Samuel Neely

PhD Graduate 2022

Conservation paleobiology, paleoecology, invertebrate paleontology, coastal wetlands

Pronouns: He / Him / His

Research

My research combines components of ecology, geology, and hydrology to explore taphonomic controls on modern peat accumulation in mangrove swamps and coastal wetlands. Peat accumulation is crucial for carbon sequestration because buried carbon-rich plant debris reduces the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. In my research, I analyze peat particle size and faunal constituents from peat cores to characterize, assess, and interpret the depositional environment of modern peats. I also study invertebrates within the mangrove ecosystem and how their behaviors may influence peat characterization and accumulation. My research facilitates detailed reconstructions of precursor mangrove depositional environments with implications for interpreting ancient permineralized peat deposits.

Selected Publications

Neely, S. H., Kelley, P. K., and Friedman, M. M. 2021. Predator-Prey Interactions among Pliocene Molluscs fromthe Tjörnes Peninsula, Iceland, Across the Trans-Arctic Invasion. Lethaia. https://doi.org/10.1111/let.12426

   Conference Presentations

   Neely, S. H. 2022. Mangrove Crabs as Ecosystem Engineers: The Influence of Burrowing by Fiddler Crabs (Leptuca speciosa, Ives 1891) on Mangrove Peat, Barnes Sound, Florida. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs 54(5). (Presenting author, October 11, 2022, Denver, CO). https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2022AM-380252

   Neely, S. H. and Raymond, A. 2022. Understanding ancient wetland paleoecology from the taphonomy of modern mangrove peats. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs 54 (4). (Presenting author, April 7, 2022, Cincinnati, OH). https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2022NC-374927

   Neely, S. H. Svoboda, I., Siddall, A., and Raymond, A. 2022. Microplastics in a Post-Hurricane Peat Deposit, Long Key, Florida. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 54(4). (Presenting author, April 7, 2022, Cincinnati, OH). https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2022NC-375741

   Neely, S. H. and Raymond, A. 2021. Plant/animal interactions in modern mangroves: The taphonomic bias of detritivores on peat accumulation [ABSTRACT]. The 29th International Workshop on Plant Taphonomy. (Presenting author, November 5, 2021, Virtual).

   Neely, S. H. and Raymond, A. 2021. Decomposition of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) leaf litter in litterbags: Implications for peat accumulation in mangrove swamps [ABSTRACT]. Ecological Society of America: Vital Connections in Ecology. (Presenting author, August 5, 2021, Virtual).

   Neely, S. H. and Raymond, A. 2020. Tidal flooding and the dispersal of Melampus coffeus on mangrove peat substrates, Key Largo, Florida [ABSTRACT]. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 52(6). (Presenting author, October 27, 2020, Connects Online). https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2020AM-355905

   Raymond, A., Neely, S.H., and Chrpa, M. 2020. A depth and environmental model for cordaitean coal-ball formations based on plant constituents [ABSTRACT]. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 52(6). https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2020AM-359320

   Neely S.H., Raymond, A., and Solis, T. 2019. Peat particle size distribution: A proxy for peat depositional environments in mangrove swamps of South Florida [ABSTRACT]. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 51(5). (Presenting author, September 23, 2019, Phoenix, AZ). https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2019AM-337984

   Neely, S. H. and Raymond, A. 2019. Leaf destruction by Melampus coffeus in basin and fringe mangrove swamps, Barnes Sound, Key Largo, Florida: Implications for nutrient-cycling within mangrove swamps [ABSTRACT]. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, 51(3). (Presenting author, March 28, 2019, Charleston, SC). https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2019SE-327525

Education

M.S. Geology, University of North Carolina Wilmington
B.S. Biology / Minor Chemistry, Presbyterian College
B.S. Psychology, Presbyterian College

Awards

2020, 2021 College of Geosciences: ConocoPhillips/Heep Endowed Graduate Fellowship
2019 Geological Society of America Energy Geology Division: Antoinette Lierman Medlin Scholarship
2019 College of Geosciences: Jack M. and Florence N. Oswald Graduate Fellowship in Geology
2019 Geological Society of America: Graduate Student Research Grant
2016 UNCW Department of Geography and Geology Excellent Service Award
2015 Geological Society of America: Graduate Student Research Grant
2015 The Paleontological Society: Ellis L. Yochelson Award

Courses

Courses taught as Instructor:
GEOL 207: Dinosaur World
GEOL 207: Dinosaur World (Online)

Courses taught as Teaching Assistant:
GEOL 152: History of the Earth
GEOL 207: Dinosaur World
GEOL 305: Paleobiology

Additional Information

Advisor: Dr. Anne Raymond

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
Paleontological Society
Geological Society of America
Ecological Society of America
Sigma Gamma Epsilon: Theta Kappa chapter
European Geosciences Union
The Crustacean Society

Update My Profile