Our Team
The HabLab is an interdisciplinary collective of scientists, researchers, students, ceramic organizations, environmental groups, and university partners. We are grateful for the many students who have been involved through their coursework in the Judy Genshaft Honors College at USF Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses under the instruction of Professor Tina Piracci and Dr. William Ellis. For the past 3 years, students enrolled in their courses have made meaningful contributions to the HabLab and the development of ORBs that have helped shape our present and future work.
Principal Investigators
Tina Piracci is an artist, educator, and innovator passionate about blending art, technology, and sustainability. She earned her Master of Science in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, with a focus on technology and sustainability. Before that, she studied at the University of South Florida, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture and new media, plus minors in electrical engineering, visualization and design, and entrepreneurship. Piracci’s art has been exhibited locally and internationally. She is currently a professor at the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College, where she teaches several "Art & the Environment" courses. She is currently leading the Oyster Restoration Brick (ORB) project and guiding brick development, installation, and outreach.
Principal Investigator
Tina Piracci
Principal Investigator
Dr. William Ellis
Dr. William Ellis earned a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of South Florida and specializes in marine biology and ecology. With extensive teaching experience, Dr. Ellis has taught courses including Marine Biology, Advanced Marine Biology, Principles of Ecology, and Biology Internship, helping students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills. His research focuses on the ecology of mangrove ecosystems, with work spanning multiple components of these complex tropical and subtropical forests. His studies have explored biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics in coastal habitats. Dr. Ellis has helped bring the ORB project to life and continues to provide guidance and expertise.
REU Manager
Taylor Crosland
Crosland grew up in Southwest Florida and developed a deep connection to nature and the ocean. With a background in fine art, project management, large-scale fabrication, arts in health, and design, he serves as an Undergraduate Research Professor for the ORB project. Crosland studied traditional and experimental printmaking during his BFA at the University of South Florida and Graphicstudio, while also earning a minor in business administration and his advanced rescue certification in diving and licensure as an emergency medical technician.
He earned his master’s degree from the University of Florida in Arts in Medicine, with a concentration in studio art in community-based settings. As an educator and practicing artist, Crosland bridges visual art, research, and public engagement through collaborative and process-driven work.
Research Assistants
Students in the Judy Genshaft Honors College in Tampa & St. Petersburg have significant roles in the direction and execution of our work.
Project Sponsors
Our efforts are made possible by the gracious contributions from our sponsors.
USF Judy Genshaft Honors College
USF Green Energy Fund​​​
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Laguna Clay Company
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​USF 3D HabLab Student Organization
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Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund​ ​​​​​​​
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USF Art Department
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Clearwater Marine Aquarium
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3D Potter
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The Clam Bayou Education Center
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USFSP Integrative Biology Department​​​​​
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St. Raphael's Middle School
Shorecrest Preparatory School
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Collaborators at MIT Through Element Engineers
The Clay Co-Op
​​Ocean Prime​​​
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3D Potter
Partners & Collaborators
Thank you to our partners and collaborators who help us make our designs a reality.
