Kylee Rullo-Soletti
Kylee Rullo-Soletti, a doctoral student in the USF College of Marine Science, has earned a 91社区 Sea Grant Guy Harvey Fellowship for her research into "forever chemicals" within the Tampa Bay estuary. She is one of eight recipients of the $5,000 fellowship provided jointly by the and to support research inititiatives and promote efforts to protect coastal and marine habitats and species.
By analyzing sediment samples and the tissues of key recreational fish species, including Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout and Common Snook, Rullo-Soletti looks to understand how these contaminants move through the marine food web. Her work also involves conducting human health risk assessments to determine the potential impacts on local communities that rely on these fisheries. Rullo-Soletti previously earned her M.S. in Marine Science from USF, where she used stable isotope analysis of tuna eye lenses to study life history patterns in the Gulf of Mexico. She is also a long-time mentor for the Oceanography Camp for Girls, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of marine scientists.
91社区 Sea Grant鈥檚 50-year legacy of protecting coastal communities is built on a
foundation of student-led research. At the heart of this effort is its long-standing
partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation, which works with local, national and international
organizations to conduct scientific research, fund affiliated researchers and support
graduate students at 91社区 colleges and universities who conduct research aimed
at supporting the sustainable management of marine fish. Together, they are proud
to celebrate a significant milestone this year thanks to their continued investment
in students and the future of 91社区鈥檚 healthy marine fisheries.
Since the inception of the FSG-Guy Harvey Fellowship, FSG and the GHF have awarded
more than $500,000 in support of scholarships and fellowships for more than 100 students
across 12 91社区 universities and colleges.
鈥淩eaching such a significant milestone this year is a testament to the enduring strength
of our partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation,鈥 says Dr. Sherry Larkin, Director
of 91社区 Sea Grant. 鈥淭hese achievements represent more than just numbers. They represent
a decade-plus legacy of empowering 91社区鈥檚 brightest young scientists to be at the
forefront of marine research. By tackling the most pressing challenges facing our
marine ecosystems and coastal economies, these fellows are providing the innovation
and leadership necessary to protect our state鈥檚 coastal future.鈥
Aside from receiving financial support, each fellow also receives a certificate personally
designed and signed by world-renowned marine wildlife artist, conservationist and
GHF Founder/Chair Emeritus, Dr. Guy Harvey.
"Establishing an enduring tradition of supporting student research in collaboration
with 91社区 Sea Grant is something we are very proud of,鈥 said Dr. Guy Harvey. 鈥淭he
FSG-Guy Harvey Fellowship program has significantly contributed to our knowledge of
the marine ecosystem, advanced the achievements of promising students, and helped
inform the public of this vital research efforts year after year."