With a diverse background in marine and biological sciences, Rose Horn joined the St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program as staff scientist on May 3. The program is hosted by Florida State University Panama City.

“The program is thrilled to welcome Rose to the team,” said spokesperson Dr. Ryann Rossi. 

Horn brings a range of experience, including endangered species monitoring, varying field sampling techniques, and water quality and geospatial analyses. Since 2022, Horn worked out of the Troy University Soil and Water Quality Laboratory coordinating with government and non-profit agencies to develop suitability models for nature-based solutions.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in marine science from Eckerd College and master’s in Environmental and Biological Sciences from Troy University. Her thesis focused on assessing the effectiveness of living shorelines in Choctawhatchee Bay as a shoreline management strategy.

“I’ve always been passionate about conservation, and in my professional life I want to help communities find natural solutions to environmental challenges,” Horn said. 

Horn will be working to develop the first State of the Watershed Report and support other science-related efforts.

About the St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program

Our Vision:

Healthy, resilient bays and estuarine habitats that support native species, natural systems, recreation, fisheries and the economy, together with vibrant, resilient, and sustainable communities in the watershed that live in harmony with the needs of the estuary.

Our Mission:

To collaborate—as representatives of private, public, and non-governmental stakeholders—to improve our common sense, science-based understanding of the needs of the estuary, and to develop, promote and implement projects that protect and restore the health of the bays.