FIU Student Receives Inaugural Guy Harvey Fellowship for Marine Research

Ram Praneeth | Staff Writer

This past month, in Fort Lauderdale, FIU Ph.D. student William Sample was selected as one of the inaugural recipients of the prestigious Guy Harvey Fellowship. 

An initiative aimed at supporting graduate students engaged in marine science research. Awarded by the Guy Harvey Foundation, in collaboration with the Florida Sea Grant, the fellowship grants $5,000 to each scholar to further their research endeavors.

Sample’s work focuses on understanding the habitat use and foraging ecology of juvenile bull sharks in the coastal Everglades, with implications for conservation and management efforts.

“We worked with the Guy Harvey Foundation to establish a fellowship program to create a cohort of student researchers that will not only help to support and enhance the development of their academic research but also strengthen Florida Sea Grant’s connection with the next generation of Florida’s marine and coastal scientists,” according to Dr. Sherry Larkin, Director of Florida Sea Grant.

“Our commitment to funding and helping pave the way for young scholars to become the next wave of ocean conservation stewards is vital to the Guy Harvey Foundation’s mission,” said Dr. Guy Harvey, world-renowned marine wildlife artist, conservationist, and GHF Founder/Chair Emeritus.

John Francis Hlavin, a Ph.D. student from the University of Miami, was also honored with the fellowship. His research delves into the ecology of juvenile great hammerhead sharks within Biscayne Bay, employing minimally invasive techniques to better understand the conservation needs of this critically endangered species.

Reflecting on the significance of the fellowship, Dr. Harvey emphasized, “Highlighting the extraordinary research these students have undertaken and rewarding their hard work highlight the importance of keeping the ecosystem of our oceans healthy and the scientific community motivated,” Dr. Harvey emphasized reflecting on the significance of the fellowship. 

Established in 2010, the partnership between Florida Sea Grant and the Guy Harvey Foundation has provided scholarships totaling $439,000 to support the research of 90 students at 12 different Florida universities. This fellowship not only bolsters academic research but also strengthens the connection between Florida Sea Grant and the next generation of marine scientists.

Applications for the 2025 Guy Harvey Fellowship will open later this year. Stay informed about eligibility criteria and deadlines at this link or contact Florida Sea Grant Student Programs Coordinator, Cassandra Sexson, at this email.

In the words of Dr. Harvey, “Highlighting the extraordinary research these students have undertaken and rewarding their hard work highlight the importance of keeping the ecosystem of our oceans healthy and the scientific community motivated,” said Harvey when discussing the importance of the research.