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 Links
Professional Memberships
Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation 2017 - PresentEcological Society of America 2016 - PresentAwards and Honors
2023, Valente Center Undergraduate Research Assistantship, Bentley University2023, Faculty Competitive Grant, Bentley University2023, IDEA Innovation Grant, Bentley University Inclusive Excellence Council2022, 2022 Cronin Award for Excellence in Academic Advising and Mentoring, Bentley University2021, Valente Center Undergraduate Research Assistantship, Valente Center2020, Valente Center Undergraduate Research Assistantship, Valente Center2019, Teaching Innovation Award, Bentley University2019, Valente Center Undergraduate Student Research Award, Valente Center, Bentley University2019, Bentley University Research Council Grant, Bentley University2019, Faculty Competitive Grant, Bentley University2018, Valente Center Research Fellowship (PI for Awardee, Justine Gearin), Bentley University, Valente Center2018, Valente Center Undergraduate Student Research Assistantship, Bentley University, Valente Center & Office of Sustainability2018, Bentley University Competitive Faculty Summer Grant, Bentley University2012, College of Arts and Sciences Travel Award, Florida International University2012, Conference and Professional Development Award, Florida International University2011, EPA STAR award, Environmental Protection Agency2011, College of Arts and Sciences Travel Award, Florida International University2011, Conference and Professional Development Award, Florida International UniversityPublications
Journal Articles
Stoner, E., Wilzcek, E., McPherson, B., Silliman, B. (2024). Bopyrid Isopod Parasite Prevalence in Daggerblade Grass Shrimp in Salt Marshes of Cape Cod, MA. Journal of Parasitology. 10. Forthcoming.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.
Presentations
Stoner, 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)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 , 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 theNorth 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 theBenthic 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 theEcological 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 theBenthic Ecology Meeting Norfolk, VA Stoner, E. (2012). Presented at the5th Annual Abaco Science Alliance ConferenceElizabeth, S. (2012). “Effects of the native invader, Cassiopea spp., on benthic community structure of Bahamian seagrass ecosystems” Presented at theAbaco 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 theFIU 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 theBenthic 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 theAbaco 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 theAmerican Society for Limnology and Oceanography Santa Fe, NM Service
Department Service
Volunteered to help at the NAS Department Table for Prospective Students Day (Academic Exploration Day) 2021 - PresentCommittee Member for Human Ecology Lecturer Search Committee 2021 - PresentI volunteered to help out with the NAS Department Table at our virtual event for Majors/Minors Fair 2021 - PresentCommittee Member for Environmental Science & Sustainability Lecturer Search Committee 2019 - PresentCommittee Member for Curriculum Committee 2017 - PresentCommittee Member for General Education Committee 2017 - PresentCommittee Member for NAS Lab Safety Committee 2017 - PresentOther for Work on Partnership with Thermo-Fisher Scientific 2018 - 2019I assisted with our NAS Department table for Majors/Minors Fair - 2019University Service
Committee Member for Bentley University Honors Council 2023 - PresentCommittee Member for Bentley Learning and Teaching Council 2022 - PresentMentor (Faculty) for Bentley Undergraduate Research Day 2022 - PresentI helped write and narrate a promotional video for undergraduate research for Narrator for Valente Center Undergraduate Research Promo Video 2022 - PresentGuest Speaker for "An Evening with Mark Bittman" 2021 - PresentCommittee Member for Teaching and Scholarly Activities Committee 2020 - PresentCommittee Member for Provost Search Committee 2021 - 2022Featured in video for Bentley University 2020 Holiday Video 2020 - 2020I was asked to participate in this event by speaking with students in a Zoom chat room for Undergraduate Admissions Virtual Preview Day 2020 - 2020Guest Speaker for Undergraduate Admission 2020 - 2020Participated in a remote virtual admitted student day in Unibuddy for Undergraduate Admission-Virtual Admitted Student Day 2020 - 2020Guest Speaker for Valente Center Research Bootcamp - 2019Guest Speaker for Bentley Orientation - 2019I was asked to meet with, provide a department tour, and network with a Bentley donor for Donor Tour/Networking - 2019Professional Service
Reviewer, Grant Proposal for National Science Foundation 2022 - PresentReviewer, Journal Article for Bulletin of Marine Science 2022 - PresentReviewer, Journal Article for Caribbean Naturalist 2021 - PresentReviewer, Journal Article for Thalassas Journal Reviewer 2020 - PresentReviewer, Journal Article for Marine Biology Journal Reviewer 2020 - PresentReviewer, Conference Paper for Marine Ecology Progress Series Reviewer 2020 - PresentReviewer, Journal Article for Estuarine, Coastal, and Shelf Science 2018 - PresentReviewer, Journal Article for Scientific Reports 2017 - PresentReviewer, Journal Article for PLoS One 2016 - PresentReviewer, Journal Article for Ecological Engineering 2015 - PresentReviewer, Journal Article for Marine Pollution Bulletin 2014 - PresentReviewer, Journal Article for Marine Environmental Research - 2019
