Michael Savarese

Michael Savarese is a Professor in the Department of Marine & Earth Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), affiliated with The Water School. He has been a faculty member since FGCU's inception in 1997. His roles include serving as a liaison between scientists and decision-makers, previously as Chairperson of the Big Cypress and Southwest Florida Restoration Coordination Teams, and currently as a community liaison for coastal resilience initiatives.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Geology, University of California, Davis
• M.S. in Geology, University of Rochester
• B.S. in Biology and Geology, University of Rochester

Research & Teaching: Focuses on coastal environmental change, human development impacts, and climate resilience. He pioneered an undergraduate collaborative research model where students engage in real-world projects, often presenting/publishing results. Courses include Coastal & Watershed Geology, Geobiology, and field studies in the Bahamas.

Grants & Collaborations: Works with local, state, and federal agencies to address urban, natural, and cultural resource management in the context of climate change. Engages elected officials and policymakers in resilience planning.