Research Poster Award

Jasmine Perez Borja, an undergraduate researcher at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, recently won first place for her poster presentation at the annual Life Sciences South Florida (LSSF) Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Borja’s project, “Effects of Black Soldier Fly Protein on Histomorphology of Intestine and Liver in Juvenile Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus),” focused on understanding the effects of including insect protein in red drum feeds to optimize feed formulation, production and fish health status. Red drum, also known as redfish, live in coastal, estuarine waters, including the Indian River Lagoon. At FAU Harbor Branch, red drum are incorporated into the integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system. Research is underway to study red drum for seafood cultivation and to provide essential nutrients for other species growing in the system. An important component of the red drum research at the Institute is optimizing their feed to produce healthy fish.

Borja is a senior at Indian River State College, expected to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in the fall of 2024. She joined the aquaculture research team at FAU Harbor Branch to complete the capstone project requirement for her degree. In addition to the LSSF symposium, she also presented her research at Aquaculture America 2024, one of the world’s largest aquaculture trade shows.

As a first-generation college student, Borja said she is grateful for the opportunity to challenge herself and gain invaluable real-world research lab experience under the guidance of Marty Riche, Ph.D., research professor, and Juan Fernando Paredes, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher, both at FAU Harbor Branch.

“Initially, I was intimidated by the idea of independent research,” she said. “I found myself thrown into a world previously unknown to me to now the lab being my second home and analyzing tissue being my daily objective. Dr. Paredes and other colleagues at Harbor Branch were my guiding lights, providing important histology and microscope consultations that gave me the knowledge I need to confidently navigate this project.”

Borja’s project is part of a larger initiative called “Ensuring a Steady Supply of Warm Water Marine Finfish Seed Stock to Support the Development of the U.S. Aquaculture Industry,” funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Research Service in collaboration with Stratium, Duke Energy and the Florida Coastal Conservation Association.