Michael Borbolla
Fields of Interest: Aquatic Resource Management, Urban Ecology, Social Ecological Systems, Ecotoxicology, Conservation, Environmental Justice
Current Projects:
- Interdisciplinary study on introduced peafowl in South Florida, USA
- Ethnographic Study on Urban Fishing in the Miami River (FL, USA),
- Ecotoxicology assessment of PFAS bioaccumulation trends for frequently consumed fish in the Miami River (FL, USA)
Background: Michael Borbolla, a Cuban ecologist from Miami, is a Ph.D. student in the Earth Systems Science program at Florida International University. Under the guidance of Dr. Elizabeth Anderson in the Tropical Rivers Lab, his dissertation research focuses on aquatic resources and their management in Miami-Dade County. Michael is affiliated with FIU's CREST Center, and contributes towards their ecosystem level assessment focus area. Beyond academic positions, Michael is an Emerge Fellow for the Society for Freshwater Science, where he works to amplify the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in freshwater scientific endeavors.
In his undergraduate years, Michael explored of the impact of mercury on juvenile bull sharks within the Florida coastal everglades. His commitment to environmental research led him to other collaborations and projects with the National Park Service, where he carried out extensive fieldwork in areas like Biscayne National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. At Zoo Miami, Michael delved into the study of invertebrate communities within gopher tortoise habitats and burrows. By leveraging the diverse ecosystems of South Florida throughout his research experiences, Michael has cultivated a versatile skillset that positions him uniquely in the realm of ecological studies, priming him for multifaceted contributions in his current and future endeavors.
Contact: mborb005@fiu.edu