Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences

Thanks to federal and institutional grants totaling $11.7 million, a team of 20 scientists from more than a dozen institutions, along with two NOAA Fisheries collaborators, contributed to a study to count amberjack populations.

The count was lead by Dr. Sean Powers, fisheries ecology professor and director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama. Researchers spent three years conducting underwater video and active acoustic surveys to estimate the abundance of greater amberjack in the Gulf and U.S. South Atlantic. https://heyor.ca/xhU1zY

Honors Senior Showcase 2026! Celebrating SSoMES seniors and their amazing research projects. Kali Johnston studies stormwater flooding's impact on Mobile County School System. Emily Thiel-Goin looks at how pH affects Vallisneria neotropicalis growth. Semyra Reus researches fluoxetine's effects on Gulf killifish behavior.

Caps off, corks off! Happy Finals Week 🎓🍾🐾

A big congratulations are in order for senior Environmental & Sustainability Sciences student, Ms. Bria Alford!

Bria has been selected by the university community for her excellence in achievement in scholarship and engagement at USA showcasing their student leadership and jaguar pride. Bria was inducted into this prestigious society last night.

All of us at SSoMES are incredibly proud of Bria and her achievements and wish her the best of luck as she graduates next week. Keep up the hard work, Bria. We are all so proud of you!

Congratulations to graduating seniors in the College of Arts and Sciences who were inducted into the Jaguar Senior Medallion Society 🐾 🏅

The winners have demonstrated excellence through academic achievement and student engagement. They have also modeled outstanding student leadership and Jaguar pride. The event celebrates the accomplishments of student leaders and inspires others ❤️ 💙

‘Twas the week before finals! Mark your calendars, it’s going to be an awesome week! 🗓️✨🐆

With an ambitious vision for the future, the University of South Alabama launched a $400 million capital campaign, “Where Bold Begins,” to expand educational opportunities, advance innovation and enhance patient care. The announcement was made during a celebratory on-campus event at the Student Center on Thursday, April 23.

“We stand today on a foundation of vision and resolve as the Flagship of the Gulf Coast,” said President Jo Bonner. “This campaign is our declaration that we will not only honor the legacy of our past; we will use it to build a future of limitless possibilities." https://heyor.ca/n355u8

Research symposium showcasing student work from the MAS 488/494 Seascape Ecology and Connectivity Field Course (Belize 2026) ☀️🏝️🪸🐠🦈

When: Friday, April 24, 2026 | 12:30–3:30 PM
Where: EOB 260, University of South Alabama

During Spring Break, twelve USA students traveled to the University of Belize’s Calabash Cay Field Station on Turneffe Atoll, where they immersed themselves in the surrounding Caribbean ecosystems, including mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. At this symposium, students will present findings from their research projects conducted at Calabash.

Presentation topics include:

Variation in mangrove fish communities across the atoll
Diets and behavior of invasive lionfish
Variation in coral communities across the lagoon
Patterns of Caribbean spiny lobster den use

❤️ The University of South Alabama Board of Trustees, President Jo Bonner, and Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Andi Kent invite you to attend an exclusive event celebrating the launch of a bold vision for the future of the Flagship of the Gulf Coast.

💙 The USA Capital Campaign Launch event will be held Thursday, April 23, at 10 a.m. in the Student Center North Atrium. Parking will be available in Lot 607. There will be free food, giveaways and music!

🎉 This is more than an announcement — it’s a celebration of what’s ahead for our students, patients and community. Our mission drives us in pursuit of the not yet known in research, teaching and healthcare, and this campaign marks an important step forward in our journey.