Michael Parsons

Michael Parsons is a Professor and Director of the VFS (likely a program/unit) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), leading research through The Water School. He holds a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from Louisiana State University. His work focuses on marine ecosystem health, particularly ciguatera fish poisoning, harmful algal blooms, and phytoplankton ecology. He co-leads the NSF/NIH-funded Greater Caribbean Center for Ciguatera Research, addressing climate change and human health linkages.

Research Interests: Ciguatera Fish Poisoning, Harmful Algal Blooms, Coral Reef Ecology, Phytoplankton Dynamics, Eutrophication Effects, and Oil Spill Impacts. His studies integrate fieldwork, lab analysis, and modeling to assess coastal ecosystem threats. Teaching includes marine ecology and data analysis courses.

Notable Projects: Development of monitoring tools for Gambierdiscus species, ciguatera toxin modeling (CiguaMOD), and post-Deepwater Horizon oil spill ecosystem recovery assessments. Mentors undergraduate/graduate students in coastal health research.

Grants/Funding: NSF-NIH Center for Oceans and Human Health, multi-year studies on Florida Keys phytoplankton and Gambierdiscus dynamics. Collaborates across disciplines to address environmental and public health challenges.