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Author: Ashley Mickens

I recently graduated with a degree in Environmental Earth Science and Sustainability from Miami University of Ohio, and I recently started my MSc at the University of Victoria. While my undergraduate research focused on biogeochemical cycles in lakes and streams, I am excited to pursue my MSc in the El-Sabaawi Lab and explore how urbanization might impact fisheries. In my free time, I love to travel to somewhere off the beaten path, read fantasy novels, try new recipes, and plan my next trip to the ocean.
Celebrating Black History Month
Outreach

Celebrating Black History Month

This post celebrates Black History Month by showcasing some amazing Black scientists as well as organizations focused on providing opportunities…
February 25, 2023February 25, 2023 Ashley Mickens
Where there are birds… there are whales?
Conservation

Where there are birds… there are whales?

You've probably heard that where there's smoke, there's fire. A new study shows a similar connection between whales and birds.
September 30, 2022September 30, 2022 Ashley Mickens
A Place for Orcas to Call Home
Conservation

A Place for Orcas to Call Home

Orcas face increasing threats from human related activities and marine noise pollution. Is there somewhere quiet they can call home?
February 11, 2022February 11, 2022 Ashley Mickens
Lighting up the Polar Night
Biological oceanography

Lighting up the Polar Night

The northern lights aren't the only natural phenomenon lighting up the night in the Polar North.
January 13, 2022January 12, 2022 Ashley Mickens
Dynamic Ocean Management: Saving Whales and Shipping Responsibly
Policy

Dynamic Ocean Management: Saving Whales and Shipping Responsibly

This new study examines how blue whales can be protected while still using marine resources via dynamic ocean management.
November 26, 2021November 25, 2021 Ashley Mickens
Climate Change is Lousy for Salmon
Parasitism

Climate Change is Lousy for Salmon

As global temperature increases, salmon farming faces increasing pressure from a copepod known as the salmon louse. Are the salmon…
September 30, 2021September 30, 2021 Ashley Mickens
SURFO SPECIAL: Robotic Takeover in the 21st Century: Using Self-Driving Vehicles to Better Evaluate Our Water Quality
Undergraduate Research

SURFO SPECIAL: Robotic Takeover in the 21st Century: Using Self-Driving Vehicles to Better Evaluate Our Water Quality

Each summer, the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) hosts undergraduate students from all over the country…
September 4, 2021September 7, 2021 Ashley Mickens
Taking a Bite of the Blue Economy
Aquaculture Biodiversity Conservation Ecology Human impacts Outreach

Taking a Bite of the Blue Economy

As Shark Week draws to a close, take a minute to check out how sharks are boosting ecotourism in Mexico. 
July 16, 2021July 15, 2021 Ashley Mickens
Fishing or Farming: Can Fisheries and Offshore Wind Farms Coexist?
Alternative Energy Aquaculture Climate Change Ecology Economy Fisheries Human impacts ocean engineering technology

Fishing or Farming: Can Fisheries and Offshore Wind Farms Coexist?

Last month, President Biden announced that the US will be turning to offshore wind farms (OWFs) to meet the growing…
June 17, 2021June 16, 2021 Ashley Mickens
High-TEK Turtle Monitoring: Lessons from Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Conservation Fisheries Human Health Human impacts Methodology Policy Sea Turtles

High-TEK Turtle Monitoring: Lessons from Traditional Ecological Knowledge

In this new study carried out in Colombia, traditional ecological knowledge helps to shine a light on sea turtle and…
May 19, 2021May 21, 2021 Ashley Mickens
The Circle of Life: Understanding Lionfish Life Cycles
Biodiversity Biological oceanography Biology Climate Change Coastal Management Conservation Ecology Fisheries Invasive Species

The Circle of Life: Understanding Lionfish Life Cycles

We know who's the king of the jungle, but who's the king of the reef? Lionfish may look cool, but…
March 23, 2021March 22, 2021 Ashley Mickens
Black History Month: Celebrating Black Marine Scientists
Biological oceanography Outreach

Black History Month: Celebrating Black Marine Scientists

Since Black History month is drawing to a close, here's a post celebrating two of the first Black marine scientists.
February 27, 2021February 27, 2021 Ashley Mickens
Missing the (Kelp) Forest for the Trees: An Overlooked Factor in Blue Carbon Storage
Biodiversity Climate Change Coastal Management Conservation Ecology Human impacts Restoration Seagrass

Missing the (Kelp) Forest for the Trees: An Overlooked Factor in Blue Carbon Storage

A recent study exposes an overlooked carbon sink in the form of kelp forests. According to scientists' estimates, a kelp…
January 28, 2021January 27, 2021 Ashley Mickens
Fisheries, Food and the Future
Aquaculture Biodiversity Conservation Fisheries Human impacts

Fisheries, Food and the Future

As we approach 2021, the idea of "the future" seems closer than ever before. In a recent article, Cabral and…
December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 Ashley Mickens
Eutrophication in the Chesapeake Bay
Aquaculture Biogeochemistry Conservation Ecology Harmful Algal Bloom Human impacts Oysters Restoration

Eutrophication in the Chesapeake Bay

This post is in support of #BlackInMarineScience week highlighting Black scientists who have contributed to and are currently working in…
December 2, 2020December 1, 2020 Ashley Mickens
Red Light, Green Light… Squid Light?
Behavior Biological oceanography deep sea Ecology

Red Light, Green Light… Squid Light?

It's spooky season! And what better way to celebrate than learning about the creatures of the deep? This recent paper…
October 30, 2020October 30, 2020 Ashley Mickens
Stop Clowning Around: Cyanide Fishing in the Indo-Pacific
Aquaculture Biodiversity Biology Conservation Ecology Human impacts

Stop Clowning Around: Cyanide Fishing in the Indo-Pacific

What does cyanide have to do with the tropical reef fish sold as pets and showcased in aquariums? A recent…
July 14, 2020July 13, 2020 Ashley Mickens
Picture Perfect: Framing the Issues of Marine Conservation
Conservation Methodology Science Communication

Picture Perfect: Framing the Issues of Marine Conservation

This review article recommends some great SciComm tools for creating engagement surrounding marine conservation issues. Smile for the camera!
June 12, 2020June 11, 2020 Ashley Mickens
Clawing Your Way to the Top: Lobster Farming in Vietnam
Aquaculture Coastal Management Conservation Ecology Economy Fisheries

Clawing Your Way to the Top: Lobster Farming in Vietnam

Can changing lobster aquaculture practices in Vietnam pave the way for green growth around the globe? The authors of a…
May 26, 2020May 26, 2020 Ashley Mickens
Sargassum: An Overlooked Solution
Aquaculture Biochemistry Biology Coastal Management Conservation Human impacts Pollution Restoration Toxicology

Sargassum: An Overlooked Solution

Sargassum, a type of brown seaweed, provides important ecosystem services in the Atlantic. However, this new study explores how sargassum…
April 22, 2020April 21, 2020 Ashley Mickens

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