Sarah L. Milton

Sarah L. Milton serves as Chair and Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University, leading academic initiatives while maintaining an active research program. Her leadership extends to the Southeast Regional Sea Turtle Network (SERSTN), where she held consecutive roles as President (2016-2018) and Vice President (2018-2021).

Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS), completed in 1994.

Dr. Milton's research program in Environmental Physiology explores two interconnected domains: neuroprotective mechanisms in anoxia-tolerant species (using turtle and fruit fly models to identify therapeutic targets for human stroke and aging), and sea turtle conservation addressing hatchling disorientation, climate-induced nest failures, and red tide interventions. Her work uniquely bridges molecular neuroscience with field conservation biology.

Recent publications (2019-2021) reveal consistent emphasis on sea turtle thermal biology and neuroprotection, with studies spanning immunological responses to habitat degradation, oxidative stress pathways, and temperature-dependent developmental processes. These works demonstrate methodological diversity from molecular assays to field ecology.

Though no specific awards are documented, her scholarly impact is evidenced through co-directing FAU's Marine Lab for the MS Program in Marine Science and Oceanography, and mentoring graduate researchers including Melissa Reiterer and Rachel Bladow.

As Marine Lab Co-Director and former SERSTN executive, Dr. Milton cultivates collaborative research networks focused on marine conservation challenges, particularly sea turtle resilience in changing environments.