UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #222

First Name: Avery
Last Name: Vargason
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Avery Vargason
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): Pensacola
FSU email : aav22a@fsu.edu
Please check this box if you are willing to be contacted by students interested in UROP: Yes
LinkedIn URL (optional): {Empty}
Major(s): Biology 
Minor(s): Chemistry 
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): Spring, 2026
What is your current research focus?:
Currently, I am working on a research project focusing on an endangered species,  Acropora cervicornis or the Staghorn Coral, which used to be a dominant coral species. Research has been, and is currently underway, regarding the restoration of this coral, but substantially less focus has been on the effectiveness of the locations for these restoration efforts. Because not much is known about the interactions between this species and other benthic corals and substrates, this research is important in ensuring that the efforts put forth to aid this species' recovery are productive. To do this, the researchers in my lab photograph year-to-year changes in the benthic communities (coral growth, coral death, patch movement, etc) in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. We also label whether the coral is growing on/near sand, rocks, or rubble. We then analyze these photos in ArcGIS to compare the rates of growth and death of this species and some neighboring species over the years. 

Are there any other research related activities you participate(d) in?:
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Answer one of the following two questions about being a UROP Leader or your UROP background. : How has UROP impacted your time at FSU?
Please answer the question you selected above in the area provided.:
UROP has been an important part of my undergraduate career. I chose to stay in my lab all 4 years, and throughout that time, I have been introduced to many undergraduates and post-graduates who have shared their different paths and experiences with me. My lab taught me numerous technology skills, such as intro to coding, which I never envisioned being interested in. They went out of their way to facilitate meetings with graduate students from other labs who presented their research, as well as explained the internships and experiences that led them there. I was given a list of internships that were vetted and enjoyed by trustworthy sources, in which I could reach out and ask questions. It also fostered my love for environmental studies, and even though I will most likely not be pursuing research in the future, it was and is still an amazing experience.

Please list any other hobbies or interests you would like to share:
I am on a pre-veterinarian track and interested in small animal medicine, and specializing in sea turtle medicine. I am also an avid plant mom with a lot of dogs at home. I enjoy intramural sports and the occasional pickleball game. I've been a part of the pre-vet club as well as the environmental club, and volunteered with groups such as Garnet and Gold Goes Green and a few CHAW programs. If you want to get involved with any of that, I can help you reach out to them. 

Headshot: https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_leaders_information/19321/IMG_1549%202.jpg
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2025Year2025: 2025
Approved: No
Update URL UROP Leaders: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=Hs1GtR6h4BkZ-d-BzlRu3WDhCTnu8M_u3vthKFdqczQ
Years as a UROP Leader: 2025-2026