Kaitlin Kovacs
Biography
EDUCATION
Master's in Environmental Management (MEM), Ecosystems Science and Conservation, Duke University, 2012
Masters Project: Development of a Coral Reef Restoration Framework: A Maldivian Case Study
Bachelors of Science, Biology, University of Florida, 2006
Science and Products
Educational Resources
Whether you’re interested in ways to make neighborhood nature walks more engaging, or on the hunt for science material to help your students stay focused, we’re here to help. USGS WARC scientists conduct research on aquatic and wetland ecosystems, the plants and animals that rely on those habitats, and the stressors threatening these systems and species. To help home-based students learn more...
Deepwater Program: Studies of Gulf of Mexico lower continental slope communities related to chemosynthetic and hard substrate habitats
This report summarizes research funded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) on the ecology of deep chemosynthetic communities in the Gulf of Mexico. The research was conducted at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE...
Ross, Steve W.; Demopoulos, Amanda W.J.; Kellogg, Christina A.; Morrison, Cheryl L.; Nizinski, Martha S.; Ames, Cheryl L.; Casazza, Tara L.; Gualtieri, Daniel; Kovacs, Kaitlin; McClain, Jennifer P.; Quattrini, Andrea M.; Roa-Varon, Adela Y.; Thaler, Andrew D.
Food-web structure of seep sediment macrobenthos from the Gulf of Mexico
The slope environment of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) supports dense communities of seep megafaunal invertebrates that rely on endosymbiotic bacteria for nutrition. Seep sediments also contain smaller macrofaunal invertebrates whose nutritional pathways are not well understood. Using stable-isotope analysis, we investigate the utilization of...
Demopoulos, Amanda W.J.; Gualtieri, Daniel; Kovacs, Kaitlin
Assessing Contaminants at Virgin Islands National Park and the Coral Reef National Monument
The U.S. Virgin Islands attracts more than two million people each year, most of whom are eager to explore the white sandy beaches and tropical marine ecosystems, including coral reefs.
USGS Deploying Storm-tide Sensors in Louisiana, Mississippi in Advance of Hurricane Ida
To learn more about USGS’s role in providing science to decision-makers before, during and after Hurricane Ida, visit www.usgs.gov/ida.
Wetland Word: Blue Carbon
Coastal ecosystems, like wetlands, may be smaller in size when compared to say, a forest, but they have the ability to sequester more carbon per unit area, making them an incredible climate change mitigation tool
Wetland Word: Hydrophyte
These water-dwelling plants are found in aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands.
Why the Ocean?
USGS scientists share brief thoughts about why they have focused their careers on studying our oceans and coasts. Here’s why they study the ocean:
After Hurricane Devastation, Sea Turtle Scientists Rebound, Help Rebuild
Seven months after their home base in the Florida Panhandle was demolished by Hurricane Michael, U.S. Geological Survey sea turtle researchers are headed back into the field on May 1, the start of nesting season for Florida's sea turtles.
USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center and Wetland and Aquatic Research Center Continue Involvement in Annual St. Petersburg Science Festival
Scientists from SPCMSC and WARC led children, families, and the public in hands-on activities to learn about USGS science at this year's St. Petersburg Science Festival and School Day, October 19–20.
Serene Sirens: USGS Sea Cow Science
It may be hard to believe the legend that sailors long-at-sea once considered manatees to be mermaids. The manatee nickname – the “Sea Cow” – which comes from the herbivores’ affinity for grazing on vegetation and their slow, ambling way just makes more sense. But a U.S. Geological Survey video reveals that while they may be cow-like, they also have more than a bit of the magical mermaid to them.
Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act Outreach Program Educates Public about Wetlands of Louisiana
Staff from the USGS CWPPRA participate in the 8th annual World Wetlands Day to educate school children and the public about the importance of wetlands.
Taming the Lion(fish)
Genetics and tracking helps USGS researchers learn where the invasive fish are now – and where they may go next.
Pathways to the Abyss
USGS researchers collaborated with academic and private organizations and institutions, BOEM and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct ecosystem-based science to support the responsible exploration and development of the nation’s resources.