Foraminifera, (a single-celled planktonic animal) especially benthic, are the second
producer of marine sediments. They are ubiquitous and are considered a good
bioindicator organism of human impacts to marine and coastal ecosystems.Benthic foraminifera have been used as sentinel organisms of heavy metal pollution but inconsistencies still exists on their proper use and interpretation of their ecological responses. The purpose of this talk is to share with community what has been done, what are the issues, and how could they be improved.   Speaker Bio: Dr. Michael Martinez-Colon, PhD, is a Faculty Advisor, NOAA Center for Coastal & Marine Ecosystems, and an Assistant Professor, School of the Environment, Florida A & M University. Michael is originally from Puerto Rico and is the only one in his family who has advanced degrees. He is a geologist (BSc/MSc) by training (University of Puerto Rico) with a PhD in Biogeochemical oceanography (University
of South Florida). Most of his work is field-based complimented with laboratory work. Michael
is also a trained pastry chef.