The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO), based in St. Petersburg and hosted by the University of South Florida, operates the largest academic research vessel fleet in Florida along with the Keys Marine Laboratory, a full-service marine laboratory in Long Key. Designated as an Academic Infrastructure Support Organization (or AISO), FIO supports its 32-member Consortium’s oceanographic research and educational needs. This presentation will feature the research vessels’ capabilities and notable recent missions, the equipment that assists with coastal mapping, water quality monitoring, species studies, etc. and what it’s like to be at sea for long periods of time (“life at sea”). Viewers will also get a look-in on the Hogarth’s Pilothouse and Engine Rooms thanks to a short 360-degree virtual tour.

Chris Sharp is the Communications and Marketing Officer and Webmaster for FIO. Chris is in charge of public relations,  events, digital and web content, social media, and outreach. He has a Bachelors in Management from James Madison University, in his home state of Virginia, and a Masters in Communications from the University of South Florida. Chris has a background in professional and collegiate sports and has been with the USF System for over a decade.

Rob Walker is the Marine Operations Manager for the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO). He plans and maintains the vessel’s science systems and also performs some ships operations, including cruise scheduling. He is an ex-officio member of the Ship’s Scheduling Committee. Originally from Erie, PA, he earned his Bachelors from Penn State University and his Master’s degree in Biological Oceanography from University of South Florida studying photosynthesis and respiration in benthic foraminifera in Florida Bay, Florida Keys reef tract and the Western Pacific Ocean.