Science Teacher Published in Academic Journal

Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald, Upper School science teacher, became a published academic author earlier this year.

The article titled Small-Scale Geochemical Heterogeneities and Seasonal Variation of Iron and Sulfide in Salt Marshes Revealed by Two-Dimensional Sensors explores the worldwide loss of salt marshes and tidal wetlands due to geochemical influences.

Upon receiving funding from the National Parks Service, Dr. Fitzgerald and fellow research team members were tasked with studying the salt marshes in Jamaica Bay, N.Y. Researchers analyzed why the marshes were growing fast enough to keep up with sea level rise while others were falling behind and getting submerged by rising seas over time.

The paper concludes that conditions in some of the marshes were favorable for the buildup of a chemical that stunted the growth of the marsh grasses, and these were the marshes that were getting submerged more often.

Dr. Fitzgerald received his Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Vassar College and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in marine science from Stony Brook University.

Click here to read the full article.