Linda Walters

Linda Walters is a Pegasus Professor in the Department of Biology within the College of Sciences at the University of Central Florida. She directs the Coastal and Estuarine Ecology Laboratory (CEELAB), conducting field research at UCF's main campus and the Fellers House Field Station in Canaveral National Seashore. Her work focuses on Florida's Indian River Lagoon system, integrating ecological research with community engagement.

Her research spans three primary domains: oyster reef restoration addressing boat wakes, algal blooms, invasive species, and microplastics; living shoreline stabilization studying mangrove/marshgrass recruitment and microplastic pollution; and wading bird conservation examining habitat use and human impacts. She employs interdisciplinary approaches combining field ecology, biogeochemistry, hydrodynamics, and social science, with strong emphasis on community science and K-12 outreach through children's storybooks and oyster storytelling yoga.

Recent publications reveal intensifying focus on microplastic pollution pathways, climate-driven ecosystem shifts (tropicalization), and innovative restoration techniques like biodegradable materials. Her work increasingly integrates technology such as 360° virtual field trips and GIS mapping to enhance research accessibility and public engagement.

Dr. Walters secures major funding from NSF, NOAA, Disney Conservation Fund, and state agencies. Her lab collaborates extensively with Florida Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service, Florida Sea Grant, and community organizations. She actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students through UCF's Biology Department, requiring prospective researchers to engage with CEELAB's restoration and outreach activities prior to developing independent projects.

CEELAB operates as a hub for coastal research, bringing together biologists, engineers, social scientists, and volunteers. The lab maintains strong community ties through restoration workshops with Coastal Conservation Association-Florida and Mudhole Tackle, plus regular outreach events documented on their Facebook page. Their work directly informs regional conservation efforts in Florida's threatened estuarine ecosystems.