Cape Coral Doctoral Candidate Receives $5,000 Grant from Guy Harvey

Kylee Rullo-Soletti's research focuses on 'forever chemicals' in Tampa Bay

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:12pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually illustrating the pervasive and persistent nature of 'forever chemicals' in the environment.A visual representation of the complex chemical structures and environmental pathways of 'forever chemicals' like PFAS, which are the focus of a Cape Coral researcher's work in the Tampa Bay region.Cape Coral Today

Kylee Rullo-Soletti, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Florida from Cape Coral, Florida, has received a $5,000 research stipend from the Guy Harvey Foundation. Rullo-Soletti's work examines the prevalence and bioaccumulation of 'forever chemicals' within the Tampa Bay estuary by analyzing sediment samples and the tissues of key recreational fish species.

Why it matters

The presence of 'forever chemicals' like PFAS in coastal ecosystems is an emerging environmental concern, as these substances can accumulate in the food chain and potentially impact human health. Rullo-Soletti's research aims to provide crucial data on the extent of this issue in the Tampa Bay region, which is an important recreational and commercial fishing area.

The details

Rullo-Soletti, who specializes in Marine Resource Assessment, will use the grant funds to expand her analysis of sediment and fish tissue samples from the Tampa Bay estuary. Her research focuses on detecting and quantifying the levels of 'forever chemicals' in order to better understand their distribution and potential impacts on local marine life and human consumers.

  • Rullo-Soletti recently received the $5,000 research stipend from the Guy Harvey Foundation.

The players

Kylee Rullo-Soletti

A Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Florida from Cape Coral, Florida, who specializes in Marine Resource Assessment and is researching the prevalence of 'forever chemicals' in the Tampa Bay estuary.

Guy Harvey Foundation

An internationally renowned organization that supports marine conservation research and education efforts.

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What’s next

Rullo-Soletti plans to use the grant funds to expand her analysis of sediment and fish tissue samples from the Tampa Bay estuary in order to better understand the distribution and potential impacts of 'forever chemicals' in the region.

The takeaway

This grant from the Guy Harvey Foundation will enable important research into an emerging environmental issue that could have significant implications for the Tampa Bay ecosystem and the communities that rely on its natural resources.