Research

Research within the GCGC utilizes remote sensing science and technology in conjunction with in situ data to address topics of importance to the ecology and economy of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Current research projects span terrestrial, wetland and coastal marine habitats and utilize ground-based, airborne and space-borne sensor systems. Airborne (AVIRIS, HyMap) and space-borne (HYPERION) hyperspectral systems are being employed to assess plant species diversity on Mississippi barrier islands, track changes in seagrass populations and identify invasive plant populations in coastal wetlands. Data from NASA’s MODIS sensor are being used toward predicting Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and contamination of oyster reefs with human-pathogenic bacteria. We also are exploring new techniques in excitation-emission matrix fluorometry toward the detection and monitoring of toxic hydrocarbons in coastal waters. Our research sponsors include NASA, NOAA, EPA Gulf of Mexico Program and National Park Service.

Team

Greg Carter, Ph.D. - Chief Scientist

Dr. Carter's research interests include the remote sensing of vegetation and coastal aquatic systems, including biophysical influences on radiative properties, invasive species detection and the assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem function. His current research incorporates historical aerial photography and modern digital imagery to develop a broader understanding of the vegetation dynamics and geomorphology of Mississippi barrier islands and the restorative processes which occur following severe storms.

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Kelly Lucas, Ph.D.

My research interests involve the use of hyperspectral and multispectral remote sensing to evaluate vascular plant species richness on Horn Island, Mississippi. This also includes the use of remote sensing to detect changes in vascular plant species richness on Horn Island post Hurricane Katrina.

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Dan Holiday, Ph.D.

My research interests involve correlating satellite remote sensing data products from the MODIS Aqua and SeaWiFS sensors with data from in situ water collections. These correlations enable using sensor data for synoptic overviews of large geographic areas toward understanding large-scale ecological patterns. Products such as these are presently used to understand environmental conditions allowing for the formation of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and Vibrio spp. bacterial infections in turbid waters. These data are also being used in the development of a predictive model for HABs events in turbid coastal waters such as the northern Gulf of Mexico.

View Dan's Curriculum Vitae