MEET THE LAB

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Steven Scyphers, PhD

Associate Professor and Chief Sustainability Officer

Steven is an Associate Professor in the School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama. Steven’s research integrates ecology and sociology to understand and develop strategies to overcome major challenges facing coastal communities. His work focuses on sustainable coastal fisheries, shoreline development, ecosystem restoration, and climate resiliency. He received his BS in Marine Biology at Auburn University and his PhD in Marine Sciences at the University of South Alabama and Dauphin Island Sea Lab. He was awarded a Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability (SEES) Fellowship from the National Science Foundation.

Google Scholar

Sarah L. Gibbs
PhD Candidate

Sarah is a current PhD candidate studying the social-ecological dynamics of coastal fisheries and fishing communities. Her dissertation research employs multiple participatory science methods that harness the knowledge and perceptions fisheries stakeholders possess in order to inform ecosystem-based management. Sarah received her B.S. in Environmental Science from Northeastern University in 2021. If Sarah was a marine organism she would be a spotted ratfish!

Google Scholar

Sophia Corde

PhD Student

Sophia studies human-wildlife interaction mitigation and conservation practices. Her dissertation research focuses on manatee distributions, human-manatee interactions, and the use of citizen science for conservation in the northern Gulf of America. Sophia received her BS in Marine Science and Biology from the University of Miami and her MS in Biology from Western Kentucky University. Sophia is co-advised by Dr. Ruth H. Carmichael. If Sophia was a marine organism she would be a harbor seal!

Google Scholar

Sarah Wraight

PhD Student

Sarah is a sociologist and GIS analyst interested in studying the meaning-making processes individuals and groups engage in surrounding built and natural environments, and the shapes these negotiations take when there is a shock to the social-ecological system. She is also interested in analyzing the relationships between (1) the misleading ideology behind the nature-nurture dichotomy, and (2) governmental actions that regard the environment. Sarah received her MA in sociology and her BA in anthropology with a minor in geology, both from the University of South Alabama. If Sarah was a marine organism she would be a godzilla marine iguana!

Grace Stringer

PhD Student

Grace (she/her) graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in Spring of 2023 where she got her BS in Ecology and Evolution and a certificate in Sustainability. She then moved to Alabama to work at Dauphin Island Sea Lab in the Baker Lab. There, she worked on projects related to the nursery estuarine habitats and living shorelines. Grace is interested in coastal utility and science communication with coastal communities and policymakers. If Grace was a marine organism she would be a puffer fish!

Sarah Anjali Limer

PhD Student

Sarah (she/her) graduated with a BS in Biology from Kennesaw State University in 2022, where she studied under Dr. Troy Mutchler, researching the effects of urbanization on organic matter inputs and food webs within freshwater streams throughout North Georgia. Sarah has finished an MS degree in Marine Conservation and Resource Management at the University of South Alabama, and is now working on her PhD. She currently works on nature-based solutions and natural hazards dimensions in coastal landscapes. If Sarah was a marine organism she would be an octopus!

Casi (KC) Callaway

PhD Student and Principal for Activate- Build-Connect, Inc.

Casi is interested in building resilience and sustainability into systems by uniting people, organizations, businesses, and local governments to help everyone thrive amid a changing world. If Casi was a marine organism she would be an alligator!

Lance Slater

PhD Student

Lance is a Director of Resilience and Sustainability for Mobile County Public Works and is pursuing a PhD in resilience infrastructure and buy-in. His goal in his career is to be in the state senate and expand his role in resilience. If lance was a marine organism he would be a loggerhead sea turtle!

Abby Collins

Research Technician

Abby Collins graduated from Bowling Green State University, where she received her BS in Biology with a specialization in Marine and Aquatic Sciences. She is currently pursuing her MS in Marine Conservation and Natural Resource Management at the University of South Alabama. She is excited to gain more experience in the field of marine conservation and hopes to start her own marine conservation nonprofit organization. If Abby were a marine organism, she would be a green sea turtle.

Google Scholar

Deanna Palermo

Research Technician

Deanna graduated from Birmingham Southern College and received her BS in Environmental Science. She is at the University of South Alabama where she is working towards her MS in Marine Conservation and Natural Resource Management. Her work focuses on marine fisheries and sustainability. She is excited to gain a wide variety of experiences in the Scyphers Lab. If Deanna was a marine organism she would be a sea otter!

Chloe Rich

Intern

Chloe is a recent graduate of the University of South Alabama. She finished her degree in Marine Science and Biology. She loves the beach and all things outdoors because she has grown up on Mobile Bay and explored the Delta her whole life. In her work she surveys fishermen and goes on research boat days for the Scyphers lab! She is excited to start her career in environmental science and sustainability and hopes to learn as much as she can. If Chloe was a marine organism she would be a cowfish!

Rachel Ryan
Intern

Rachel Ryan earned her BS in Zoology with a minor in Human-Animal Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she developed her love of learning about nature, wildlife, and the ways humans interact with their environment. She is currently pursuing her MS in Marine Conservation and Resource Management at the University of South Alabama and is excited to deepen her knowledge in marine conservation. Rachel is also looking forward to gaining research experience in environmental sustainability through the Scyphers Lab, which will help support her career goal of protecting and restoring natural ecosystems. If Rachel were a marine organism, she would be a seahorse!

Meg Custard

Intern

Meg Custard is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Environmental Science with a concentration in Sustainability at the University of South Alabama. Growing up, she spent a lot of time outdoors, strongly influencing her interest in this field, along with her love of animals. She is currently assisting the lab with survey collections for fishing efforts. She hopes to develop her research skills and learn more about the field of social science. If she were a marine animal, she would be a Sunflower sea star.

Mary Everett Toombs

Intern/Sustainability @ South

Mary Everett Toombs is a graduate of the University of St. Andrews where she obtained a Neuroscience BSc (Honours). She aids in various ongoing sustainability projects while contributing health‑related viewpoints to the lab’s work. Mary Everett has a strong interest in pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience and ultimately working in clinical research. Her sustainability internship provides a fresh perspective on health connections, allowing her to continue her education with a well‑rounded approach. She completed her dissertation on inhibitory interneurons in the mPFC in a mouse model of FTD. If Mary Everett was a marine organism she would be a mantis shrimp!

Anthoni Price

Intern/Sustainability @ South

Anthoni graduated from University of California, Irvine with a BS in Biological Sciences. He's very interested in the environment, community health, and the intersection of the two. Having grown up in an underserved area that was particularly negatively impacted by poor sustainability practices, this issue is very important to him. If he were to be a marine animal, he'd be a guitarfish.

Gracie Chouinard

Student Assistant/Sustainability @ South

Gracie is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of South Alabama. She is majoring in Marine Sciences and Biology and is interested in pursuing environmental sustainability. Her parents are Wildlife Biologists, which sparked her interest in the marine sciences. As a second-year undergraduate, Gracie is excited to learn and gain experience in research through the Scyphers Lab. If Gracie was a marine organism, she would be a stingray!

Macy Cassidy

Sustainability @ South Student Assistant

Macy is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of South Alabama pursuing a degree in Professional Health Science, concentrating in health management. Macy has been working on projects that make our campus more eco‑friendly while also supporting student well‑being. One of her main projects has been starting a composting system in our newly built campus garden. Along with cutting down on organic waste, the garden creates a space where students can build fine motor skills and practice teamwork and communication. She’s excited to keep finding new ways to bring sustainability into everyday campus life and make it a more meaningful experience for students.

Meagan Lindsey

Student Assistant

Meagan Lindsey is a fourth-year undergraduate student completing her degree in Marine Science with a minor in Biology at the University of South Alabama after transferring from UAB. She is preparing to graduate and pursue a master’s degree in Marine Science. Growing up between Virginia Beach, Guam, and Alabama created a deep connection to coastal environments and marine life, which inspired her academic path. In the lab, Meagan hopes to become more familiar communicating with fishermen and others working in the field. If she were a marine organism, she would be a sea otter!