Three LSU Oceanography Graduate Students Awarded Prestigious Van Lopik Scholarships

BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Sea Grant continues to champion coastal research, education, and outreach through its prestigious scholarships. This year, three graduate students from LSU's Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences (DOCS) have been awarded the Dr. Jack and Annagreta Hohjdahl Van Lopik Superior Graduate Research Scholarships, part of a group of eight LSU recipients.

The Louisiana Sea Grant College Program is widely recognized for its dedication to fostering coastal research and stewardship. Through initiatives like the Van Lopik Scholarships, it invests in the next generation of marine scientists, helping them tackle the pressing environmental challenges of Louisiana’s rapidly changing coastline.

Meet the 2024 Van Lopik Scholars from DOCS

Each awardee from LSU’s DOCS will receive $10,000 to support their research efforts, including field and conference travel, stipends, and research expenditures. The DOCS program, the only one in Louisiana to offer master’s and doctoral degrees in oceanography, is distinguished nationally for its holistic approach, connecting ocean and coastal zone studies to address critical Coastal Environmental challenges.

For over 50 years, DOCS has been equipping students with multidisciplinary expertise to address the complex environmental issues affecting oceanic and aquatic ecosystems. The 2024 Van Lopik Scholars exemplify this mission through their innovative research aimed at enhancing our understanding of marine environments and providing resource managers with the vital information to improve coastal system health for the citizens of Louisiana.

Howard Dunleavy – Master’s Student, Advisor: Dr. Steve Midway

Dunleavy’s research utilizes long-term, fishery-independent data from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to assess how Gulf of Mexico fisheries respond to Bonnet Carré Spillway openings. His work will inform adaptive management strategies for the region’s vital fisheries.

“Howard’s research will provide key insights into the future of Gulf fisheries in the face of  a changing environment,” said Steve Midway, associate professor of DOCS.

 

Lee Potter – Ph.D. Student, Advisor: Dr. John White

Potter is investigating phosphorus levels in the Lake Pontchartrain Estuary to better understand the causes and distribution of harmful algal blooms (HABs). His research could lead to improved predictions and mitigation strategies for HABs, which pose significant ecological and economic threats.

“Lee’s work is critical to managing and ultimately preventing the harmful algal blooms that have been plaguing our waterways affecting recreation and seafood production,” noted John White, associate dean of research and professor of DOCS.

 

Mischa Schultz – Ph.D. Student, Advisor: Dr. Steve Midway

Schultz is focused on the reproductive biology of the greater amberjack, a key species for Gulf of Mexico fisheries. By refining stock productivity estimates, Schultz’s work aims to contribute to more sustainable fisheries management.

“Mischa’s research is crucial for improving stock assessments, ensuring the longevity of amberjack populations,” added Midway.