Masis is an undergraduate student from Nicaragua pursuing a B.S. in Marine Biology and a B.A. in Natural and Applied Sciences at Florida International University. She is interested in animal health, marine science, and conservation, with the goal of pursuing a career in veterinary medicine while contributing to wildlife conservation. Her interests include aquatic and wildlife medicine, animal care, and conservation. Outside of the lab, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, spending time in nature, and volunteering with animals.

Camila Ruiz is a UC Berkeley graduate and Boricua researcher currently studying the South Florida coastline. In the Manning Laboratory, her work focuses on microalgal communities associated with pelagic Sargassum. Her current project involves isolating and culturing epiphytic strains to establish a baseline library for nearshore biosurveillance and research. She is particularly interested in the metabolic and biochemical potential of marine biomass and its role within the developing bioeconomy. Her laboratory work brings the coastal observatory into microscopic focus, examining the smaller biological systems within the larger phenomenon documented through her field observations. She is also the founder of Folk Science Inc., a Florida nonprofit focused on marine and coastal research and science communication.

Coming soon!

Johnny is a graduate of San Francisco state university with a B.S. in Human Biology. After careers as a paramedic and in pharmaceutical labs, he is pivoting to marine biology to work at finding ways to conserve our aquatic ecosystems. His interest in conservation was sparked by travels and dives around the world and seeing the efforts to mitigate damage to these ecosystems.

Noble Moody is a senior Marine Biology major at Florida International University and is based in Miami, Florida. His interest in marine science grew from a desire to better understand and protect the coastal ecosystems surrounding South Florida. Through FIU, Noble has become especially interested in marine restoration, habitat complexity, and the relationship between organisms and their environments. He is the founder of MIMIC, an undergraduate-led project and research team that explores nature-inspired and biodegradable approaches to marine habitat restoration. His work has led him to explore how materials, algae, microorganisms, and biological communities interact in changing marine environments. As part of the Manning Lab, Noble hopes to expand his understanding of the smaller biological processes that influence larger marine ecosystems and continue developing his skills as a marine scientist.

Sole Amadi graduated from Florida International University in Fall 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science. She currently volunteers under Dr. Schonna R. Manning and Laura Reynolds while working as an educator with Marine Science Eco Experience. Her interests include marine ecology, coral reef conservation, and how environmental changes affect marine life. Her previous experience includes coral propagation, sea turtle husbandry, shark tagging, and marine science education. Outside of work, Sole enjoys reading, traveling, and caring for her saltwater aquarium. 

Dr. Afeefa Abdool-Ghany, Ph.D.

Former Postdoctoral Associate, Cert. Professional Env. Engineer 

Pedro Perez, B.S. Bio / Marine Bio

Former Undergraduate Research Assistant

Katherine A. Perri, Ph.D.

Former Postdoctoral Associate, currently at Texas A&M (2025 - )

Carolina Lahoz, Marine Bio

Former Undergraduate Research Assistant

Alexander Grossman, B.S. Bio

Former Research Assistant, pursuing M.S. at NYU (2026 - )

Yilan Lin, B.S. Bio

Former Graduate Student (2023-2026)