NOAA-EPP LMRCSC Graduate Fellow
M.S., Marine Sciences
Savannah State University
Cesar Alvarez Ortiz is a master’s fellow studying marine sciences at Savannah State University, under the mentorship of Dr. Tara M. Cox and Dr. Dionne Hoskins-Brown. His research focuses on using a small Uncrewed Aerial System (sUAS; drones) as a new data collection method for the local Tamanend’s Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) near Savannah. His dissertation topic involves using drone photogrammetry to obtain total length and blowhole to dorsal fin measurements of Tursiops erebennus to develop a growth curve model and estimate the age structure. The topic falls under the NOAA’s mission to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources, and aligns with Stock Assessment Support and Information LMRCSC thematic research. The title of his dissertation is “Estimating the growth curve and age structure of Tamanend’s bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) near Savannah, GA, using a small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS).”
He will complete his NERTO during the spring of 2027 at the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center in Pascagoula, MS, under the supervision of Dr. Melissa Cook. Post-Graduation, Cesar plans to obtain a job where he can continue using drones to investigate marine mammals, and he is considering obtaining his Ph.D. in Marine Sciences later in life.
As an undergraduate LMRCSC fellow, he earned a B.S. in Marine Sciences from Savannah State University in December 2024. Under the supervision of Dr. Cox, Cesar collected and analyzed data critical to the regional assessment of bottlenose dolphins.
Academic Advisor: Dr. Tara Cox
Research Theme: Stock Assessment
NOAA LMRCSC Fellows attain the NOAA Core Competencies detailed in this rubric.
NERTO Project Title: TBD
NOAA Mentor: TBD
Academic Advisors: Dr. Tara Cox
Publications/Presentations
TBD
NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center
University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Lead Institution)
(410) 651-7870
Award numbers: FY 2021 Award #NA21SEC4810005
Funding Agency: NOAA Educational Partnership Program (EPP/MSI)
