Biology graduate student defends thesis on coastal ecosystem change

Zak Bartholomew, a graduate student in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marshall University, has successfully defended his Master of Science thesis titled “Mapping coastal vegetation to evaluate salt marsh decline from 2016 to 2025 in South Carolina, USA.”

Bartholomew conducted his research in the Palmquist Lab, where his work focused on understanding changes in coastal vegetation and their implications for ecosystem health. His findings contribute to ongoing efforts to better understand environmental change and support conservation strategies in vulnerable coastal systems.

Following graduation, Bartholomew will continue working in the Palmquist Lab this summer before beginning a PhD program in the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia this fall. The College of Science congratulates Bartholomew on this achievement and wishes him continued success in his doctoral studies.