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Chompers, a baby gopher tortoise the size of a large orange, spends its days really putting away the lettuce, kale and cabbage in the Eckerd College greenhouse. “It was the first one hatched, and it’s the biggest,” said Assistant Professor of Biology Jeff Goessling, Ph.D. “We named it Chompers because it just eats and eats.” The tiny grazing machine is one of 37 gopher tortoises entrusted to Goessling and his student researchers for a head-starting program in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Surviving to maturity is a challenge for gopher tortoises, who can grow to be about 15 inches long, because the eggs are food sources for predators and it takes them years to reach a size where they aren’t easy prey, he explained. “This [Alabama] population is so spread out and dwindling that it could be gone in a blink. I prefer habitat interventions, but I understand something more drastic was needed to protect this group of animals.”

Eckerd College senior Celina Ceballos followed turtles all the way into her dream of studying abroad with a grant from the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program. From childhood summers helping diamondback terrapins safely nest on the Jersey Shore to conducting research on the gopher tortoise population at St. Petersburg’s Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, with Goessling, turtle appreciation has been Celina’s guiding light. “Sea turtles, in particular, are just amazing organisms with supercool migratory patterns and nesting habits,” said the senior marine science student, Delaware native and current Vero Beach resident. After graduation, Celina will travel to Guanaja, Honduras, a bay island near Roatán, to study sea turtles by satellite tracking of post-nesting females, validating Nesting Safe technology and nest monitoring, and determining the impacts of sand temperature on hatchling running speed for ProTECTOR Inc., a nonprofit research organization headed by Loma Linda University Professor of Biology Stephen G. Dunbar, Ph.D.

On April 16, Shannon Gowans, Ph.D., and Amy Siuda, Ph.D., were ecstatic to see NBC News national reporter Kerry Sanders approach the MS2, a college boat used for marine science research. Sanders spent the day with the marine science professors learning about microplastics, the microscopic plastic pollutants that end up in waterways and the food chain through smaller organism consumption. Sanders witnessed sample collection, as well as an analysis by student research staff. In the end, the report aired on the TODAY show and across MSNBC platforms during Earth Week. Siuda said getting the word out about microplastics is an opportunity to do something about this important issue. “We can never recover all the microplastics in the water now, but we can change our behaviors and put less plastic into the environment,” she said.

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On the first day of June home and family sign Cancer lights up as love planet Venus begins a month-long visit! We are caring and supportive to those we love and a bit tighter with our hard-earned money now. Venus is our beautiful evening star and will be visible for the next several months in the western sky. The New Moon in Gemini on the 10th is a Solar Eclipse and begins our lunar cycle this month. An emphasis falls on communication especially with Mercury Retrograde when misunderstandings can occur. We may need to check information twice as clarity is needed. Fiery planet Mars has stirred things up for the last few days but moves into Leo on the 11th when confidence, warmth, and fun-loving attitude prevails.

The Sun enters Cancer on the 20th bringing our first day of summer, the Vernal Equinox! It’s hard to believe that half of the year is over and a new season is here. Family vacations and home projects are underway while time and weather allow. Finally, Mercury moves direct in its home sign of Gemini on the 22nd! We can begin to plan ahead and as each day goes by the energy will propel us forward again! The next three weeks will be good for organizing our thoughts, bookkeeping, and travel arrangements. Also, for making phone calls, writing emails, and enjoying short trips!

A Full Strawberry Moon in Capricorn on the 24th accents our career and position in life. Our status on many levels is highlighted both professionally and in personal life. The energy promotes creativity with changes and transformation that can be both intense and profound. Many issues in relationships will surface to be worked out or to bring about an ending. Venus brings her charms to vibrant Leo on the 27th. Romance is exciting and dramatic! We are warm, affectionate, and need more attention now. It’s a great time for a spa getaway as you won’t mind spending the cash!

GEMINI: The Eclipse in your sign accents new directions for health; also revising, renewing you with Mercury Rx! Restlessness comes mid-month onward. Full moon accents finances which are enhanced but transformed.

CANCER: You are favored and have high energy now! A new path may be discovered after introspection. Revisit your private world. Monitor your spending. Full moon reveals personal and business-related issues.

LEO: Take time to yourself to recharge and relax. New energy fills social life; reconnect to friends. Mars begins to energize you on the 11th. The Full Moon brings out health issues. Work is also highlighted with adjustments.

VIRGO: Social life is active and pleasant. A new path in career may come from past contacts. Working in private accomplishments much. The Full Moon accents your love relationships and children or creative interests.

LIBRA: Superiors favor you and career is enhanced. A new interest in travel arises as you revisit favorite places. Social life gets energized and then Full Moon lights up the home and family time. Balance with work.

SCORPIO: Travel is enjoyable and adventurous! Resources are reviewed and new financial plans made. You are highly motivated in career and work hard. Conversations may be revealing and can assist in necessary action. SAGITTARIUS: Resources are enhanced; business goes well. A new direction in relationships occurs with reconnecting and resolving issues. Finances are in the Full Moon spotlight with creative options possible.

CAPRICORN: Personal and biz relations are enjoyable. Health issues may reoccur; a new plan put into action. Financial dealings are likely. You are in the Full Moon beams to take control and balance relationships.

AQUARIUS: Health should improve and the workplace enjoyable. A new start with children and lovers is likely as misunderstandings are resolved. Private life is in the spotlight. Wellness plans can transform health now.

PISCES: Children and lovers are cooperative and enjoyed. A new start with family comes with review and resolutions. You are working hard now. The Full Moon is illuminating your social life, goals and future planning.

ARIES: Reconnecting to past can lead to new beginnings or open doors. Home is where your heart is all month, but the last two weeks you add fun time. Career and position are in the full moon spotlight as the month ends.

TAURUS: Reviewing finances can put you on a new track that works. Daily life is pleasant and energized. Last two weeks your home life gets attention. The full moon shines on travel and education as June closes.

by Sarah Lyons - Sirius Systems Astrological Services sarahlyonsastrologer.com | 727.347.4737 “Get Sirius About Your Future”

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