Research Staff
Joel Llopiz
Postdoctoral Associate
Website or email
My interests and foci largely stem from the trophodynamic side of larval fish ecology. I have been part of a three-year, NSF-funded study within the Straits of Florida primarily focused on adding to our knowledge of the early life history of Atlantic billfishes. My efforts have concentrated on the feeding ecology of these and other larvae (notably scombrids and reef fishes) by investigating the dynamics associated with time, space and ontogeny. See more here.
Cedric Guigand
cguigand@rsmas.miami.edu
Senior Research Associate II
After earning a Master of Science in Marine Biology in 2002 at Florida Tech, I started working at RSMAS under the direction of Dr. R. K. Cowen. Even though my background is in fish functional morphology, I have personal interests in new technologies and engineering, which allow me to understand the technical needs of biologists and propose new approaches to answer scientific questions. My main contribution to the research done in this laboratory is problem solving and design of new field sampling and lab experimental systems ranging from hybrid multiple net systems to underwater video such as ISIIS and OWNFOR. I collaborate with an engineering companie ( Bellamare LLC) in designing custom instruments for RSMAS researchers as well as other universities. Additionally, I manage the logistics of the laboratory as well as the operations at sea. I also collaborate with students and researchers in research projects, grant and manuscript writing (back to top).
Laura Parsons
Research Associate
After I graduated from the University of Idaho in 2006 with a B.S in Biology, I studied biological control of invasive plants at CABI in Switzerland. Although my background is in Entomology and Ecology, I have enjoyed the opportunity to expand my knowledge in marine sciences. As a research associate in the Cowen lab, I assist graduate students and staff with their research and help maintain a smooth running lab. In addition to these duties, I help process pelagic samples, extract otoliths and identify fish larvae and zooplankton. I use genetic analysis to identify fish larvae in order to further study their distribution and population demographics