Krystal Renta
Graduate Student
Degree Sought: Ph.D
Major Professor: Dr. Quenton Tuckett
Krystal Renta is a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. She is supervised by Dr. Quenton Tuckett and studying feralization of escaped ornamental fish. Feralization of organisms is a growing field of research and investigating the processes that may influence invasion potential of aquaculture species could assist with knowledge gaps and management within the aquaculture industry.
Krystal received a bachelor’s degree in marine biology in 2021 and an M.P.S. in Environmental Science in 2023 from Nova Southeastern University. During her time at NSU, she served as a research assistant with the Nadler Marine Behavior and Physiology Lab looking at the effects of ocean acidification and warming on the escape response of schooling fish. During her studies, she worked in conservation and education within the marine science and animal care field. She was a Sea Turtle Specialist within the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program, an instructor at Funky Fish Ocean Camp, and an intern at Miami Seaquarium and Nature Aquarium.
After her studies, Krystal became a Scientists in Parks Intern at Fort Matanzas National Monument where she served as a Natural Resource Management Assistant. Within the park, she conducted daily wildlife surveys, invasive species monitoring, and interpretation. After her time within the National Parks Service, Krystal moved on to work as an Alaska Sea Grant State Fellow at the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center. During her fellowship in Alaska, Krystal worked as a mariculture researcher on various projects to support sustainable aquaculture throughout Alaska and was able to collaborate with industry, academic, state, and federal agencies. Krystal developed and led a research project on the effect of glacial silt on growth and condition of Pacific oysters. This experience ignited her passion for research to improve sustainable aquaculture.
Outside of her studies, Krystal enjoys spending time traveling, hiking, and scuba diving. She loves volunteering and is excited about engaging within the Tampa community. When she is not outdoors Krystal spends time with her cat, Bo.
CONTACT
UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory
1408 24th Street SE
Ruskin, FL 33570
krenta@ufl.edu
813-671-5230
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Education
M.P.S., Environmental Science, 2023, Nova Southeastern University
B.S., Marine Biology, 2021, Nova Southeastern University
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Selected Publications
Renta, K., and D. Kerstetter. 2021. Winter Skate (Leucoraja ocellata) Jaw. All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series 19.
Andrews, N.P., K. Renta, J. DeStefano, and D. Kerstetter. 2019. Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) Neurocranium. All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series 14.
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Presentations
Renta, K. 2025. Effect of Glacial Silt on Pacific Oyster Condition. Oral Presentation. Auke Bay Lab Seminar Series, Juneau, Alaska, USA.
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Awards
2025. Fire & Ice Travel Award, Alaska NSF EPSCoR