Jane M Caffrey

Jane M Caffrey serves as a Distinguished University Professor at the University of West Florida's Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, with dual appointments at the Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation and Biology Education programs. Her research integrates field and laboratory approaches to address critical estuarine ecosystem challenges in the Florida Panhandle, focusing on human impacts on water quality and habitat restoration.

Her academic foundation includes:

• PhD in Marine Science from University of Maryland College Park (1989), dissertation on nitrogen cycling in estuarine sediments
• MS in Marine Science from Louisiana State University (1983)
• BA in Biology from Cornell University (1981)

Dr. Caffrey's research centers on estuarine biogeochemistry, with particular emphasis on nitrogen cycling dynamics, seagrass ecosystem function, and microbial-ecosystem interactions. She investigates how human activities alter nutrient flows and oxygen dynamics in coastal habitats, employing both traditional sampling and sensor technologies. Her work bridges fundamental ecological processes with practical management applications for seagrass restoration and water quality protection.

Recent publications demonstrate growing integration of citizen science in seagrass monitoring and water quality assessment across the Florida Panhandle. Key trends include advancing light attenuation modeling for habitat mapping, evaluating artificial reef ecosystem services, and developing science-based frameworks for emerging estuary management programs. Her work increasingly addresses climate change impacts on hydroclimatic patterns and estuarine resilience.

Major recognitions include:

• Distinguished University Professor (2022)
• Mercator Fellow, University of Rostock (2021)
• Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring (2020)
• Distinction in Research and Scholarly Activities Award (2019)
• Nautilus Award, UWF Honors Program (2013)

Dr. Caffrey has secured significant external funding from the EPA, Electric Power Research Institute, and state agencies for projects including long-term mercury deposition studies, phosphorus spill impact assessments, and current technical support for Florida Panhandle Estuary Programs. She actively mentors undergraduate researchers through field-based citizen science initiatives like Project Oyster Pensacola, emphasizing hands-on learning in ecosystem restoration.

She leads research at UWF's Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation while collaborating with newly formed Estuary Programs across Northwest Florida, providing critical data analysis and technical expertise for ecosystem-based management initiatives.