Abigail Petrus

A young woman is sitting on the inside of a boat holding a clipboard in her lap. She has a camera around her neck.

Name: Abigail Petrus (Abby)

Position: OPS Research Assistant

Education: B.S. Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

Research Interests: Plant science, phytosociology, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, restoration and conservation biology, greenhouse research studies

Experience: Abby began working with the FWC in 2026 as a Research Assistant for the Freshwater Plants Research group. Before the FWC, her studies in university focused on plant science. She deepened her knowledge through plant kingdoms labs and collaborated on plant hybridization research for agricultural applications. Through volunteering, Abby gained experience working on mangrove restoration. She was involved in the greenhouse at her university’s arboretum. During her time there she managed the greenhouse, planned and hosted plant sales, and led volunteer opportunities to clean and maintain the campus’s pollinator gardens.