Bio
Betsy's teaching and research interests have centered on the role that humans play in nearshore marine environments, and ways we can mitigate potential effects on these ecosystems. Classes that she currently teaches are Environmental Science and Sustainability, Oceanography, and field-intensive courses including Shore to Sea: Ecosystem Services in the Caribbean and Biology of Cape Cod. Betsy strongly believes that teaching and research go hand-in hand, and that engaging in scientific discovery outside the classroom can be an effective teaching tool in the classroom to better inform course content. To this end, Betsy engages in active research, in which she primarily focuses on elucidating how human activities, particularly nutrient enrichment, affect the role that benthic (bottom-dwelling) species interactions have in marine and estuarine environments. Much of Betsy's research has taken her to the Caribbean (The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands), where she has studied human-driven benthic jellyfish blooms and their effects on coastal marine ecosystems. Betsy has also focused on STEM education research, working with students underrepresented in STEM to pursue research experiences, and engaging in inquiry-based experiences for non-STEM students to help advance their science literacy skills.
Professional Memberships
Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation 2017-10-01 - PresentEcological Society of America 2016-07-01 - PresentCassiopea Jellyfish Workshop (Working Group) PresentAwards and Honors
Teaching Innovation Award, Bentley UniversityFaculty Competitive Grant, Bentley UniversityFaculty Competitive Grant, Bentley UniversityBentley University Research Council Grant, Bentley Research CouncilValente Center Undergraduate Research Assistantship, Bentley UniversityFaculty Competitive Grant, Bentley UniversityIDEA Innovation Grant, Bentley University Inclusive Excellence Council2022 Cronin Award for Excellence in Academic Advising and Mentoring, Bentley UniversityValente Center Undergraduate Research Assistantship, Valente CenterValente Center Undergraduate Research Assistantship, Valente CenterTeaching Innovation Award, Bentley UniversityValente Center Undergraduate Student Research Award, Valente Center, Bentley UniversityBentley University Research Council Grant, Bentley UniversityFaculty Competitive Grant, Bentley UniversityValente Center Research Fellowship (PI for Awardee, Justine Gearin), Bentley University, Valente CenterValente Center Undergraduate Student Research Assistantship, Bentley University, Valente Center & Office of SustainabilityBentley University Competitive Faculty Summer Grant, Bentley UniversityCollege of Arts and Sciences Travel Award, Florida International UniversityConference and Professional Development Award, Florida International UniversityEPA STAR award, Environmental Protection AgencyCollege of Arts and Sciences Travel Award, Florida International UniversityConference and Professional Development Award, Florida International UniversityScholarly Contributions and Creative Productions
Journal Articles
Morejón-Arrojo, R. D., Mammone, M., López-Figueroa, N. B., Stoner, E. W., Rodríguez-Viera, L. (2025). Life upside-down: review of ecological roles of Cassiopea (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) in marine ecosystems—a look at the Western Atlantic. Discover Ecology, (1) 1 7. (Link)Stoner, E. (2022). Does nutrient loading affect growth of a benthic jellyfish species?. Food Webs Wilzcek, E. R., Iliff, S., Harris, R., Bouldin, R. M., Stoner, E. (2020). Evidence of microplastics from benthic jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana) in Florida estuaries. Marine Pollution Bulletin Iliff, S., Harris, R., Stoner, E. (2019). Effects of Chronic Pesticide Exposure on an Epibenthic Oyster Reef Community. Marine Pollution Bulletin Freeman, C. J., Stoner, E., Easson, C. G., Matterson, K. O., Baker, D. M. (2017). Variation in delta C-13 and delta N-15 values suggests a coupling of host and symbiont metabolism in the Symbiodinium-Cassiopea mutualism. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES, (571) 245-251. Stoner, E. (2017). Nutrient inputs from an urbanized landscape may drive water quality degradation. Sustainability of Water Quality and Ecology Volumes 9-10 136-150. Stoner, E., Sebilian, S. S., Layman, C. A. (2016). Comparison of zooxanthellae densities from upside-down jellyfish, Cassiopea xamachana, across coastal habitats of The Bahamas. REVISTA DE BIOLOGIA MARINA Y OCEANOGRAFIA, (51) 1 203-208. Yeager, L. A., Stoner, E., Peters, J. R., Layman, C. A. (2016). A terrestrial-aquatic food web subsidy is potentially mediated by multiple predator effects on an arboreal crab. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY, (475) 73-79. Freeman, C. J., Stoner, E., Easson, C. G., Matterson, K. O., Baker, D. M. (2016). Symbiont carbon and nitrogen assimilation in the Cassiopea-Symbiodinium mutualism. MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES, (544) 281-286. Archer, S. K., Stoner, E., Layman, C. A. (2015). A complex interaction between a sponge (Halichondria melanadocia) and a seagrass (Thalassia testudinum) in a subtropical coastal ecosystem. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY, (465) 33-40. Stoner, E., Layman, C. A. (2015). Bristle worms attack: benthic jellyfish are not trophic dead ends. FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, (13) 4 226-227. Metz, J. L., Stoner, E., Arrington, D. A. (2015). COMPARISON OF SUBSTRATES FOR EASTERN OYSTER (CRASSOSTREA VIRGINICA) SPAT SETTLEMENT IN THE LOXAHATCHEE RIVER ESTUARY, FLORIDA. JOURNAL OF SHELLFISH RESEARCH, (34) 3 861-865. Yeager, L. A., Stoner, E., Zapata, M. J., Layman, C. A. (2014). Does landscape context mediate the nature of density dependence for a coral reef fish?. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS, (24) 7 1833-1841. Stoner, E., Yeager, L. A., Sweatman, J. L., Sebilian, S. S., Layman, C. A. (2014). Modification of a seagrass community by benthic jellyfish blooms and nutrient enrichment. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY, (461) 185-192. Layman, C. A., Allgeier, J. E., Yeager, L. A., Stoner, E. (2013). Thresholds of ecosystem response to nutrient enrichment from fish aggregations. ECOLOGY, (94) 2 530-536. Stoner, E., Layman, C. A., Yeager, L. A., Hassett, H. M. (2011). Effects of anthropogenic disturbance on the abundance and size of epibenthic jellyfish Cassiopea spp.. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN, (62) 5 1109-1114. Lopez-Figueroa, N., Stoner, E., Hallock, P. A Scientometrics-Enhanced Review of the Genus Cassiopea. Bulletin of Marine Science Stoner, E., Wilzcek, E., McPherson, B., Silliman, B. Bopyrid Isopod Parasite Prevalence in Daggerblade Grass Shrimp in Salt Marshes of Cape Cod, MA. Journal of Parasitology Stoner, E. From Sand to Bell: Novel Predation of Upside-Down Jellyfish by the Giant Caribbean Sea Anemone. Diversity Stoner, E., Cranmer, A. Use of Virtual Reality to Engage Undergraduate Students in Environmental Field Experiences. Future in Education Research Stoner, E. Stoner, E.W., Harris, R.J., McPherson, B.S., and Morejon-Arrojo, R. In Prep. Not a trophic dead end: Butterflyfish predation challenges traditional views of benthic jellyfish ecology. To be submitted to Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology.
. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology (In Progress)Stoner, E. Vega Perez, J.Y.*, López-Figueroa, N.B., DiGeronimo, S.P., Schram, M.J., Muñoz Hincapié, M.*, Morejón-Arrojo R.E., and Stoner, E.W. In Prep. Macrofaunal assemblages in areas of upside-down jellyfish blooms (Genus Cassiopea) in Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR), Puerto Rico. To be submitted to Diversity.. Diversity (In Progress)Digital and Electronic Media, Social Media, Blogs, Podcasts
2023. "Warp VR-"How Bentley University uses interactive 360° VR to immerse learners in field experiences "" 2023. "National Science Foundation Division of Ocean Sciences Newsletter" 2021. "Bentley University News Room" 2021. "Bentley University Newsroom" 2021. "National Public Radio "The Academic Minute"" 2020. ""Mangroves and Manatee Poop"--Bentley University website feature" 2015. "Bahama Blue- "Mangroves Episode"" Presentations
Stoner, E., McPherson, B. (2024). “Prevalence of the bopyrid isopod Probopyrus pandalicola in daggerblade grass shrimp from salt marsh creeks and pannes of Cape Cod, MA” Presented at the Mass Audubon Cape Cod Natural History Conference Barnstable, MA Stoner, E. (2024). “Using virtual reality to immerse learners in field experiences” Presented at the LinkedIn Live and ARVR ARVR Best in EdTech Online Stoner, E. (2024). “Immersive and Inclusive Pedagogy: Examining VR’s Effectiveness in Student Learning” Presented at the Educause San Antonio, TX Stoner, E., Cranmer, A. (2024). “Immersive and Inclusive Pedagogy: Examining VR’s Effectiveness in Student Learning” Presented at the Bentley University Alumni ConferenceStoner, E. (2024). “Virtual Seagrass: Using Virtual Reality as a Tool to Immerse Learners in Nearshore Ecosystems” Presented at the Environmental Protection Agency Eelgrass Conference (Zosterapalooza), A., Stoner, E. (2022). “Spatial and temporal trends in long-term seagrass coverage in Palm Beach County, Florida” Presented at the Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management Lake Worth Lagoon Symposium Riviera Beach, FL Stoner, E., , S. (2022). “"Field Experience Highlights"” Presented at the Bentley University Bentley Research ShowcaseWilczek, E., Stoner, E. (2019). “Plastic Jellyfish? Evaluation of Microplastic Uptake by Gelatinous Zooplankton Species” Presented at the Kennesaw State University National Council on Undergraduate Research Kennesaw, GA Boyd, L., Stoner, E., Archer, S., ComerSantos, K., Heithaus, M., Whitman, E. (2017). “Effect of Holothuria arenicola on seagrass beds in Abaco, Bahamas” Presented at the North American Echinoderm Conference Worcester, MA Stoner, E., Layman, C. (2016). “Bristle worms attack: benthic jellyfish are not trophic dead ends” Presented at the Bentley University Ecological Society of America Ft. Lauderdale, FL Stoner, E. (2015). “RiverKeeper Water Quality Monitoring Report” Stoner, E., Sweatman, J., Sebilian, S., Layman, C. (2013). “Combined effects of anthropogenic nutrient loading and epibenthic jellyfish blooms on Bahamian seagrass beds” Presented at the Bentley University Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation San Diego, CA Stoner, E., Yeager, L., Layman, C., Sebilian, S., Sweatman, J. (2013). “Combined effects of anthropogenic nutrient loading and epibenthic jellyfish blooms on Bahamian seagrass beds” Presented at the Benthic Ecology Meeting Savannah, GA Stoner, E., Yeager, L., Craig, L., Sebilian, S., Jennifer, S. (2013). “Effects of epibenthic jellyfish blooms on Bahamian seagrass beds” Stoner, E. (2012). “Jellyfish blooms: the rise of slime?” Presented at the Aventura City of Excellence School Biology Class Aventura, FL Stoner, E. (2012). “Jellyfish blooms: the rise of slime?” Presented at the Forest Heights School Biology Class Abaco Island, The Bahamas Stoner, E. (2012). “Jellyfish blooms: the rise of slime?” Presented at the Florida International University Marine Conservation Class Miami, FL Stoner, E., Yeager, L., Layman, C. (2012). “Epibenthic jellyfish blooms: Effects of the potential native invader on community structure of Bahamian seagrass ecosystems” Presented at the Ecological Society of America Portland, OR Stoner, E. (2012). “Effects of the native invader, Cassiopea spp., on benthic community structure of Bahamian seagrass ecosystems” Presented at the Benthic Ecology Meeting Norfolk, VA Stoner, E. (2012). Presented at the 5th Annual Abaco Science Alliance ConferenceElizabeth, S. (2012). “Effects of the native invader, Cassiopea spp., on benthic community structure of Bahamian seagrass ecosystems” Presented at the Abaco Science Alliance Conference Abaco Island, The Bahamas Stoner, E. (2012). “Effects of the native invader, Cassiopea spp., on benthic community structure of Bahamian seagrass ecosystems” Presented at the FIU Biology Graduate Student Symposium Miami, FL Stoner, E. (2011). “Jellyfish blooms: the rise of slime?” Presented at the Forest Heights School Biology Class Abaco Island, The Bahamas Stoner, E. (2011). “Jellyfish blooms: the rise of slime?” Presented at the Friends of the Environment Government Meeting Abaco Island, The Bahamas Stoner, E. (2011). “Jellyfish blooms: the rise of slime?” Presented at the Florida International University Marine Conservation Class Miami, FL Stoner, E. (2011). “Effects of anthropogenic disturbance on the abundance and size of epibenthic jellyfish, Cassiopea spp” Presented at the Benthic Ecology Meeting Mobile, AL Stoner, E. (2010). “Jellyfish blooms: the rise of slime?” Presented at the Forest Heights School Biology Class Abaco Island, The Bahamas Elizabeth, S. (2010). “Jellyfish blooms: the rise of slime?” Presented at the Florida International University Marine Conservation Class Miami, FL Stoner, E. (2010). “Jellyfish and sewage: A love affair?” Stoner, E. (2010). “Jellyfish and sewage: A love affair?” Presented at the Abaco Science Alliance Conference Abaco Island, The Bahamas Stoner, E. (2009). “Jellyfish blooms: the rise of slime?” Presented at the Forest Heights School Biology Class Abaco Island, The Bahamas Stoner, E. (2009). “Jellyfish blooms: the cockroaches of the sea?” Presented at the Florida International University Marine Conservation Class Miami, FL Stoner, E., Schupack, B., Schram, A. (2007). “Chemical and Biological Investigation of the South Caicos Fisheries Processing Plant, Turks and Caicos Islands” Presented at the American Society for Limnology and Oceanography Santa Fe, NM Service
Service: Department
Committee Member for Environmental Sustainability Search Committee 11/1/24 - PresentVolunteered to help at the NAS Department Table for Prospective Students Day (Academic Exploration Day) 11/7/21 - PresentCommittee Member for Human Ecology Lecturer Search Committee 11/1/21 - PresentI volunteered to help out with the NAS Department Table at our virtual event for Majors/Minors Fair 4/10/21 - PresentCommittee Member for Environmental Science & Sustainability Lecturer Search Committee 11/1/19 - PresentI assisted with our NAS Department table for Majors/Minors Fair - 10/23/19 for Work on Partnership with Thermo-Fisher Scientific 12/1/18 - 12/31/19Committee Member for Curriculum Committee 9/1/17 - PresentCommittee Member for General Education Committee 9/1/17 - PresentCommittee Member for NAS Lab Safety Committee 9/1/17 - PresentService: Public
I am the creator of the experience, in conjunction with colleagues from FIU and LUMCON for EcoMem Coastal Marine Ecosystem Experience 8/1/23 - PresentI served as a guest faculty member in guiding students in The Bahamas in research experiences for Earth Watch 6/1/19 - 7/31/19Member for Friends of the Environment Collaborator - PresentService: Professional
Invited Lecture/Presentation for Cassiopea Jellyfish Conference - PresentService: Ph.D. Advising
Committee Member 2023/04 - PresentCommittee Member 2019/03 - 2024/03Service: University
Guest Speaker for President's Council Tour - PresentGuest Speaker for Badavas Center Meet and Greet - PresentGuest Speaker for TIE Innovation Board of Trustees Tour - 5/31/24Committee Member for Bentley University Honors Council 8/1/23 - PresentCommittee Member for Bentley Learning and Teaching Council 8/1/22 - 2025-07-01Mentor (Faculty) for Bentley Undergraduate Research Day 4/1/22 - PresentI helped write and narrate a promotional video for undergraduate research for Narrator for Valente Center Undergraduate Research Promo Video 1/1/22 - PresentGuest Speaker for "An Evening with Mark Bittman" 10/6/21 - PresentCommittee Member for Teaching and Scholarly Activities Committee 9/1/20 - PresentCommittee Member for Provost Search Committee 1/1/21 - 5/31/22Featured in video for Bentley University 2020 Holiday Video 12/1/20 - 12/31/20I was asked to participate in this event by speaking with students in a Zoom chat room for Undergraduate Admissions Virtual Preview Day 10/1/20 - 10/31/20Guest Speaker for Undergraduate Admission 9/1/20 - 9/30/20Participated in a remote virtual admitted student day in Unibuddy for Undergraduate Admission-Virtual Admitted Student Day 4/1/20 - 4/30/20Mentor (Faculty) for Students for Sustainable Business 1/1/19 - Present
