Eckerd College

From radioactive tuna to red tide impacts on the sea floor, we explore the ocean research done by five Eckerd student scientist groups this past year.

Mandatory evacuations were put in place for Hurricane Helene at Eckerd College on Sept. 25. What students and faculty thought would only be half a week long turned into something much longer.

John Edwards was murdered in 1994. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a death warrant for Loran Cole, who would be the first inmate executed in Florida since October. Edwards's sister was an Eckerd College student.

Known as Swifties, the singer has one of the most loyal fanbases in the world. In return, some have started nationwide societies to form communities that study and honor the icon, and Florida is no exception.

Meet five student scientists who were recognized for their studies on the Gulf of Mexico.

During the oil extraction process, radium is released through what's called "produced water" – it’s the water that comes up with a mixture of oil when the rigs pump.

The absence of chemical signatures in some areas could indicate that repopulation is moving the water and sediment around, but marine chemistry student John Hilliard said he wants to continue his research.

James Annarelli has worked at Eckerd for 32 years and is currently the vice president for student life and dean of students.

The project offers underrepresented students the opportunity to document climate change and the lingering BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacts from 2010.

The four will participate in town halls on the USF St. Petersburg campus on Monday and Tuesday.

The former deputy mayor for the city of St. Petersburg is currently the chief operating officer and vice president of strategy at Eckerd College.

Kanika Tomalin will serve as vice president for strategy and chief operating officer following the end of Mayor Rick Kriseman’s administration in January.