FIU exhibit on display at Museum of Discovery and Science


When the Museum of Discovery and Science in Ft. Lauderdale recently opened its new EcoDiscovery Center, FIU researchers delivered a unique Everglades exhibit.

Sitting at the center of the major, 34,000-square-foot expansion is a kiosk housing the latest tracking data for a variety of predators that currently populate the Everglades waters. Museum visitors can stay up-to-date on alligators and a variety of sharks that Michael Heithaus, executive director of FIU’s School of Environment, Arts and Society (SEAS), and his research team are currently tracking along the coastal Everglades.

“They’re going to learn about the research that’s going on, so that we can understand how changes in the environment, both sea level rise and restoring the Everglades, affect these big predators and the important role they play,” Heithaus said.

The interactive kiosk fulfills part of SEAS mission to bring scientific research to the general public.

In addition to the FIU display, museum visitors can also take a ride on the Everglades Airboat Adventure, experience hurricane force winds in the Storm Center, dig for fossils alongside a giant prehistoric megalodon and follow the natural path water takes through Florida.

Joe Cytacki, vice president of Programs, Life Sciences and Exhibits at the museum, said the museum chose to partner with FIU to create this exhibit because they want to bring real-world research to their patrons.

The Museum of Discovery and Science, located at 401 SW 2nd St. in Ft. Lauderdale, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 6 p.m.