Bridging the gap: ASU Online grad works toward restorative water management
ASU scholar Ashby Santoro presents their eutrophication findings to the Miami-Dade County’s Department of Environmental Protection. The ASU Online student based in South Florida plans to work in restorative aquaculture in their home state after graduation. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
Ashby Santoro is committed to becoming the necessary bridge of knowledge between academia and the public to promote restoration management in their home of South Florida.
Santoro is graduating with a Master of Science in coastal and marine science and management from the Rob Walton College of Global Futures this May, where they will also serve as the Outstanding Graduate for the School of Ocean Futures.
With a background in marine biology from Florida International University, Santoro was looking for a graduate program that would propel their vision of mitigating threats to global ocean health through interdisciplinary perspectives. They found the program at ASU to be the perfect fit.
“I found it to be a great opportunity to strike while the iron was hot and work alongside esteemed researchers to explore this track, not only as a proof-of-concept but also as a viable option for students blending both traditional research and practitioner roles,” Santoro said.
A key figure in their success story at ASU is Robin Martin, associate director of academics and associate professor for the School of Ocean Futures. Santoro was initially apprehensive about their abilities to succeed in the graduate program due to their disabilities and chronic health issues, but they credited Martin’s support for their continued success.
“Her guidance and genuine belief in her students' abilities to succeed truly helped me keep my head in the game, and I’ll always be grateful for that,” Santoro said.
As an ASU Online student based in South Florida, Santoro also credits the various community-building opportunities offered to online students, most notably the many virtual cafés they attended.
“It was nice to make my own cup of coffee and gain the same experience and knowledge in a more casual setting, even from afar,” they said. “I really appreciate how far ASU goes to include online students.”
In order to become that bridge between academia and public outreach, Santoro has developed several real-world applications throughout their time studying at ASU. They have developed a eutrophication management program for McCormick Creek in Terrapin Bay, Florida, which they presented to the Miami-Dade County’s Department of Environmental Protection, as well as a research analysis on the shortcomings of stormwater waste policies adopted in 2017 by Florida.
Through these projects, Santoro has become an advocate for change and accountability within South Florida for a just, sustainable system between residents and the local environment.
Santoro plans to work in restorative aquaculture in their state to promote habitat restoration and has the future goal of pursuing a PhD after a few years of field experience.
Continue reading to learn more about Santoro’s goals and experience studying at ASU.
Question: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
Answer: My piece of advice is to try to internalize that some setbacks aren’t the end of the world. I’ve experienced many hardships during my studies, and I know how demoralizing roadblocks and failures can be. The best thing you can do in the face of adversity is take the opportunity of a do-over and see where you can take that path as you move forward. You will be surprised by how many ways you can pivot, especially if you’re open to receiving help.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: I learned a great deal about stakeholder influence and especially systems thinking. While I had the mindset that everything was connected going into my studies, being able to put it into practice through project development and by considering critical historical contexts has truly opened my eyes to the connections between people and the environment, especially in those facing the greatest levels of exploitation.
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