Bio

Dr. Hunsucker is an Assistant Professor of Oceanography at the Florida Institute of Technology. She holds degrees from Stockton University and the Florida Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on biofouling organisms and their settlement on anthropogenic structures. She has worked with the US Navy, universities, and industry partners to study ship hull coatings, altered substrates, and novel biofouling prevention systems to determine the efficacy in preventing the accumulation of biofouling. She also studies variations in the community composition of biofilms grown on ship hull coatings under disturbed regimes, and how these changes may alter the associated drag penalties. She has authored over 250 technical reports, numerous publications, and book chapters on biofouling ecology and prevention. Dr. Hunsucker’s other projects involve eco-engineering solutions for improved habitat and water quality in estuarine waters. She actively mentors both undergraduate and graduate students. Her research group currently consists of five undergraduates, three Masters students, and two PhD students. In addition to teaching and research, she is heavily involved in marine education and outreach programs. For the past seven years, she has led marine science summer programs for students ages 10 to 18.