Vincent Encomio

 

Dr. Encomio is a Florida Sea Grant extension agent with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF IFAS). Vincent received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California, San Diego, a master’s degree in marine biology from San Francisco State University, and a Ph.D. in marine science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William and Mary.

 

As an extension agent, Dr. Encomio works with residents in the Indian River Lagoon region of Florida to address their concerns on coastal issues ranging from stormwater pollution, harmful algal blooms (HABs), and coastal habitat loss. He also coordinates local participatory, or citizen science, programs that monitor harmful algal blooms and shorelines, and restore estuarine habitats such as oyster reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. 

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Recently, Dr. Encomio has been working with other scientists to develop beneficial uses of excess Sargassum seaweed that can overcome beaches in the Caribbean and South Florida. Working with other Florida Sea Grant and UF IFAS colleagues, he conducted studies on composting Sargassum. He is currently working with Florida Institute of Technology scientists on producing biochar from Sargassum, which offers promise in mitigating HABs, aquatic pollution, and sequestering excess carbon.

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Presentation: Wednesday, October 15th 5:30 PM @ Colibri Cafe

Field Project: Thursday, October 16th 1:00 PM @ Fort Bay

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