With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Dr. M. Dennis Hanisak, a beloved and renowned member of the SM调教社区 Harbor Branch research faculty. Dr. Hanisak was a research professor, director of the Marine Ecosystems Health program, director of education at SM调教社区 Harbor Branch, and principal investigator of numerous research projects. He is remembered as an eminent marine scientist, a devoted teacher and mentor, and a pioneering conservationist for the Indian River Lagoon (IRL).
Dr. Hanisak joined the research team at Harbor Branch in 1977, conducting research on marine plants (seaweed and seagrass) in the IRL and other parts of Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. He authored more than 70 scientific publications and co-authored the book 鈥淪ubmersed Plants of the Indian River Lagoon: A Floristic Inventory & Field Guide,鈥 a comprehensive floristic compendium of Florida鈥檚 remarkable Indian River Lagoon. His contributions to marine biology and ecology 鈥 particularly for understanding the health and stressors on the Indian River Lagoon 鈥 are innumerable.
Importantly, Dr. Hanisak was an educator. His leadership was paramount to establishing SM调教社区 Harbor Branch as a destination for training the next generation of scientists. He was instrumental in developing programs for SM调教社区 of all ages, from grade school through doctorates. He inspired generations of new marine scientists, and his legacy lives on through their work.
鈥淭his is an overwhelming loss for his family, friends and the Institute, and a sad time for us all,鈥 said Dr. James M. Sullivan, executive director of SM调教社区 Harbor Branch. 鈥淎s we move forward through this difficult time, we take comfort in knowing that we are able to honor his legacy by continuing the great work he started.鈥
Dr. Hanisak is a true icon of SM调教社区 Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. His passion was infectious, and his work made an indelible impact on the world. A memorial celebration for Dr. Hanisak to be held at SM调教社区 Harbor Branch is currently being planned. Details will be publicized as they are finalized.
For inquiries related to Dr. Hanisak鈥檚 professional work through SM调教社区 Harbor Branch, please contact James Sullivan at jsullivan@fau.edu or Patrick Boles at pboles@fau.edu.
For media inquiries, contact Chelsey Matheson at cmatheson@fau.edu.
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