Paige Aldred: Bridging Science and Community as Miss Fort Lauderdale
FORT PIERCE, Fla. — For Paige Aldred, a graduate student at Florida Atlantic University, her roles as a biological science master’s student and Miss Fort Lauderdale beautifully intertwine. Both allow her to engage the community in environmental science.
Aldred’s research focuses on water quality, harmful algal blooms, and Sargassum in the Indian River Lagoon. “I’m not only studying the water quality of the Indian River Lagoon, but also what Sargassum brings into it,” she explains. Her studies cover locations from Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet.
Exploring the Invisible
A significant component of her work involves Sargassum, a type of seaweed. Aldred collects samples in the field, preparing them for isotope testing after drying and grinding them. She also preserves water associated with the Sargassum for microscopic analysis.
One organism Aldred investigates is a type of dinoflagellate, suspected of contributing to unusual fish behavior in the Florida Keys. “I’m looking to see if that dinoflagellate is traveling on Sargassum and making its way into the Indian River Lagoon,” she notes, adding that she has identified traces of this dinoflagellate in her samples.
Taking Science Beyond the Lab
Aldred’s commitment extends beyond her research. As Miss Fort Lauderdale, she leverages her public appearances to advocate for clean drinking water and sustainable practices. “Now I have opportunities where I can speak in front of people, not just scientists,” she says, emphasizing the importance of translating her scientific findings into accessible community messages.
Aldred’s environmental advocacy even influences her wardrobe choices, as she opts for thrifted or upcycled clothing to highlight issues surrounding fast fashion and textile waste. “We have to understand that we are wearing clothes each day that are shedding,” she explains, encouraging the public to consider natural fibers and secondhand options.
Inspiring Future Generations
In addition to her community outreach, Aldred engages younger audiences through environmental education. She often brings beach trash to schools, using it as a teaching tool. When students express confusion over the garbage, Aldred turns those questions into lessons about the impact of litter on marine life.
Through her dual roles, Aldred aims to inspire young girls by demonstrating that a woman can embody both beauty and brains. “I want them to not only see a princess but a girl who’s in science,” she shares, seeking to foster a passion for environmental stewardship in future generations.
For Paige Aldred, the crown and lab coat complement her mission: to deepen the community’s understanding of its environmental impact and to promote sustainable practices.
