Biology major conducts research with the National Park Service

Corey Kempinski comes from a family of Ospreys. Both his father and grandmother are University of North Florida graduates. He knew from an early age that he wanted to work in a technically oriented field - aiming to follow in the footsteps of his father who works in IT and his grandfather who is a chemical engineer.

"I knew at a young age that I wanted to do something in the STEM field," Kempinski said.

Growing up in Jacksonville, he also developed a love for marine life and exploring nature.

After starting college as a chemical engineering major at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, he realized the engineering program wasn't the right fit for him. He heard lots of great things about the UNF biology program and enrolled in 2022.

Kempinski found his passion through UNF's coastal environmental research program. This August, he graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a specialization in coastal environmental science.

While at UNF, Kempinski had the opportunity to work with several faculty members on various field projects. He says these projects have been profoundly beneficial in his development as a young environmental scientist.

Water research
In fall 2023, he took a limnology course studying lakes and other bodies of water with Dr. Kelly Smith, associate professor emeritus of biology. The class included field research trips to various wetlands throughout Northeast Florida including UNF's Lake Oneida, Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) and the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve. He says these experiences, which included collecting water samples and testing water quality, allowed him to transfer his academic knowledge to practical field application.

"I was quite pleased with his willingness to learn and volunteer for research opportunities," said Smith. "I think he has good potential to become successful in marine science."

Eel research
In 2023, he participated in a project with Dr. Eric Johnson, associate professor of biology, researching American eel (glass eel) populations. Kempinski and other students examined juvenile American eels and analyzed water samples at the GTMNERR. They also documented other species found in the area.

This project allowed him to learn various fish stock assessment methods including handling live specimens and using data sheets to record various parameters such as size, weight and overall health. He says working on this project was a great experience as he finds the process of studying organisms quite fascinating.

The data collected from this research was submitted to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Coastline research
Kempinski also spent significant time throughout the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters working with the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) on a project spearheaded by Dr. Scott Jones, assistant professor of biology.

For this project, Kempinski and other students assisted the NPS with selecting new GPS units for assessing methods of shoreline monitoring. Since joining Jones's research team last fall, Kempinski has presented his research at multiple conferences including the 2024 Southeastern Estuarine Research Society Symposium held in March in Savannah, Georgia. Jones commends Kempinski for his technical knowledge and ability to cut through complex topics.

"Corey has advanced skills in coding and analysis, which will serve him very well as he advances in his career," said Jones. "His positive attitude and wit will surely help him to network and collaborate in the field."

In addition to his courses and fieldwork, he gained extensive lab experience working as an assistant lab manager in the Department of Biology - performing numerous tasks from setting up machinery to checking safety equipment.

Kempinski praises UNF's faculty for treating students as people and playing an active role in their academic and professional development. He also says the Coastal Environmental Science program is destined to do great things.

"I think the Coastal Environmental Science program is a really great program and I think UNF is on the leading edge of shaping the next generation of environmental scientists," he said.

Campus activities
Beyond hours in the lab and conducting field research, Kempinski is also a member of the Wetlands Club.

"The club is a great opportunity to connect with students from other academic backgrounds who share an interest in wetland conservation," said Kempinski.

Through his involvement in the club, he enjoyed many unique opportunities including a recent visit to the Virtual Learning Center in the Thomas G. Carpenter Library to participate in a VR experience that involved walking through a marsh. Another social activity Kempinski has enjoyed with friends involves playing his favorite card game, "Magic: The Gathering."

Kempinski says he's been able to get involved with so many activities on campus thanks to the many opportunities UNF offers its students.

"I didn't realize how many opportunities exist here at UNF. You just need to send an email and ask someone," he said.

Post-graduation Plans
Kempinski is currently preparing to move to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and submitting his resume to employers in the hopes of landing a position in the coastal environmental science field. He says he hopes to attend graduate school within a few years to continue his education. An avid traveler and adventurer who has visited every state on the East Coast of the United States, he's looking forward to exploring all the states on the West Coast.

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