The Water School’s unique technology helping grads launch careers
- Darla Billington
- The Water School at FGCU
- Contributors: James Greco, Photos
7 – minute read
Access to hands-on tools, premier technology and high-paying careers is a game-changing advantage for The Water School, according to Florida Gulf Coast University students, alumni and faculty.
Among the educational and research assets this innovative facility houses are million-dollar machines with big names that enable microscopic analysis — like the Thermo ALTIS Liquid Chromatograph and the Thermo TSQ 9000 Gas Chromatograph Triple Quad — that detect a wide range of contaminants in water samples. There’s also the autotitrator that tests for alkalinity in ocean acidification studies. Students have the opportunity to operate this equipment alongside faculty, providing an invaluable advantage when they apply to competitive graduate programs or highly sought jobs in environmental science.
Danielle Paull, a research laboratory technician in The Water School, plays a crucial role in maintaining this advanced technology. Her expertise ensures that machinery like the Thermo ALTIS and TSQ 9000 are in top shape for students to gain important hands-on experience.
“Analytical instrumentation provides students with skills they can transition into industry positions or further their education after graduation,” says Paull, who earned an engineering master’s with a sustainable water concentration at FGCU in 2023. “The techniques used to prepare and analyze the samples are more in-depth and connected to industry application than what students experience in the classroom. These instruments provide more opportunities for students to participate in research in a wide range of projects with many faculty mentors because of their ability to analyze various compounds at low concentration — resulting in more scientific presentations and publications.”
For graduate student Susannah Cogburn, being able to master this high-tech equipment has not only enhanced her education but also positioned her for a career in environmental research, where entry-level salaries reach upwards of $60,000. James Javaruski, an alum of The Water School, also reflects on how his hands-on experience in the labs and in the field prepared him for real-world challenges.
Their stories showcase the power of innovative equipment and The Water School’s commitment to producing graduates who are ready to make positive waves of change in the world of water science.
Diving into water chemistry
Launched in 2019, The Water School offers students real-world learning opportunities. They use cutting-edge tools and techniques to study critical environmental issues, including red tide toxins, nutrients and water contamination.
Instruments funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) enable students to detect even low levels of contaminants in water, sediments and marine organisms. Their research has the potential to inform public safety guidelines. Students like Cogburn gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools like the autotitrator, a specialized instrument used to study ocean acidification by measuring pH and alkalinity in water. Ocean acidification studies or research of carbonate chemistry in ocean water is important for learning the impacts of acidic seawater on marine ecosystems such as corals and understanding threats to fisheries, human health and more.
Mastering this equipment sharpens FGCU students’ skill sets. Beyond the labs, The Water School offers practical experience on oceanographic research vessels. Students also contribute to community outreach projects, applying their academic knowledge in real-world settings.
A unique aspect of The Water School is that scuba diving is integrated in the curriculum, so students can earn their certification while at FGCU. They begin with a structured course at the FGCU Aquatic Center before advancing to challenging locations like Tampa’s sinkholes for low-visibility dives and the Florida Keys for wreck dives. This activity allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge to actual oceanographic research to gain invaluable insights into underwater environmental conditions. Beyond mastering diving technical skills, this hands-on experience builds confidence and experience in real-world data collection and analysis.
Unexpected opportunities
Now in her second year of the master’s of environmental science program, Cogburn began her journey at FGCU as an undergraduate in marine science. She has been part of The Water School since its launch, giving her a unique perspective on its growth and development.
One of her most exciting experiences has been working with advanced lab equipment that she never expected to use in her studies, like the autotitrator. “I hated chemistry in high school, but through working with Dr. Puspa Adhikari, I grew a greater appreciation for it,” the 2022 graduate says.
“Knowing how to use this kind of equipment is a huge advantage when you’re looking for a job,” she says.
Such hands-on experience is highly marketable, especially in analytical chemistry and environmental science. In addition to her lab work, Cogburn’s involvement in community outreach adds another layer to her experience. She volunteered at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, where she was able to practice educating the public on local water systems.
Beyond community outreach and volunteering, Cogburn is the first NSF Fellow at FGCU.
“The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program is a five-year fellowship that provides a stipend to support me while I work on my thesis research and pays all my education expenses. This fellowship is so important to me as a graduate student because it allows me to fully focus on my research, like a full-time job. It also gives me future opportunities to gain experience outside of the classroom, like financially supporting a non-academic internship,” she says.
Cogburn attributes her achievement to the support of FGCU faculty mentors and her undergraduate experiences.
“My past research experiences in my undergraduate degree prepared me for the extensive application process. I had leadership experience, research experience and a strong academic background that set me apart from other applicants. It was also so rewarding to receive this opportunity and to know all the work and research I did in my undergraduate career led me to where I am now.”
This combination of lab research, community engagement and fellowship enhances her prospects for post-graduation careers, she believes.
Journey of an alum
Javaruski graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in marine science and in 2022 with a master’s in environmental science. He was naturally drawn to water and marine science after moving to Florida 15 years ago. He enrolled at FGCU as The Water School was starting to take shape. “I realized how amazing the program was, and I decided to get involved in something I’ve always loved,” Javaruski says.
The Water School’s emphasis on hands-on experience was a key aspect of his education. He highlights the opportunity to work on oceanographic research vessels, using the same equipment professionals use in the field. “You get real experience that a lot of other programs don’t offer. You’re not just in a classroom — you’re out on the water, conducting actual research,” he says.
One standout feature of Javaruski’s time at FGCU was his exposure to state-of-the-art equipment in the lab. “The hands-on experience and access to advanced tools gave me a competitive edge when I graduated,” he adds.
Today, Javaruski uses the skills he learned at FGCU in his work as a laboratory applications specialist for Manatee County Utilities in the drinking water treatment laboratory.
—This is part of a series of FGCU360 stories about FGCU’s unique learning spaces.