Kelli Hunsucker

Dr. Kelli Hunsucker serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences at the Florida Institute of Technology, where she leads research at the intersection of marine biofouling prevention and ecological engineering. Her work addresses critical challenges in coastal ecosystem health through innovative technological and nature-based solutions.

Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography (2012) and M.S. in Chemical Oceanography from Florida Tech, complemented by a B.S. in Oceanography with Marine Chemistry focus from Stockton University (2005).

• Ph.D., Biological Oceanography, Florida Institute of Technology (2012)
• M.S., Chemical Oceanography, Florida Institute of Technology
• B.S., Oceanography (Marine Chemistry), Stockton University (2005)

Hunsucker's research program operates on dual tracks: preventing destructive biofouling on marine infrastructure and promoting beneficial ecological engineering for habitat restoration. She pioneers ultraviolet C (UVC) applications for antifouling systems while developing 'living dock' structures that enhance benthic recruitment in the Indian River Lagoon. Her approach integrates laboratory experimentation, field validation, and citizen science initiatives to create scalable solutions for water quality improvement and coastal resilience. Collaborations with government agencies, industry partners, and community stakeholders ensure practical implementation of her findings.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a concentrated focus on UVC-based antifouling technologies and eco-engineering interventions in estuarine environments. Her work demonstrates increasing sophistication in combining optical engineering with marine ecology, particularly through ROV-integrated UVC systems and quantifiable assessments of living dock performance. The Indian River Lagoon serves as both experimental site and ecological indicator system across her research portfolio.

Her recognition as Marine Science Educator of the Year (2022) highlights her commitment to outreach:

• Marine Science Educator of the Year Honor (2022)

Hunsucker actively mentors graduate researchers like doctoral candidate Kailey Richard while securing collaborative funding for biofouling and ecosystem enhancement projects. Her community engagement extends to marine science summer programs for children and partnerships with local organizations focused on lagoon restoration. She serves on the Steering Committee for the Indian River Lagoon Symposium and contributes to editorial boards including the Marine Technology Society Journal.

Her research operations center on the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem, where she directs field studies of living dock structures and UVC antifouling applications. The Marine Science & Coastal Engineering Camp functions as both educational initiative and practical research extension, engaging citizen scientists in benthic recruitment monitoring while advancing her team's understanding of coastal ecosystem dynamics.