Karen A. Steidinger (1938-2023)

Education

B.A. Zoology, University of South Florida
M.A. Marine Science, University of South Florida
Ph.D. Biology, University of South Florida

Appointments at FWC-FWRI

1963-1974
Lab Technician and Marine Biologist
then Florida State Board of Conservation Marine Laboratory

1974-1980
Botany and Technical Sciences Section Supervisor
then Florida Dept. of Natural Resources

1980-1993
Chief of the Florida Marine Research Institute
then Florida Dept. Natural Resources and Dept. Environmental Protection

1993-2023
Senior Research Scientist
FWC-FWRI Section - Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration – Harmful Algal Blooms

Research interests & Lifetime Contribution to Science

Karen Steidinger was a world-renowned phytoplankton taxonomist who spent much of her >50-year career at FWC-FWRI, where she focused on the bloom dynamics and life history of her namesake, the unarmored dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. Her interests included the systematics and biology of extant marine dinoflagellates, particularly toxic species, their morphology, ultrastructure, life cycles, and adaptations. She joined the agency in the early 1960’s and advanced to leadership positions by the mid 1970’s. Karen was instrumental in setting the stage for the incorporation of sustained research as a core function of FWC in the Florida Constitution, and providing a model example for public service science. She built an expansive state network that prioritized research, embracing new technologies for interdisciplinary observing and modeling, to better understand and predict Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). She actively fostered translational outreach and communication to support management and mitigation of HABs.  One of her most recent contributions was the Guide to the Identification of Harmful Microalgae in the Gulf of Mexico published in August 2018 and made available in two volumes as free downloads from the FWC digital library. 

Karen was an excellent mentor throughout her career, and her expertise, curiosity, empathy, and spirit live on in those she trained and worked with. She is remembered and missed dearly.

View Karen Steidinger’s CV

Steidinger Scholars

The Steidinger Scholars internship program was established in honor of her exemplary contributions as a women in science, to the history of FWC-FWRI, and in recognition of her mentorship to the many researchers whose careers she guided.

The goal of the Steidinger Scholars program is to inspire students to explore careers in fisheries and wildlife research through experiential learning. Successful applicants participate in 3-month long part- to full-time paid internships during the summer, May-August (occasionally fall or winter term opportunities may be available). Mentored by FWRI scientists, future investigators work on a variety of projects that inform the protection, conservation, and management of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.

The Steidinger Scholars Intern Program is supported in part by the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Steidinger Scholars Fund, which receives money from voluntary donations. If you would like to make a donation to the Steidinger Scholars Intern Program please visit the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Click on Donate and simply add a comment that the donation is for the Steidinger Scholars Fund. If donating by check, please make them payable to Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida (earmarked to the "Steidinger Scholars Fund") and send to the address below.