We are pleased to welcome our May General Membership Guest Speaker, Dr. Wayne H. Slade.

Dr. Slade is an Associate Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, where he joined the faculty in 2023. His work bridges the fields of engineering and oceanography, focusing on how advanced optical technologies can be used to better understand marine and coastal environments.

Dr. Slade earned his Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Maine in 2011, specializing in ocean optics. He also holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering, with early research in neural networks and machine learning applied to ocean color remote sensing. Prior to joining FAU, he spent several years in the private sector with Sequoia Scientific, Inc., where he led instrumentation research and development for ocean optics and a range of environmental and industrial applications.

At Harbor Branch, Dr. Slade is establishing a research lab focused on optical particle sensing across inland, coastal, and open-ocean systems. His work involves designing and deploying advanced optical sensors and developing innovative measurement techniques—including multi-spectral, multi-angle, and polarimetric systems—to better understand biogeochemical and physical processes in aquatic environments.

His research is particularly relevant to Florida’s coastal ecosystems, where he applies these tools to study episodic events such as freshwater discharges, harmful algal blooms, and storms—factors that significantly impact water quality and marine life.

Dr. Slade will present his lecture, “Ocean Optics: Shedding Light on the Ocean Around Us,” on May 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Oxbow Eco-Center in Port St. Lucie.

Dr. Slade’s work highlights how light and color in the ocean can reveal powerful insights into ecosystem health, helping scientists and communities better understand and protect our waterways.