Evelyn E. Gaiser

Dr. Gaiser is an aquatic ecologist whose research is focused on understanding how algae can be used as "sentinels " of the effects of long-term changes in climate and land-use in aquatic ecosystems. While her work focuses on aquatic systems of South Florida, she and her students also conduct international studies to expand findings contextually. Dr. Gaiser also contributes to creative work that unites faculty across the natural and social sciences and humanities and forges community partnerships to foster sustainability of the planet. She is also a trained musician and has created creative works to express science through music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7fCmHG3h7k).

Research Areas

Research in Dr. Gaiser 's lab has informed the progress of Everglades Restoration and is integrated into the Florida Coastal Everglades Long-Term Ecological Research program, which Dr. Gaiser has led from 2007-2021. The FCE LTER program is a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded long-term Everglades research platform operated out of FIU, and is one of 28 sites in the U.S. LTER Network. The FCE LTER program includes 75 senior scientists and 64 students from multiple departments and schools at FIU, as well as 29 partnering institutions including academic and agency partners. Research focuses on the central idea that in coastal wetlands, climate change and resource management decisions interact to influence freshwater availability, ecosystem dynamics, and the value and utilization of ecosystem services by people. Dr. Gaiser has been committed to facilitating the advancement of science through collaboration and public-private partnerships, and serves as the incoming chair of the LTER Network executive board and a member of the State of Florida’s Blue Green Algae Task Force.

Education

• Ph.D., University of Georgia
• M.S., Iowa State University
• B.S., Kent State University