Taylor Hancock, University of South Florida. Taylor is is a Geography, Environmental Science, & Policy PhD student in a joint program between the University of South Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University. (FGCU) His dissertation research primarily examines anthropogenic disturbances and primary production, with a specific focus on the toxic bloom forming Microcystis aeruginosa and other freshwater cyanobacteria. He started his journey into the field of ecology at FGCU, completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2016 and a Masters in Environmental Science in 2019, earning the title of FGCU’s 2019 ‘Graduate Student of the Year’. While at FGCU, Taylor immersed himself in sustainability, environmental education, and research as the university’s first senior naturalist, a member of various research laboratories studying everything from microbes to megafauna, and co-author of a book chapter on the use of university conservation areas as a living laboratory. Taylor also loves to share his love of the environment and wildlife with his inquisitive five-year-old Leo. Taylor plans to enter academia to fulfill his dream of teaching and encouraging the next generation of scientists while continuing to research issues of disturbance ecology, wetlands, and conservation.