Kylee Rullo-Soletti, a doctoral student in the USF College of Marine Science, has earned a Florida 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 Guy Harvey Foundation and Florida Sea Grant 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.
Florida Sea Grant’s 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 Florida 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 Florida’s 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 Florida universities and colleges.
“Reaching such a significant milestone this year is a testament to the enduring strength
of our partnership with the Guy Harvey Foundation,” says Dr. Sherry Larkin, Director
of Florida Sea Grant. “These achievements represent more than just numbers. They represent
a decade-plus legacy of empowering Florida’s 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’s coastal future.”
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 Florida Sea Grant is something we are very proud of,” said Dr. Guy Harvey. “The
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.”