Now Recruiting: MS Assistantship in Hurricane Ecology at UCF and the Jones Center
A new MS assistantship is available to study how hurricanes shape southern ecosystems through long-term data and new fieldwork. The position, jointly mentored by Dr. Nicole Zampieri (UCF) and Dr. Jeffery Cannon (Jones Center), begins Fall 2026 and includes full funding. The student will explore how storms and management practices drive forest recovery and plant communities across the southeastern U.S
New study: Advancing hurricane ecology in endangered systems
Longleaf pine savannas are iconic and endangered ecosystems along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, but intensifying hurricanes pose a growing threat to their persistence. Our team reviewed storm impacts across the longleaf range and found that 85% of remaining habitat experiences tropical storm-force winds every six years. We identified key risk factors—like fire, insects, and salvage logging—that can compound management challenges and delay recovery. This study, published in the journal BioScience highlights the need for climate-informed management strategies that build resilience in the face of increasingly frequent storms.